Puppy and Sledding?

[RocketDog]

So we've FINALLY gotten some snow. We have a large sledding hill in our backyard, and my kids love to sled. Often there are 4-5 friends out there with them.

Rocket is just over 6 months. He doesn't really nip or bite us anymore, but today when my son went out to sled he thought this was the GREATEST THING and proceeded to run down with him, jump on him and the sled, and basically start biting. Obviously all in good fun. But in addition to the main point that he can't do this, my son is worried about his brand new snow jacket. So I told him to wait until I could come out.

I put Rocket on his leash, and got some yummy treats and just worked on "leave it". We had some success, but I'm wondering if there is any other thing I should be doing. Is this the best way to train this? I would love for him to run along side them, and even sled (our old dog would do this), although I realize that's asking a lot, LOL. I'm thinking this won't be an issue next winter, right? (He'll be a year and a half then).

2nd question, his "leave it" has suddenly gotten a bit less concrete. He will usually stop (although he wasn't super good today at first) but will go right back again. Is this an age thing? In "training mode", whether we're inside, out, or anywhere, he is perfect, and won't even go near an open container of ham. But situations where it's not "training", is where we encounter this. Just keep working through it?

[RocketDog]

No one? I mean, it's only Christmas Eve! :P

[carmspack]

wild prey drive , the dog is having fun and can't help himself. keep doing obedience and control and let his mature - or you go down the hill and if he pounces on you and bites you then you surprise him and correct him.

[Chicagocanine]

Yes, the "leave it" is probably an age thing. When they get to be teenagers they will sometimes act like they totally forgot their training. I would just go back to basics, like remedial training for a little while.
As far as the sledding thing, it sounds like it's just too exciting for him. Seems like what you are doing is working so I'd keep doing that and keep him on leash when they're sledding.

[RocketDog]

Thank you, both of you.

Carmen, what kind of correction would you suggest? Just a stern, shocked NO! or a physical one? I haven't really had to use any physical on him, I don't even really know where to begin. Once, when he jumped up on me to try to get the cat, I managed to get my knee out and it only took that once. Same idea here?

[carmspack]

I would say that would do the trick. It's hard with kids because they are squealing which adds to the excitement .