PPD or IPO prospect? - Page 1

I had originally purchased this pup ( turned 6 months today@ 60 Lbs)  as a PPD prospect, and sometime later I wondered if I can alos do IPO with her. I have been closely observing her temperament since she was 3 months old, and here are my own conclusions. Is there any  expert here on the forum who can refine , what I have understood? She loves the tug ( she wresteles it with both her feet, mouth , and shaking of her head , and will not stop until she wins it ). Shes goes nuts about a moving ball  and will chase it until she gets it. Shes  very defensive ( in a very fiery way  ) with strangers especially if the approach her with uncertainty or in the dark.( this is natural as she was never taught this behavior ..it emerged more strongly as she grew older ... the breeder also said this would be the case ). If I put her to sit and pet her then  a strange person can come close to her.She is not at all afaid of people and is comfortablle with the bustle and sounds of NYC life; she lives indoors and comfortable goes up and down our  smooth wooden steps  ( about  17  steps , each about  10 inches  depth). On the downside shes very dog aggressive  and  jumps on the backs of any dog ( big or small ) that come close to her ( the Vet has had to give her a special entry/exit into the clinic, so that she would not bother other dogs.). I am considering using an e collar for this problem ( but do not want to ruin her temperament ) At home shes very  energetic, but sweet  ( sleeps in the bedrroom ) and follows me  around the  house. My own view is that she may make a better PPD candidate , and maybe IPO might not be her thing. Any informed opinion?

go visit every IPO club and PPD trainer within 2 hour drive of you. Leave pup home on the first visit. [ tell trainer she had a loose bowel movement that morning so you did not want a car problem] and watch everything you can. The dog you describe might be ''all show'' and ''no go''. It is impossible to evaluate this dog by your in home assements, She might be a world beater, but you will never know unless you get involved.

I would say that much defense at that age is a sign of poor nerves.

A bit off topic - I am suppose to be hearing from the Homeland Security team today. Too much snow, etc in the city has put them way behind. At any rate, you will know the second I know.

Good luck with your pup. I'm not an WL expert by any means, have never owned a WL GSD. However from my experience with another large working breed known for dog on dog aggression, I think I agree with hmtrjmpr ( that's a hard screen name to type LOL). You may be dealing with bad nerves. Have you talked to your breeder about your concerns?

Good luck...

I woud be happy to consult with you privately if you wish.  My emai lis Tmacmal@yahoo.com.  I am a professional dog trainer with thirty years of experience with working dogs (specifically GSD and Malinois).  

Often times, a working dog can also possess some dominant traits toward other dogs.  Dog-dog sociability is often not at the top of the list when breeding a working dog, and I would not stress about it.  It is definitely something that can be controlled, managed and appropriate behaviors can be trained.   I have had several dog aggressive dogs over the years who have succesfully qualified for and competed at Regional and National IPO events.  Things can be contained, masked and managed with correct training and preparation.  

Since you are catching it young, I would recommend a strategy of maanagement (not placing the dog in situations to make bad decisions), creating alternate behaviors to replace the bad ones, finding your lowest stim level interruptor (I generally don't recommend ecollars at this particular age and for this specific problem due to displaced aggression). 

I would need video, as well as correspondence to get history, future goals, etc.  Since your dog sounds lovely in other areas of drives, certainly don't give up.  It's just a bump in the road and the behavior just needs to be addressed.  

Feel free to contact me privately at Tmacmal@yahoo.com

Tami McLeod 

Absolute K9 Solutionshttp://www.absolutek9solutions.net

Another thing to consider is that by being placed in situations where she must be approached is not also beneficial.  To a dog, this can be construed as stressful interaction.  Instead, consider utilizing proximity (distance) from the stimulus and put her in drive for a tug or ball, or redirect with food.  If her behavior is extremely external (firing off barking, etc.), and you find your self at ridiculously far distances from the stimulus, you will need to introduce interrupters.  

Keep in mind your puppy is super young.  If you have a pup that, despite stressful stressors, is wiling to engage in tug interaction then you have a good package to work with and build upon.  At home, obedience for food (speecifically focal point, eye contact, sits, downs, back up, spins, etc.) should be built up and available on cue so that when you transition to a public setting with distractions you are able to raise the drive state to a tug/ball and she knows how to access the reward.  

Essentially, you are creating a situation where you dog forgets about the distractions (if you have enough drive to work with).  If not, then the next step is taken.

Hope that helps!

http://www.absolutek9solutions.net

Tami Mcleod

Absolute K9 Solutions

(Sonoita, AZ)

make your visits!  I believe most goverment agencys can not or will not deal with dogs in private hands. 

hntrjmpr

can you explain what you mean by that much defence is a sign of poor nerves?  I have a dissenting view but Id like a clarification from you first. 

I am  looking to one of the Homeland Security trainers for a referral to someone in NYC who could possibly help the OP with his dog. Not asking him to train the dog FOR the OP.  

Since I am a temperament fanatic and only think you should use the best of the best for service work of any type my personal opinion of passing her off as a PPD  or otherwise would be a gigantic NO.   If she cannot safely be around other dogs and her temperament sounds very dicey to say the least why set her up for failure?  That is trouble just waiting to come back at you.  Good luck  Nan