Yes, the chase is prey.

The frontal approach, the coming in and making furtive movements TOWARDS the dog, not away, is pure defense.

Rabbits run away from dogs, not towards them.

What did you think all that was?

I think Stephanie really didn't understand that this was defense (or in fact what defense was).

I think she knows that defense at this age is a bad thing, but maybe not clearly what prey and defense are.

I think she is drowning and begging for help, and I wonder if the best help right now is to encourage her about ways to build up and maintain the puppy's confidence.

Maybe more dog than expected, but trying really hard to catch up as fast as she can ..... ?

Probably also encourage to forget bitework in any venue right now?

And maybe Stephanie will do best to explain all training/corrections, etc., because we all see that things need to be undone. It doesn't matter what was intended -- just what was done and needs fixing. Right?

I KNOW defence at a young age is REALLY REALLY BAD! i didn't know that was defence tho..i knwo i sound stupid. i am reading EVERY BOOK i can get from the library..they order them in from other states for me...i watch youtube video after youtube video...i have the breeder sending me video's of ace's siblings doing bite work and ob work..and ACE kicks there butt..but all i can think is MAN I WISH I HAD ONE OF THOSE EASY PUPs ace has bonded so close to me and i with him...he even had a reallllly bad reaction to his vaccination (vaccionatios i think) and almost died the second week we had him. I have gone through so much pain, blood, sweat, and tears i feel like he's my kid lol..i know it's not funny. i just don't have words to say how low i am...i don't have a club right now..you all are my only outlet for advice. please i know how you must feel RED HOT and cleaning your barrels for more ammo..but before you shoot a dead horse (again) know that I really really reall really am trying..and i NEED you to PLEASE be patient with me. I know that you can't see my heart or actions other than those short video's..and it's hard to assume the best of ANYONE these days. But please understand...if i had known that was defnece i would NOT have done it..and he has only been worked that way 3 times now. That doesn't change the fact i screwed up again...but maybe it can give you some sort of peace..knowing that i really am admitting i am failing in this area. I truely honestly know that what your saying is correct. thank you again for taking the time to advise me

 Quote: Aaron Myracle

.... Once we've gotten it all aired out and we know what we're working with, understand that your puppy has already forgiven you, forgive yourself, and let's set about making a new path for the two of you, shall we?

And also be relieved and glad that you have opened this bag, even if it was unintentional.

yes that's totally right CONNIE!! TYTYTYTYTYTY!!!!!!!!!

i won't work any bite work anymore!!! just retrieves, OB, and tracking.

i didn't know..and i am litteraly drowning here. I thought maybe 1 in a 100 pups have this much drive, intensity, sharpness..i thought i had a GREAT chance at getting a Medium level pup in at least ONE of those area's. I was NOT prepared..and am desperatly trying to keep my head above the water. i literally am begging you all..please don't give up on me. PLEASE help me. I don't care if you want to say i'm stupid or that i'm the worse trainer out there...i already feel that way. my BIGGEST FEAR IS SCREWING UP MY DOG! and i know i already started to do that.
please help me fix the mistakes i know and realize i have already made.
humbily, sorrowfully, still learningly hopfull,
Steph

You have both the bad and the good luck to have gotten the 1 out of the 100 dog.

Where are you at in terms of your marker training?

I would focus on letting this dog chase a ball and frolic in the yard, nice long walks, and brief marker training sessions a few times a day.

Nice, happy, upbeat, lots of praise.
I would use food as a reward if I could, because he needs a break and a re-introduction to the tug.

I AM SO HAPPY RIGHT NOW!!! thank you all for not giving up on me!!!
air is cleared! it's very difficult to express ones self via typing...glad we got that all out..

so now back to the monster i have created!!

ok..so ob, retrieve, and tracking...that's IT! i contacted a local police dept today..to ask about there k-9 program..and see how they train..maybe i can use one of their decoys when Ace gets older and when i get the approval from my new trainers via internet
oh...i will say...i totally see i tough ace to try and scare that big guy away the other day..it was the day after we video'd ace. darn thing learns WAY to fast!

how do i undo this new found defencive drive?

and would you all mind if i asked questions and gave weekly reports along with video?

I would really avoid K9 trainers right now.
By virtue of what they are training dogs for, they're going to tend in the opposite of where you want to be with your dog for right now.

If possible, I would try to find a positive based trainer to work with in basic obedience, and focus on just that for now.

Once the dog is working freely and without pressure in the OB, then we can work on finding a good club and/or helper for the rest.

You can start a dog in bitework at any age- but we need to keep that strong desire to please you, and to work his little heart out, first.

yes he is EXTREAMLY FOOD MOTIVATED..but will do ob for a tug reward too. i will remove all tugs completly for the next how ever long you think i should. we went and bought hoseing for him to play fetch with..so he doesn't chew it, the tennis balls aer gone, i have two and when he brings the first one back i throw the second one. He loves to swim after them at the lake, and LOVES to go for walks. is it still okay if i give him somthing to carry? he will carry my wallet for me at Lowes or homedepot. he loved to carry his leash but turned it into somthing productive. doesn't chew it, drop it, or anything. Just holds it..same thing with his hoses..he'll just carry them for the entire walk.
i have to say..thank you..from the bottom of my heart..and from ace's heart too!
Marker training...you mean like "yes" "ok" and "no"? instead of a clicker?