drive or grip? - Page 1

Ok to try and start a thread with some meaning I pose the question...........

for the sake of discussion---you have two dogs that are virtually identical in every way

Dog# 1 has more drive

Dog# 2 has better natural grip

Which dog do you choose and why? I would also like to hear what type of training you do and how that affects your decision.

Hopefully this could be a productive thread

Depends on what your going to use it for? Police dogs don't have to have full grips do they? But they need enough drive to stay on the man when the fight is on and even off I guess. (passive suspect) Different sports are also going to require different things. FR doesn't care about grip but your going to need all that drive and hopefully a speedy dog. If your going to do PSA, grips are big but even with a good grip, without that drive your not going to get any points. Maybe take the loss of points on the grip for enough drive, to keep the dog in the rest of the game.

If it was me, I'd say neither dog and look at another litter, plenty out there.

I would equate dog #1, "more drive", with superior Heart and confident mental attitude. I would equate dog #2, "better natural grip" with superior physical ability.

In any sport involving animals, including humans, when the going gets tough, physical ability can fade or even vanish.  Heart and the proper mental attitude, which some may consider gameness, will most always prevail.  Therefore, give me dog #1 every time.

dog 1,  schutzhund and other dog stuff

as someone stated (sorry i forgot who) its a hell of a lot easier to cap drive than create it.

personal expierence, i can teach a dog grip, especially if it is young.  having the drive behind it to make it keep wanting to grip makes it a lot easier.

john

Thanks John you were one of the opinions I was looking for.

Come on guys and gals. Where are all the hard core trainers and breeders out there.

Let's get this board back on track. It's been sucking hard lately

there is a lot of truth in to what you say Abhay.  had never really thought of it in that light. 

gard,

i guess i should have put more thought into your question before i answered.  what are you calling natural grip?  do you mean full?

everyone knows schutzhund is about points.  they have to keep score some how, and in protection that leads to full, calm grips. i hate the calm part, i would rather see a dog fight the decoy with half a grip,  than stand there with a mouth full of sleeve waiting for the out command, looking back with his/her eyes at the handler as if asking "can i let go now?" 

GIVE ME DRIVE, OR GIVE ME ANOTHER DOG!

(man i need my wife to get back soon, im going nuts here with all these dogs)

john

Drive any day.  I would even give up a bit of grip if the dog had enough drive to do the work well.  Without the drive you risk the dog not being mentally strong enough to take the pressure.

Geesh a thread worth reading.  Thanks GARD.

GARD:  I will agree with all those who have psted thus far, drive, drive, drive (schH)! .  What is your opinion on this issue, which dog for you?

I would have to agree with Abhay....... it makes sense when explained that way.....

I gotta agree with 4pack, keep looking.  "Building" drive is pointless, and teaching grips is just plain wrong.