Hello everyone. I have an 11 month old American Pit Bull Terrier. The problem I have is she has no interest in playing tug or biting anything besides the neighbors cats! I eventually might want to do a little protection training with her. Any suggestions on this. I also want to use a springpole for exercise but I can't even do that if she won't bite? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Thanks

Put the cat on a string?

**** I am KIDDING

What could be going on here is some squashing of the biting earlier in the dogs life. The cat chasing is USUALLY an indication of prey drive, but can also just be showing some animal aggression.

Have you tried a ball on a string? If not, put it on a LONG sting at first and tease the dog like you would a cat. Quick, short movements. If the dog shows interest you can move back to a shorter string and eventually a tug or rag.

If that doesn't work, get another dog.

I think she does have alot of prey drive because she loves to chase stuff that's moving just not what I want her to <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> I will try the ball on a string method and see how it goes thanks

You have to choose the prey items for your dog not him. Crate or kennel the dog without any toys. When he comes out you use whatever item you wish and stimulate him with it. Then back to the kennel or crate. If your dog has prey drive after a short time it will trigger when he sees you and he will come into drive.

So your saying that if she doesn't play tug you just put her back into the kennel until she plays tug?

Stonerspitbull,
I think what Vince was saying is have your dog in the crate before the session. (30 to 60 minutes worked for me) Then if dogs doesn't respond, place back into kennel.

How long you keep the dog in the crate depends on the dog. He must be in their long enough to be bored so that when he sees you he goes into drive. This goes back to the kennel vs. house dog debate. It is much easier to be the most interesting thing in your dog's life when he lives in an kennel versus a house full of toys.

10

Stonerspitbull

I've heard of people saying that a Pit bull is so confident that you really have to animate the prey item to get them to react.

I like using the the barlap bag cut in half, sorta in a triangle, I drag it along the ground and even pop or wringle it in front of his face or run past him dragging it across his path in short jerks.

His first lunge, try to make him miss it, let him catch it on the second or third try when he hits it, put up a small fight one or two yanks, then release it.

When you get it back, or just pull out another one when he lays down to chew on that one, animate the one you have in hand and when he goes after it gradually put the other one in your pocket. Maybe even a toy that sqeaks when its bit, animation can be the key for self confidant dog like the pit bull. Some Matiff breed dogs, don't have much prey drive their more defensive. But the terrier in her, has mounds of, prey drive.

How big is she? I've heard that the standard size are the ones with the most terrier blood in them.
Anywhere from 40-70 lbs are where the real game PBT are.

Goodogu wrote: "I've heard of people saying that a Pit bull is so confident that you really have to animate the prey item to get them to react."

No, that would be a low prey drive, not confidence. Not a whole lot of confidence needed in prey stimulation. There shouldn't be any pressure at that point.

Can I risk veering from poster? Sorry stoner. How about a dog with huge drive for animals of all sorts, and any sort of wheel, bike, skateboard, stroller, etc - very steady with all people - strangers etc - so not a freakshow - but no drive at all for any balls, toys, tugs?