It has begun...

suzzyq01 · 06-27-2011, 11:20 AM

We went to our first club training this weekend. I have tried in the past to do protection/bite work with Sonar (5-6 months old)but he has a lower drive and wasn't interested in the slightest. Yesterday after watching some amazing dogs and learning a lot, we got our shot to see if protection work is something he will be able to do.

He amazed me and was so confident about defending me, better than I thought he would be. So the trainer said that he has the defensive part down, solid as a rock. Now we just need to work on the prey drive. He told me to find something he loves (his kong wubba) and tease him and make him WANT it. So our homework for this week is just that.

It was insane standing there while the trainer (Sonar had never met) came walking/running towards us in a very threatening manner. Sonar immediately perked up and gave me a glance, but I did not look at him or say anything, he had to think for himself. He then went toward him and began to do his mean nasty bark, lunging and snapping. It was awesome! I was so happy with him, wasn't sure he had it in him haha. He is such a sweetheart to everyone, I was impressed.

I have definitely seen a substantial change in his personality in the past couple of weeks, he is growing into a very handsome man, who will do anything for his mommy.

He will be 15 months on July 1st.

The trainer told me that he can work with his defense as long as I work to build his prey drive and he can use the defense and the prey drive together.

I am so happy I just had to share.

*Any other info about bringing out prey drive would be awesome!*

onyx'girl · 06-27-2011, 11:31 AM

Get a flirtpole and tie a rag or the wubba to it. That should help bring out his prey drive.
Until you get a flirt-pole(Tractor supply buggy whip is what I use) you can back-tie him or have someone hold the line so he can't get the wubba right away, when he barks reward him with it, then wait longer for the rewarding, building drive. I like to use a harness when backtying, so the dog isn't choking off. Otherwise use a thicker flat collar when doing this.

suzzyq01 · 06-27-2011, 12:05 PM

Trainer said it was too late and he was too old for a flirt pole, just use what he likes and go with it. I will def tie him up so he has a harder time getting to it. I am interested to see how it goes this week

Thanks.

szariksdad · 06-27-2011, 01:07 PM

See if the club has a worn out sleeve cover and take that home to play with my pup loves that when I bring it out to play tug of war. Alternatively I tie a piece of rope to the end and then use that as a toy for him to chase and build his drive.

06-27-2011, 11:20 AM	#1 (permalink)
suzzyq01 Master Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Dracut, MA Posts: 634	It has begun... We went to our first club training this weekend. I have tried in the past to do protection/bite work with Sonar (5-6 months old)but he has a lower drive and wasn't interested in the slightest. Yesterday after watching some amazing dogs and learning a lot, we got our shot to see if protection work is something he will be able to do. He amazed me and was so confident about defending me, better than I thought he would be. So the trainer said that he has the defensive part down, solid as a rock. Now we just need to work on the prey drive. He told me to find something he loves (his kong wubba) and tease him and make him WANT it. So our homework for this week is just that. It was insane standing there while the trainer (Sonar had never met) came walking/running towards us in a very threatening manner. Sonar immediately perked up and gave me a glance, but I did not look at him or say anything, he had to think for himself. He then went toward him and began to do his mean nasty bark, lunging and snapping. It was awesome! I was so happy with him, wasn't sure he had it in him haha. He is such a sweetheart to everyone, I was impressed. I have definitely seen a substantial change in his personality in the past couple of weeks, he is growing into a very handsome man, who will do anything for his mommy. He will be 15 months on July 1st. The trainer told me that he can work with his defense as long as I work to build his prey drive and he can use the defense and the prey drive together. I am so happy I just had to share. Any other info about bringing out prey drive would be awesome! __________________ Gobles Sonar vom Shipwreck, CGC Dark Sable 100% DDR German Shepherd (4/1/2010) Frosty Onyx Glacier, CGC Grey/White Siberian Husky (8/29/2005)

06-27-2011, 11:31 AM	#2 (permalink)
onyx'girl Crowned Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: SW, MI Posts: 17,611	Get a flirtpole and tie a rag or the wubba to it. That should help bring out his prey drive. Until you get a flirt-pole(Tractor supply buggy whip is what I use) you can back-tie him or have someone hold the line so he can't get the wubba right away, when he barks reward him with it, then wait longer for the rewarding, building drive. I like to use a harness when backtying, so the dog isn't choking off. Otherwise use a thicker flat collar when doing this. __________________ Jane~ Kept by Onyx, Kacie and Gideon v Wildhaus aka Karlo

06-27-2011, 12:05 PM	#3 (permalink)
suzzyq01 Master Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Dracut, MA Posts: 634	Trainer said it was too late and he was too old for a flirt pole, just use what he likes and go with it. I will def tie him up so he has a harder time getting to it. I am interested to see how it goes this week Thanks. __________________ Gobles Sonar vom Shipwreck, CGC Dark Sable 100% DDR German Shepherd (4/1/2010) Frosty Onyx Glacier, CGC Grey/White Siberian Husky (8/29/2005)

06-27-2011, 01:07 PM	#4 (permalink)
szariksdad Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Denver,CO Posts: 220	See if the club has a worn out sleeve cover and take that home to play with my pup loves that when I bring it out to play tug of war. Alternatively I tie a piece of rope to the end and then use that as a toy for him to chase and build his drive.

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