Puppy Question - Page 1

Can anyone give me some tips on evaluating drive in a young (5 months) pup? For example, what behaviors do average dogs, high drive dogs, etc. demonstrate? Some things I am seeing now are: -likes tug-of-war and whines a bit as it tugs -chases and brings back a Kong toy -chases a ball but does not pick it up Is it common for a pup this age to be cow hocked and sidewind a bit?

Those behaviors are all fine and desireable for eventual Schutzhund training. With tug of war, make sure you do not tug too hard and make sure the puppy always wins and when you let go, act very impressed with his victory. This will build confidence and drive. With regard to not picking up the ball, I wouldn't think that's important since he is picking up and returning the Kong. When it comes time to train and if you are using a toy in obedience, then use the Kong. At 5 months it is not "common" for the dog to be cow hocked, but it is not dispositive of whether your dog will be as an adult or how badly so.

If while playing tug-of-war the puppy whines then be careful not to be playing with something that is too tough on the teeth/gums at a very young age...such as a very tough burlap sack...you can find very soft burlap bags that work well too...if your puppy bings back a kong and won't bring back or pick up a ball...I like to play with everything with my puppies to get them used to everything...I just brought back (from Germany) a 9 week old puppy...she loves food so I started her there...I then tried a hose...she didn't want to chase it...so I then got my tennis ball on a 20 ft. line and got her chasing it...she now can't leave it alone...but I could snag it out of her mouth very easily...so I kept popping it a little bit until now she pulls the line out of my hands...now I have moved on just a little bit and put a small leather tug on a line and she is chasing it...now I'm also using a piece of garden hose...she is now 11 weeks old...my goal is to have her use to all sorts of materials and all sorts of tugs/toys...she will eventually choose which one I will use to put her and keep her in drive...I will always use food and some sort of toy/hose...maybe this has helped a little bit.

again some of the comments are very good --- BUT i repeat you must KNOW YOUR PUP FIRST -- in my opinion is THE FAlACY -- people seek a routine / methodology . -- there is no sytematic , one way way to train your dog -- NOTHING ABOUT TRAINING IS COOKBOOK --- with my dogs the value and progress of what i teach depends on the dog[ i.e -- how the dog behaves inregards to what i wish to tach ] .. THE DOG ALWAYS HAS THE WAY AND THE ANSWERS !! for example you mentioned the dog whines ... learn to ask yourself WHY ,, WHY -- in response this may have to do with the stress level of the dog ...-- i would try a different tack ... i would not do tug of war --- i would use a two long poles with something soft , two pieces lambs wool , tied to the ploe -- stand still and let the dog chase [prey behavior ] and let him bite the pole -- use light pressure and give a quick win to biuld confidence [ some dog enter body space and it is too much for them in games ] . switch and agitate with the second ole and lambs wool - [ stop here ..notice now does the dog whine .. if not then that tells you something about your dog and how to proceed ] at first just build the dog desire to bite ... after progress is made then work on one other thing .. for example a firm bite .. then a hard bite .. -- behaviorally if you dog does well then work the dog closer bit by bit with sessions untill the dog becomes comfortable with body hits biting the lambs wool -- the other person was correct -- try to generalize early differnt material but also differnet locations too !! i do my biter work near crowds at walmart , in the park -- teach the dog to focus and to dismiss distractions -- this builds skill and confidence and make it fun fun too . the dog will tell you what it likes ..if the environment is to much for the dog then back off and do behavioral modification i.e - get the dog comfortable with the environments with positive reinforcement -- . you don't have to stick to the same thing -- my dogs change their minds -at first they make work well for food then with amturity they may prefer a toy .. then they may prefer bite on a jute for reward -- food is good for motivation and reward , tends to make the dog work calmly and think ... be very careful of toys -- let your dog tell you - watch the behaviors -- do not play and let the dog be frantic ..it slows learning and makes control harder later .. GSD are thinking dogs ..i can't discuss everything .. but just observe your dog and watch the behavior .. ask what and why of your dog as it behaves while you train ... if it isn't the behavior you wish .. then just ask what you need to do to make the dog siuccessfuly give the desired behavior -- good luck