Ok, I met with the club on Sunday and again tonight. The TD is also of the idea that I should wait to do any bitework till the dog grows up a bit, which I am ok with. I know he has good prey drive so it is not an issue of wait and see about that. I have done some tug work here on a backtie, but very little and would rather let someone more experienced work my dog.

My question relates to him watching another dog do the bitework. Tonight he was so loaded by the time I put him in the car it took him a good 20 mins to settle back down from all the frustration. It seems almost cruel to me to load him up that much and then just put him away. I could see maybe just let him have a few passes and then win the tug so he could carry it to the car and not be ending so frustrated. Of course, I am not the one with the experience here so I am just looking for some insight. If he is going to get that loaded with no outlet, I would rather just leave him in the car for that portion. I am trying to learn to think like a dog here... fire away. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I think it is good to let your dog see what is going on once in a while. It will load and frustrate your dog and that is good. You don't, however want your dog to get accustomed to this all time as it might become used to it. Good luck, it sounds like your TD is more concerned about your dog than you and that is a good thing in my book.

I think it is good to let your dog see what is going on once in a while. It will load and frustrate your dog and that is good. You don't, however want your dog to get accustomed to this all time as it might become used to it. Good luck, it sounds like your TD is more concerned about your dog than you and that is a good thing in my book.

Joe,
Maybe I am taking what you said the wrong way, but of course I am concerned about my dog or I wouldn't ask questions.

 Quote:

it sounds like your TD is more concerned about your dog than you and that is a good thing

For that matter she said, and I quote "I would like to see you wait till he is 14 months or more and let him grow up, but I will do whatever you want" my reply was "he is a puppy, I have plenty of time." This was all discussed prior to her even laying eyes on the dog, so it was not something that was based on him acting oddly or strange temperment issues. After meeting the dog I was complimented on how social, not spooky, and the amount of ball/prey drive the little bugger has.

She was also the one that suggested I bring him out to watch tonight. I know frustration builds drive I am just wondering how much is too much. Bear with me. If I don't ask questions, I don't learn.

Schnauzergirl, you took it totally the wrong way.

I know you care about your dog, I can tell. What I meant was your trainer cares more about your dog's best interest than telling you what you want to hear. This is a common practice with some dog trainers I think. They will tell the handler what they want to hear and will progress too fast with the dog just to keep the handler coming back for more.

I hope that cleared it up.

Ok, we are cool then. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Golden rule #1 - Frustration builds drive.

nicely put vince

I know a police dog breeder/trainer that does this for at least a year before the dogs get a bite. The dogs are absolutely crazy to bite. This is a different philosophy than what most board members adhere too. Personally, I would rather start with the imprinting and follow the methods on Ed's tapes. Maybe it's selfish, but I want to get the dog involved as soon as possible.

I follow the methods on Eds tapes. Why lose out on a year of training in gaining the skills nessisary to do serious work. I know some trainers (Gottfried Dildei) suggest this meathod. I Don't feel it is nessisary in a strong dog. Of course if that is the recomendation of your TD you may have to go with it. She may have her own reasons why she waits (personal preference, experience).