ok people, first, i DID use the "search" function, which i'm admittedly not all that whippy at utilizing, ok? so forgive me, and re-direct to an appropriate thread if necessary.

the question: what are some drive-building excercises i can use for my boy? i will order the Flinks DVD in a couple of weeks, but between now and then, he IS teething, and i've been studiously avoiding our usual tug games.

he has (what i think) is AWESOME prey-drive: he will actually crouch, focus then wait until the "item" is within what he thinks is striking distance to charge--if the "item" is moving slowly or more than 10' away. when working close-up, ie, with a tug, or a ball on a string, he's all over it (which makes it dangerous for me, thank you very much <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />. i'm old and slow <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

so until i get the $$ to get the DVD--what's the ideas?? i know there're some out there! oh, BTW, we're doing SCH, but only BC there's no ringsport in this part of the country. ok, Jeff? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

Drive building okay, just watch the tugging. Probably wouldn't affect a very high drive puppy, but you want no bad experiences. I built drive at this age, just released the item soon after his teeth were on it...

My humble opinion...... no tug games at all while teething. It is to easy to make a big mistake that could have disasterous effects.

Do drive building with the tug... Once he catches it, immediately let go and run the dog.

Make sure that the tug is really soft...

Regards,

thanks john--that's exactly what i was looking for, BUT, when you say "run the dog" do you mean just run with him? i know it might sound dumb, but sometimes the terminology is worth double-checking <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

then trade him, and do it again? i have 2 tugs, one made out of a burlap sack and one made out of a heavy bathrobe belt ( <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> i know, i know...but one works with what one has). then put him up just before he's tired of the game?

it helps me to write it out--now i'm coming up with a strategy in my head for this. thanks again!!

Hi Ann, I think what John is talking about is the same thing as letting the dog carry the sleeve, only in the case of a puppy it would be the rag or tug. Once the dog has "won", just run with him a little distance, telling him what a good boy he is. It's a reward & confidence builder for the dog. Also MOST DEF end with the dog still wanting more. A suggestion I read on another board for a good thing to use is a rolled up used piece of denim, like from jeans legs. Be careful with the burlap while he is teething, you don't want him to hook a tooth into it.

Also, I forgot to say when the dog is running with the sleeve/rag he is not able to chew it. You don't want him to develop that habit! It encourages quiet carrying of it.

i learn something new every day, so now i guess i'm done, i can relax! i never even THOUGHT of "...when the dog is running...he is not able to chew..." <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif" alt="" /> then again, duh <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> the neat little things that newbies don't know.....
thanks susan!