Sargo Vom Haus Hall training pictures today - Page 2

Are you doing schutzhund? If so, then it's okay to teach the dog to grip with the sleeve on you if he needs help in prey.  It's also okay to condition him to go hard at a sleeve no matter who is behind it. Play aggression is ideal for sport.  However, if the dog is to be a patrol dog, then it should look beyond the sleeve, and a handler should not be found there.

My goal with him is to title him. I'm not worried at all about protection because I know that he will protect his house and family.

 Much of it does depend on the individual temperament of the dog as well as what you want to do with him. He's young; you could change your mind a dozen times on what you want to do with him, so why not just play it safe and get a decoy? Work on building your bond w/him.

JWALKER, you won't ruin the bond, in fact you'll increase the bond by playing with him whether it be sleeve, ball, tug, etc... Why should a dog hold back in drive because you are wearing the sleeve as opposed to someone else wearing the sleeve? Why should a dog hold back in drive when you are holding the ball as opposed to someone else holding the ball? Both are a game of prey.  Of course, some dogs need help with protection phase through promotion of defense, if that is the case, you need to be out of the picture. Not all dogs need defensive stimulation.

The only concern I would have with you wearing the sleeve is the possibility that you end up teaching bad gripping habits. For example, who is applying back pressure? You could back tie the dog, but you can only teach so much to a dog that is back tied.  

 Who said it would "ruin" the bond? 

Skyline, do you honestly think that someone who says they "know" their dog will protect house and family (with zero training or testing) is someone who needs to be doing their own decoy work? 

Jerry, I would not keep doing what you're doing. If you had been at this for 50 years and no one could convince you otherwise, then fine, but is this not your FIRST working dog? 

Just quit. 

Good point. I guess what I wrote above is only true for someone who does their research and has an experienced supervisor :)

 Not trying to be nasty, just stating facts. 

Don't make this possibly very good dog a "guinea pig."

Thanks for elaborating, Skyline. ;-)

Jerry,

we train mostly Police Dogs and it is perfectly fine what you are doing.  There is nothing wrong with it.  Of course you should not do civil agitation and remember he is a young dog so keep up the good work.

Seigo vom Angerholz ....learn the breed.



Get a partner or club....be careful you don't torck his neck.
Injuries my not show right away.

here is a good video to give you an idea how to start your dogs....



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROAzMh9AB5Y

Oh ya.... start wareing purple....