I have been doing drive and focus work with my GSD (19 month old female) and we recently started heeling in drive. I can get her in what I think is good drive, very focused (on the ball anyways). She does a good fuss but she is starting to snap her teeth together (I hope this make sense) not just once but almost constantly until she is rewarded. She is not jumping up at me snapping just heeling with me and snapping her mouth. And not just a little snap a hard snap, like I want that ball, give it to me now!

I use an orbee, which is by far her favorite, with the ball around my neck on a clip. My plan was to move from the ball on a clip to holding the ball under my arm to get more focus on my shoulder. Maybe that is the wrong thing to do, I am a very new at training by the way. I just don’t want to create a bad habit of this snapping, although it is kind of funny. I have created bad habits in the past and it very hard to correct the behavior. Anyways I hope this makes sense.

Thanks

Dogs that do that are really cute :p Just keep your finger out of his mouth and you'll be fine. I'd only reward when he's not snapping though.

Use food to teach him stuff, its a calmer drive. And teach him to focus on your eyes not the reward. Hold the reward away from you, then when he makes eye contact, mark and reward.

Are you sure your GSD isn't part Mal?

Its not a real problem, and some trainers consider it a sign of a good dog. It definitely lets you know shes in drive.

I agree with Mike, food may be a bit easier for you to work with.

I always thought when my dog did it she was saying "GIMME THE BALL, DON'T MAKE ME HURT YOU!!"

 Quote: dennis jones

I always thought when my dog did it she was saying "GIMME THE BALL, DON'T MAKE ME HURT YOU!!"

Well Dennis, maybe I should post a few pics of my hands (and inner thigh but its a little too close for a pic). If I have learned one thing training so far, it is how to get bit

Thanks!!

My pup is a snapper. Always has been, and still does it to this day. I can say that the adult teeth are less painful. lol i read this to see if people have suggestions? seems like none feel its too serious though, and some consider it an asset. Hey ho. They arent the one's being snapped.
I can also say that he doesnt snap so much now, as mouth. It feels very much like "give me that ball now!" when he does it.
However, with my hubby, he's stopped mouthing, snapping etc. Mainly coz my hubby is not really a dog person, hasnt read any books, dog training classes etc, so just cuffed him hard each time, he stopped. Damn him. Really annoying, that he can give the tough love, where i cant.

Sounds like she is 'chattering'. Alot of drivey dogs do this when they are working 'in drive'. Sometimes they will quiver with their whole bodies.

Like stated, sometimes using a lesser reward like food will drop it down a notch. I often teach new things with food & them progress to a ball or tug. Sometimes the ball or tug is just TOO high of a reward & can impede learning with some dogs. The dog gets so crazy for the reward that it can take away some of their focus for the behavior you are tying to teach.

I have to do this with my male as he can get very hectic when he gets frustrated. (He doesn't chatter or quiver, my female does that) He just is sooo ball crazy that he sees the ball & he can't think to learn something new. Once the behavior is shapped using food, he can then work for the ball & focus on the exercise.

One note... if she is truly snapping & not chattering..or even if not either, with the ball under your arm be prepared to get your underarm bit when you release the ball. Been there done that with my female. Your dog will learn to anticipate the ball drop for reward & start nailing you. They are much quicker then we can be. Or you can put the ball under your arm to get the focus upward where you want it (although I would want her looking up into you face not your shoulder) & then have another ball in your pocket that you release her & then reward her with.