I've been reading as much as possible from the forum threads plus have started on the wonderful articles Ed has written. I also recently purchased the Basic Obedience DVD & plan on ordering 8wks to 8 Months today.

I adopted an 8 wk old lab/GSD female from the shelter in April...she's now 17 wks & 39#. I want her as a family pet in addition to a PPD. I took her to puppy obedience class but was confused by what the instructor said when I asked for a suggestion regarding puppy biting. Callie began being mouthy around 11 wks. I want to add that even though this is bad behavior which I must learn to correct, she is not aggressive but rather does it in a playful way. Callie has never bitten anyone other than me or my teen daughter & then only when playing. I'm beginning to see what I can't do such as roughhouse, over-praise etc because it only stimulates her. Still wrong though plus those needle teeth sometimes make me bleed!. However, the instructor made comments that "bother" me. She insisted I do alpha rolls w/Callie to establish dominance. When I told her my research showed this was not wise, she said that rule only applies to true working dogs.

She also added that if I don't get Callie's mouthing under control within the next month or 2, that she will essentially be uncontrollable. She even suggested there might be a genetic flaw. She faulted Callie for her enthusiasm & energy. For example, she made a point of saying that a dog should sit/stay when instructed. While I agree about the command, I think it's unrealistic to expect a 3-4 month old pup to obey perfectly. It's almost as if the instructor tried to quash the spirit of the exuberant dogs such as Callie. I know that this woman raises service dogs for the physically challenged & wonder if because of this, her mindset is that a dog should be placid.

Of course, I could be totally wrong here. Callie is my 1st puppy & the fact that she's been a little alligator with me for the past 2 months is a clear sign that I started off wrong.

I'm trying very hard to do the right thing w/Callie. I started socializing her a week after bringing her home (I live rural w/o neighbors). She is comfortable walking on a variety of surfaces, not fearful of other animals such as horses & cows, & interacts well with people & other dogs. I even took her to the airport & in an elevator.
Last night was puppy class graduation & before leaving, the instructor pulled me aside for a final warning on getting Callie under control.

Is there any truth to what she said? Is a young pup destined to be an aggressive, out of control biter because it had a problem mouthing/biting?

Thanks for any suggestions/comments.


Dee

I would run away from that trainer. Ditch the alpha rolls.

Watch the DVD instead maybe find someone with that (Ed's)philosophy.

Concerning making your mix into a PPD others will have to discuss that with you. I think a large percentage of dogs, even pure working line GSDs are not cut out for true Personal Protection Work...whether or not this puppy is cut out for that who knows?

 Quote:

She insisted I do alpha rolls w/Callie to establish dominance. When I told her my research showed this was not wise, she said that rule only applies to true working dogs.

Get as far away from that idiot as you can.

Your instructor is an idiot, nothing more really needs to be said.

Find someone with a better knowledge base than that pea brain.

Absolutly find a new trainer a little mouthing is normal durring play, Look at Ed's videos and check out some books I found "The Monks of New Skeet" to be very informative and a balenced approach to the overall relatoinship with your dog. I would think very hard about doing PPD training with a mix it really requires a special dog and an expirenced handler. I would find a good Schutzhund club and train for a SCH 1 before makeing any decisions on doing PPD training with any dog.

Why would you think really hard about doing PPD with a mixed dog? Either the dog can do it or it cant,,depending on the dog not if its mixed or a certain breed. The best PPD I ever owned was a Lab/Rott. Believe it or not it was the real deal.

Welcome to the forum. It is a fact that in this 21st Century a gal named Ashley took the National H.O.T,s with a mixed breed. If they can do the work... they can get the title... Sounds like your little pup has natural prey drive and strong nerves.. keep building on it and find a club ASAP.

Enjoy.. and be sure to just forget your first trainer, THAT gal is not even worth mentioning <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> so sorry I did <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Thanks so much for all the kind responses! I never considered the possibility that Callie might be able to train for the sport of Sch. I Googled & found the Maine Schutzhund Club. I'm going to contact them tomorrow for more info.

Thanks again <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />