I know raising the two consists of different methods. Im was on the border line but have decided pet. it will be easier on our household. just got done watching Eds puppy video and he said no tug games. I know why, but should I still let my pup play with a tug?

I'd also like to have a pet with working dog traits (bold, not so happy-go-lucky with strangers). Im looking into the drive and focus dvd. am I headed down the right path? (of course I'll be getting the basic obedience dvd as well).

BTW, my pup is a 12 week old male rottie. closest thing to any titles are a couple of CD titles in his moms side.

Colling, I don't remember hearing that in the puppy video but it's been a while.

Ed has a lot of working dog dvds, one of which is Bite Training Puppies http://www.leerburg.com/108.htm . Lots of tug played and for a 12 week old it's a good DVD. Building Drive and Focus is a great DVD and to be honest, I'm not sure about the age your pup should be to start that DVD, but I don't think you can go wrong having it now. It does seem it's geared more for 6 months and up, but you might want to hold off for more answers or call Leerburg.

I don't remember hearing that, either.

Ed DOES say not to play 2 ball if you're raising a working puppy.

You may not want to play tug while your pup is teething.

he mentions that "pets should not play tug games, tug games lead to dominance issues". he doesnt actually say it, but the words come up on the screen.

It's been a year since I watched my puppy videos....memory is going

I played tug with my "pet"...still do...but I also followed Ed's working dog advice that "all toys are my toys" and toys are generally not left out except when I'm playing with him. I do not have a dog with any dominance issues so playing tug was never a problem.

First of all, I very highly recommend the Drive, Focus and Grip video. It is not just for sport dogs, it is great for all dogs. It builds a great, happy, fun bond between you and your dog. It makes training a very fun experience for the dog. It also creates a happy intensity in your obedience and for less secure dogs, helps to build confidence. I don’t see how any of that is bad for any dog. And I feel that you can start with some of the DFG games at an early game, just tailor them down for a pup. (Softer rags, slower movements, but you would do that anyway at the beginning.)

That being said, you picked a breed that often has dominance issues and excessive tug “can” help to foster that. I feel that YOU need to be the one to initiate and stop all tug work, as well as keep all toys as your own. If, as you see him grow, he become more dominate, stop the tug games, re-establish yourself as leader, and then, maybe go back to tug work. You should not have to stop ball/reward work for the most part. The dog’s genetics will be the main judge as to how dominant he may get, but you have a good chance of it with this breed.

Also keep in mind that as you don’t care to go into SCH of other bite work, the grip will be of less importance and so much of the tug work (to build that grip) will also be of less importance for the training.

Anyway, that is just my opinion. Take it for what it’s worth. I have both a working Rott (and trust me, it is not always easy to live with, but worth it) and a pet Rott (with some nerve issues that seem to go away when doing focused training.)

Good luck!!!!

P.S. Please live the NILF way and keep that pack structure at the top of the list, especially if you choose to play these games.

ahhh. always great to hear back from you guys. I hear you Jessica. I am taking all of what you said into consideration... thanks !!