Help from the experts??? - Page 1

Any suggestions would be great.  I have a 14 month female, got her at 8 weeks.  Started playing with the tug and toys etc.  I also started some ob (mistake I think)  this made her tentative to play with the tug.  I finally got her playing more and more and starting getting better grips. switched her to a pup sleeve.  One time doing some bite work I lightly swung a second toy in my hand at her, she let go and disengaged.  I can get her to play again but she doesnt hold on tug long.  However with a decoy she is very civil, obviosely with a weak bite.  She will grab and shake but these arent full bites.

Did I ruin her?  Can I start over?

todd6414 - No I do not believe you ruined her, starting over is probably your best bet.

Go back to the basics, keep your training sessions very short, 2-3 minutes, 2-3 times a day.

Don't push her, when you get what you want out of her end the session.

You may require the help of a very experienced Decoy/Helper as well.

Always end on a high note.

JMO


Kim

Thanks Kim, Ill do that!

Sounds like maybe too much, too soon in ob and protection.  I don't think a 14 month old can really be that civil, especially if showing sensitivity to the handler.  I don't think she is ruined but may not have what it takes to begin with.  But I would just have fun with her in obedience and leave the protection work to an experienced decoy.  ETA:  I'm not an expert, that's just what I think based on the info given.

My female is pretty civil dog and very sensitive to me. So is her father and couple other puppies from my breedings I have observed.

Not unusual

What Kim said..