I have a drive/temperment question for the experts (read: anyone that posts on this site). My question is when/how does defense drive reveal itself in young dogs/bitches? I have an 8 month old German Boxer Bitch (Bella) from a good working bloodline and intend to train her in Schutzhund. Last night I saw a different behavior from her and am curious what it means.

Bella has always had a high level of prey drive. She was intense chasing and fighting with the rag before she turned 7 weeks. She is very confident and has always wanted to run up and greet ANYBODY she sees.

Last night I was walking her down a dark street (we've walked many times before) and she saw a man on his hands and knees in the back seat of a car parked in a driveway (only light was dome light in car). I think he was cleaning out his car. When she saw this she barked in a deeper tone than what I'm used to hearing from her and immediately moved toward the man (we were about 20-30 yards from the man when she first saw him), pausing shortly between advances and barking this way intermittently. It was strange because she has always responded to seeing people on walks with a "let's go greet that person" attitude. Could this be the first signs that she has inherited some level of defense drive? What is the best way to respond to this behavior when it happens? Thanks for your help!!

Jordan

Crap, "expert", that leaves me out.

yup, i'm definitely out.

Uhhh... by expert I meant anybody that knows more than I, which would include practically everybody that posts on this site. This is my first working bloodline dog and my first attempt at Schutzhund. What smartasses! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

VanCamp.....could it be.....is it.....humility?

Nah...can't be!LOL <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Humil... what? I don't think I know what that word means. I'll go to msn.com and look it up. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

Ok Jordan, here goes, not an expert opinion just my opinion. Eight months sounds a bit young, but what you are describing is defensive. I think I would ignore it at this point. Maybe a little good boy action, but then move on. Don't give the dog any cues. When the prey work is coming along then get back to this with some prey guarding and civil stuff.

 Quote:

Originally posted by VanCamp:
Maybe a little good boy action.

You mean good girl. It's a bitch <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Jordan it seems Bella was showing suspicion for something that was out of the ordinary for her. The guy looked strange to her and not knowing who or what it was she naturally became defensive. Nothing to worry about. Bella will do just fine.

VanCamp, thanks for the straight answer. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Karmen, yeah it definitely seemed to get her attention. I'm not worrying... actually quite excited! Bella is/has been showing what I think are good traits for working. The contrast between my Am. Boxer and her is becoming more pronounced every month. I'm looking forward to getting her started on a soft sleeve this spring/summer (kinda took the winter off with her, so just now resuming prey development with puppy tug and ball on string). Are you guys training at Randy's each week again?