I am introducing myself to Schutzhund with my 8 year old dog. My goal is to become familiar with the sport. In the future I would like to work with a new dog but that is a few years away. I know how limited any progress I can make with an established companion dog is but I think the practice will be beneficial for my future plans and will contribute to bonding with my dog and keeping him on his toes as he ages.

As I am planning how I want to proceed, I have been working to rebuild the prey drive he exhibited as a young dog. The prey drive I trained away from to make him a suitable companion.

Surprisingly enough it is going better than I expected. I've been working with a ball on a rope, a tug toy, hiding treats, a knotted rope and tennis ball under my arm (thank you Cindy for that clip you shared in a thread). I haven't been working on the focus or obedience just building his drive. He has really responded well his intensity grows every day.

Two events occurred which I think might be a result of this but I'd like opinions in case this could be a sign of a huge blunder on my part.

1. Yesterday my husband was walking him on a 6 foot leash through a park which was pretty busy with bikes, kids and people. He had his eye on the path to avoid an approaching skateboarder when he felt a tug from the leash, he turned to see Thor pull a squirrel from an oak tree, before he could respond it was over.

2. This morning, my daughter woke me up to say the kitchen window was wide open, the screen was gone and the dog was missing. I called the dog and he came running from up the street. I have no idea how long he was out. He was in the house when my son went fishing an hour earlier.

He jumped out that window once before when he was 15 months old after a skunk that was crossing the patio. So I am assuming he was after something.

Both events are huge handler error. I know that and I know how to rectify the situation. I've reinstated control and management of his space; as I did when he was a pup and have greatly reduced the chances of either happening again. In the mean time I want to continue with the drive buiding, is that an okay idea? I'd appreciate any advice and insight.

Thanks,
Sheila