MY 11 week old gs is focusing in on the string or handle of prey item near my hand instead of actual item, I have shortened the string right up to ball but he looses interest because you can't make the same guick movements holding it that way, tug isn't two bad if I hide handle in my palm but as soon as he see's it look out, he has nice firm grip, any suggestions, I have Ed's DVD training grip and focus with B.F. but it doesn't cover this problem!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
Chris Duhon Webboard User Reg: 08-14-2004
Posts: 702
Loc: Southern Louisiana
Offline
either 1 of two things. your putting to much movement in the string and your hand causing your hand to be the prey item or your dog really loves the string <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> If this is the case I would get another ball without a string (thats just like the stringed ball) and play fetch with him with that for a few days then try the string again.
I have Ed's DVD training grip and focus with B.F. but it doesn't cover this problem!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
Doesn't he suggest a two-handled tug, or was that for something else?
I've found that adjusting the way I move the ball had a great impact on whether my puppy went for the ball versus my hand or string. When you are teasing the dog (building drive), if you whip it back just as they begin to lunge, if the dog grabs anything at all, it's the ball.
When she does manage to actually grab the ball, I tug a bit and then let her win it.
It's the timing of that...ummmm...flick...that makes all the difference in the world.
I also had to order the small sized ball, as the medium just proved too big for her to grab easily (ie: have success). Still haven't moved up to the bigger ball yet.
Will Rambeau Moderator Reg: 01-25-2003
Posts: 5983
Loc: Idaho
Offline
We've run into this problem at every Flinks seminar that I've attended.
Each time Bernhard said that the solution to the problem was either cinching up on the ball to reduce the length of the cord, or else going to a small rolled tug.
Be glad your dog isn't targetting your shoulder to get the toy . My then new partner (2yr.old PSD) discovered that out of the blue after weeks of everything going perfect . I was doing it more to bond with the dog then to improve it's grip . Ouch.
I think a pup that young is more likely to have success striking and gripping the prey object if the object is a small tug on two foot light line attached to a short handle such as a two foot section of a light broom handle or something similar. You can put a lot more action into the prey this way. Keep the prey on the ground until the pup is gripping and striking well. Then work on keeping tension on the line to keep the grip. The tug should be somewhat soft. You can make one for a pup that young. I think the ball on the string is too difficult for a young pup to really get into drive for and get a good grip and strike due to the ball being hard, small and moved up off the ground rather than low where the pup can get it easier.
I was wondering how long it would take for someone to get bit. My dog will center me, ie try to go thru whatever bodypart is in the way. If I keep going, which is luck, I have delicate objects in the way most of the time, he is gonna bite me. I have gotten bitten in the stomach,leg,arm,shoulder. I am glad someone else has a dog like this!
Will Rambeau Moderator Reg: 01-25-2003
Posts: 5983
Loc: Idaho
Offline
Jeff,
I got bit *all* the time during the early bite training with Fetz - people were just laughing away at the different Flinks seminar when he'd bite me in the leg ( or worse <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> ) when I wasn't fast enough doing the drive building work.
Man.....am I glad that those days are past!
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Grip work
Top
Previous Topic
Index
Next Topic
