First, 18 month old GSD female: medium to good prey drive. Loves my orbee ball, it is by far her favorite. This is my first dog, ever, and I do plan on continuing on with bite training using the Leerburg videos, there is not a schutzhund club close to here (closest is 240 miles), so I will just take it as far as I can using the videos. Like I said this is my first dog so it will be good to learn from my mistakes with her. She does have pretty thin nerves (very shy around people, gets pretty “sharp” in new situations, not fear aggressive)

The first question I have is she is pretty mouthy with the orbee, kong, any ball, but they are her favorite, I did multiple tests with all the various toys I have. She does have a pretty good “out” (she may mouth the ball a little then drop it).

Here is the question, she is not mouthy at all with a Tug and will “out” the tug instantly, the only problem is her drive is not quite intense with the tug vs. orbee. I have the larger tug and realize I need a smaller size. We are in the very initial steps of the training. Should I continue using the tug even though the intensity isn’t as strong and let the drive develop? Or should I not worry too much about it a move on using the Orbee?

Second question, we used to (pre-BDF) play fetch a lot, but now, I read that it should stop and all fun is the work close to the handler (it was in the Q&A for BDF). Our bond is very good, she will always bring the object back to me, “out” the object at my feet, she will do “into my arms” off leash and is very comfortable when doing so. Do most of you follow this?

Thanks in advance for all your advice!

If the dog has good drives it shouldn't matter.

In my experience many dogs that will chew on a ball will demonstrate a calm grip on a tug or sleeve. I would use whatever you and your dog like for the work.

I play fetch with my dogs every day, and I do it for another way to exercise them and get them to sprint.
I use a Chuck it because unfortunately I throw like a girl and I can't get the distance without the chuck it.

bottom line, is appears from your post that you and your dog have a great relationship. I think playing with and having fun with your dog is the most important part of having a dog in the first place. If she's comfortable with all the points you mention and the two of you enjoy playing fetch, have at it.

Scott,

Thanks for the post! I've been experiencing the same thing with my 6 month old GSD and was wondering if it was going to be an issue. I'm glad to hear (THANKS CINDY!) that fetch is still okay and mouthy on the ball but calm on the tug is not that much of an issue.

PS - I meant to say I love the photo of your dog with the snow on her face! She looks mad as heck about having all that mess on her pretty face!

I was glad to hear that too (the fetch part)...I would have ended up going on 10 mile walks a day to wear her out.

My dog (Keeva) is getting better the last few days with the mouthing the ball issue. I did something probably not recommended and hopefully someone will tell me that, but, I let her carry the ball around a lot for a couple days, and I did not "out" her hardly at all and it seems to be working a little. Again, probably not recommended, I am a "greenhorn" at training and probably dont know what I am talking about

PS Barbara - ya, she looks real "threatning" doesn't she. She LOVES the snow!!!!she will be dissapointed when it melts sometime in July!