hello i am a canine handler with a department in northeastern Oklahoma i have a german shepherd that i want to bite train, the dog has a great ball and hunt drive but i have no idea how to start the bite training all help i could get would be appreciated greatly until i could purchase some of the leerburg video's thanks in advance.

Push for funding for the videos, they really help!
Until then start with some basic foundation work, like playing tug with a towel, or a bite tug. Work on getting the dog into the game of biting those type type items. Actually biting a sleeve is down the road. This of course is assuming your dog has had no training when it comes to bite work.

Post the dog, and place a prey item (puppy tug) on the end of a 6-8 foot rope. Tease (stimulate) the dog a bit by swinging the prey item in front of him just out of his reach. If the dog has a strong prey drive he will go nuts trying to get to it. After the dog shows intense interest in getting the prey item, then swing it within his reach, let him bite it and play tug just a bit, then let the dog keep the prey item. That way he thinks he won, and got to keep his prey. This builds the prey drive which is essential to the bite training.

That is a very basic foundation exercise, although the way I described it is not perfect. I am sure others will offer better advice, but this is a start. Read as much as you can on this site, it certainly helps. You have to understand what counters are, what avoidance is, etc. Soak it all up. Ultimately you ought to get Ed's video, First Steps to Bite Training. It is very helpgul. Also, make sure you have good equipment. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Terry,

I see you are with a Sheriff Department, you might also try visiting the USPCA website as well as this one. Look for members in your area. I'm sure they would be more than happy to give you some information, tips and my bet is, even help. There are probably members close by. Stop by and watch a Certification trial, observe what the handlers have to do to get the PD certification. That helps understand what all is required.

DFrost