So maybe this is a silly newbie question. However, I am wondering if there is a good "job" that I can give Remi that he can do that doesn't require bite work. The reason I'm asking...my husband isn't convinced that a dog that is ScH or protection trained won't bite the kids (or him). And maybe he's right...Thoughts?

Just as an update, and info for suggestions...Remi has TONS of prey drive, goes crazy over a tennis ball, a kong on a rope, and seems to have a good clear head on him. When he does catch the kong on a rope he's got a good solid grip, isn't mouthy, and won't let go even a little bit (I can even pull him in close and wrap my arms around him completely and he doesn't make any noise and won't drop the kong). I use this to get him motivated and then we do some OB work, and he almost jumps into his down's and sit's. But when I say we're done, he calms down and I can dangle the kong next to him while we walk inside.

I just want him to feel like he has a "job"...does that make sense?

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So maybe this is a silly newbie question. However, I am wondering if there is a good "job" that I can give Remi that he can do that doesn't require bite work. The reason I'm asking...my husband isn't convinced that a dog that is ScH or protection trained won't bite the kids (or him). And maybe he's right...Thoughts?

ALL dogs can bite. Difference (in my opinion) is that a trained dog knows when it is appropriate to bite.. and more importantly knows when NOT to. I have 3 kids (16,11 and 7) They have grown up with working dogs and I SO trust our working (trained) dogs with them MUCH more than (for example) our Golden who is not trained, he is just a "pet" who lounges around the house. Not saying I don't trust the Golden, per se.. but ANY dog has the potential to bite.


Training (bitework or otherwise) is NOT what makes dogs bite pople/kids.. it is weak nerve/poor temperament.

There are a ton of dog sports that you can participate in that do not involve bite work.

Sounds like you have already started on obedience, also agility (which is a total blast for you and the dog), flyball, herding, tracking, lure-coursing and I'm sure there are tons of others.

Check out your local dog clubs and see what they have to offer in the way of training/competition.

Linda

Train him as a narcotics dog and go make some money searching businesses and paranoid parents houses <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> I would like to do that myself but I don't have the patience to go get licensing for narcotics training and/or getting the psuedo drugs <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Search & Rescue would be good. It's most certainly a real job for the dog & you.

I'll just warn you ahead of time that it takes a lot of work, training and dedication on your part.

Join an AKC Obedience club and compete with the dog. It's a lot of fun as a beginner, and if you fall into the right crowd, you can pick up some good handler tips that will benefit you for your entire career in dogs.

I'd suggest avoiding breed specific AKC clubs if you can, the population of losers in them in high,high, high! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Mike - That's an awesome idea...maybe I can even use non-pseudo drugs. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> Just kidding..

And since I bring him to work with me on some days I could have him search the cars in the parking lot.

I'm sure the Realtors (and my geek squad) would LOVE THAT!!

Does anyone know if theres an ideal age for training this? Can I do it when he's a lil older? I wouldn't mind having a drug dog, I'm sure theres some kids in the neighborhood who's cars he can sniff around and practice his alerts <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

This is what I did. I spent the first year and a half training my girl in AKC obedience. Most of the AKC clubs and trainers stop teaching during the summer, due to the busy trial schedule, so last summer we were looking for someone to train with. Right after I put a CD on my girl I met some members of my current Schutzhund club. We started training with them with the intention of "only" doing obedience and tracking. I had been involved in Schutzhund back in the late 80's and it was NOT a good experience, so I was leery about doing bite work.

After meeting the other club members and getting to know them and their dogs, I made the decision to go ahead and let my girl give bite work a try. Of course she LOVED it!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> Now I just had to convince my husband that it was ok. It took a little while, but after I promised that if I saw any negative changes in Akasha I would stop immediately, he finally agreed. My husband has since totally changed his mind about Schutzhund and has been VERY supportive in everything we have done!! I think he is as happy with the dogs progress and accomplishments as I am <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

We currently train and trial in both Schutzhund and AKC obedience. I really enjoy doing both!! I especialy like getting my schutzhund dog out there and showing the AKC people that they are NOT aggressive, out of control monsters like many think they are. In fact, quite the opposite!

One month after we started training with our club, Akasha got her BH. This summer Akasha earned her OB I, CDX, RN, RA, RE, and AD. Next summer we are hoping to add SchH I & (hopefully) SchH II, as well as her UD and RAE.

I really enjoy getting out there and doing as many different things as possible with my dog. The more I do with her, the happier she is and the better she contiues to get <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

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Train him as a narcotics dog and go make some money searching businesses and paranoid parents houses <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> I would like to do that myself but I don't have the patience to go get licensing for narcotics training and/or getting the psuedo drugs <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Is this a joke or do people really do this???