Mike J Schoonbrood Webboard User Reg: 04-30-2005
Posts: 2784
Loc: Toronto, ON
Offline
If I am trying to work a dog in defense, but the dog seems to "know" what's going on and isn't going into defense much - is there something I can do to make him not realize its just another training session? he seems to know "ok I go to the helpers house n here's this guy, now we are out somewhere n that guys doin some crazy stuff so I gotta bark at him"... his bark sounds high pitched and whiney, he's not believing the situation, I've heard his defensive bark, I hear it everytime someone passes my driveway.... we haven't tried disguising the helper or anything like that yet, im thinking of driving to a random location one night n just goofin around with him and have the helper suddenly sneak up wearing a disguise n take him by surprise. does anyone have any tips n tricks to making a dog not realize the routine?
I hope some of the experienced trainers respond to this question. I will be at this point in 2-4 months. I do know whatever you do dont put the dog into avoidence. Good luck
Will Rambeau Moderator Reg: 01-25-2003
Posts: 5983
Loc: Idaho
Offline
Mike,
It's up to the helper to put the dog in defense when your animal is ready for that step. The helper needs to convince the dog that he presents a real threat, and some helper's just can't do that.
I don't think that being familiar with the decoy changes anything in the dog's mind, it's all about the presence and the attitude of the helper.
And the disguise idea........dogs mainly identify people by scent, so I don't think that having the helper wear a Paris Hilton mask will help much there ( might scare the crowd some though... )
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
Matt Hammond Webboard User Reg: 05-23-2004
Posts: 103
Loc: Georgia
Offline
Mike depending on were your dog is in training will tell more about his reaction to the defence. A easy way to set up the training is this:
The decoy must front the dog meaning he must come at the dog from the front in the begaining stages. This SHOULD trigger him into defence. NOw it is not just a stroll up to him he must come at him in a defensive posture. I use mean eyes and a lower body postion from a distance and then get taller as I approch the dog. When I am right on the dog I make noise and "blow" myself up to make a bigger picture for the dog. Just running up with a happy face will not do it for you. If the helper is moving side to side the dog will go into to prey every time. Front is defence and side to side is prey.
When people get scared they call the police..When the police get scared they call K-9!
Given the right genes and good handler, I'm sure its defense and fight will kick in, though it may come at 8weeks old pup for others. Take advantage of the situation do a lot of confidence building workout and learn how to truly communicate with your dog.
Chris Duhon Webboard User Reg: 08-14-2004
Posts: 702
Loc: Southern Louisiana
Offline
Quote:
I'm sure its defense and fight will kick in, though it may come at 8weeks old pup for others.
David,
Could you please elaborate ????? Your statement sounded a little confusing, and I'm hoping you don't think defense and fight will or should come at 8weeks old
Chris,
I'm not saying that it should or must come at 8 weeks of age, but it is not surprising to see a pup that age doing protection work.
Bottomline don't be age conscious. Don't let age be a hindrance in working your dog.
Will Rambeau Moderator Reg: 01-25-2003
Posts: 5983
Loc: Idaho
Offline
"I'm not saying that it should or must come at 8 weeks of age, but it is not surprising to see a pup that age doing protection work.
Bottomline don't be age conscious. Don't let age be a hindrance in working your dog"
Dave, we're talking about *defense* work here - notice the title of the thread topic. Your comments make no sense whatsoever, and I'm just going to guess that you're confused here.
If you think that an 8 week old puppy *anywhere* should be worked in defense, you know even less than we think you do.
And the disguise idea........dogs mainly identify people by scent
My helper and I use a trench coat and ski mask when we are doing this type of training. We douse the trench coat in perfume in order to confuse the dog. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> I don't know if it really works or not though... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />
In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
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.
Working a dog in defense - familiarity
Top
Previous Topic
Index
Next Topic
