When to transition from sleeve to the suit? - Page 1

I have a question I've been curious about.  I know when starting young dogs there are several steps that first need to be done in order for the dog to do bite work correctly BUT I wondered if this always has to be done/started with the sleeve and then graduating to a coat or suit OR can you start a dog on the coat/suit without beginning on the sleeve? 

My next question is if the answer to the above is you must start all dogs on a sleeve before graduating to a coat or suit then when do you determine when it's time to go to the next level and begin introduction to the suit?  Is there a prefered age/maturity of do you just gage the dogs progress to decide when it's the right time?

Hi Agar, in my experience I like to have the dog bititng well on a sleeve, hard and full before transisitioning to a suit.  However, it is not a problem to introduce a young or green dog to the suit  to get them used to it.  One dfference I see between the suit and the sleeve is the quality of the bite.  A sleeve is more suited to bite development and fixing problems in bitework.  You can also alternate between both, it all depends on the dog.   Alot depends on the training program and goals for the dog.  I don't see a problem working with both, but I always watch the grip and take a step back in training if I need to.

Jim

Hey Agar

With my new pup I am training her for french ring. So in order to eventually have her on the suit....we started with tugs,pup sleeves, and especially the leg sleeve.  You want the dog to learn proper targeting on the sleeves before you move on to the suit. To teach targeting you can do many controlled bites with the dog on harness. So to answer your question I would not move to the suit until the pup/dog is biting the sleeve very strong/with proper targeting and at least mature enough to start learning concept of the out.  I don't think that there is a certain age exactly as to when the right time is to start due to the fact that all dogs progress at different rates. I hope this helps let me know if I am not quit clear enough for you.

Best Regards Vishal

Hey Vishal, excellent point about targeting.  I totally agree with that as well.

Jim

My 15 mo old male is doing exceptionally well.  His bite is full and calm, showing a great deal of potential in his training.  I intend to get him his BH and SCH I but my primary purpose for him is a PP dog.  I was just wondering if it's too soon to put em on the suit or if I should wait until after he gets his SCH I?  By the sounds of what you're telling me it would probably be ok to try em on the suit, yes?

Agar if it was my dog and I was planning on the bh and Sch1 with him, I would put all effort toward that first.  I am not against cross training, it could be done.....but in my view it would be better to get the bh/sch1 first before trying the PP stuff.  Will your regular trainer/helper be doing the suit work or someone else?  If some one else is I'd reccomend letting the person who works your dog regularly know.  Just my opinion though maybe some other people on the board will also be able offer their opinions.