I have a situation I would like you guys (and gals) to comment on. I know it is difficult to make informed judgements without "being there", but I will be as discriptive as possible. At the last three training sessions, my 8mo male GSD has begun to hackle up during the pursuit bite (distance of 20ft). The hackles are up mostly around the tail area, but sometimes extend to the shoulder. All indications prior to the bite, and during the bite are that the dog is in prey: high pitched bark, tail high, fast pursuit, no hesitation, full grip. The helper is mildly concerned and believes that the dog is insecure due to age, but continues to do pursuit bites. I am confused. As I stated, all indications are prey, but if this is insecurity, wouldn't something else be present? Releasing the sleeve, weak grip, hesitation? Should we discontinue pursuits?

Thanks for any and all input.

Glock, it seems as though I have seen what it is you are discribing. I think if you allowed more distance in your pursuit, you will find your dog hesitant to leave for the bite. Is the stimulation you are using before you release the the dog for the bite frontal? Your helper may be putting your young dog in defense when he is not able to deal with it yet. I dare suggest you might try a more prey oriented stimulation and then progress to a "suspision" type of stimulation. Refer to Leerburg "First steps in bite Training".

I agree with az trooper. Your pup is showing signs of stress/nerves/defense. This is VERY common--especially at this young age.

I would suggest more movement of the sleeve to stimulate prey and minimizing frontal confrontation.

Keep working on building the pups confidence.

Email Richard and ask him to chime in on this thread.

Glock,

Your helper is right. In most cases a dog with the hackels up is insecure. In my opinion he is being pushed too far for a puppy this age. I wouldn't work at this distance until the dog is at least a year old. The dog will tell you when it is ready for this amount of distance.

The insecurity, in my opinion, comes from 2 areas. The first is that a dog working this far away from a handler is feeling fairly vulnerable. The second thing is that dogs learn by experience, he will become more comfortable with distance as he gets experience.

Two things may help. First, decrease the distance, as he gets more comfortable he will go out further and further out. The other thing you can do is work him on a long line. Keep a little tension on the line as the dog goes out. WEAR GLOVES WHEN YOU DO THIS. Allow the line to slip between the fingers in the gloves to keep a little tension so the dog knows where you are. If you are worried about the grip you can apply tension to the line once he is on. This will be familiar to him from working closer.

From what I have read, this pup is a little unsure; not that big of a deal at this age. The helper should cease the distance bites. The pup should then be put on the pole with other dogs tied out, and build the dog up using the tug. Once the dog's prey drive is up, you can start more formal protection training again, with easy quick prey bites to start with. Progress slow and easy, with little stres. Also when on the pole, when using the tug, have the helper climb down the rope that the tug should be attached to, and pet the dog's head calmly while the animal is biting the tug. This will take stress off the dog. Richard's above post also should be the way to go when going back to the sleeve when the dog matures abit more. This is an excellent method to mold confidence and to mold the grip of a young dog. Good luck and I hope this helps.