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by nicole1412 on 31 August 2010 - 07:08
I am a little concerned about my 12 week old male pup. He is happy enough, tail wagging, coming when called, eating etc but he shows absolutely no interest in playing with a ball, stuffed toy etc. My husband was hoping to try schutzhund with him but I wonder if it is too early or if he will ever develop the drive to do it. My 12 month old female has a low prey drive also but she responds well to obedience training.
My male puppy could pass as a sloth. He doesnt run or play unless it is with our female. Should he be playing/biting by this age?
Thanks
Nicole
by aceofspades on 31 August 2010 - 08:08
That said my 4 month old has been slow to take "chase" and my 2 year old is very low drive. She's happy hanging out but couldn't care less to chase a ball.....now a cat or rabbit is another story. My 4 month old I have to be careful when he is around the bunnies because he will take chase, and catch, and "play" with the bunnies. Thus far my 9 week old just sits in front of the rabbit cage and barks....relentlessly.
The 9 week old is probably the most spunky of the bunch. She is growly, barky and loves to pack ANYTHING around in her mouth.
by Gemini on 31 August 2010 - 19:08
I had never really seen a young pup with ball drive. My daughter picked our GSD bor that reason and i was very surprised. She is my 1st GSD and at 8 weeks old that is all she wanted to do was play with a tennis ball. She loves toys but nothing playing fetch with her tennis ball. I dont know if that is something that can be trained. I believe that may be something the have or have not inherited. But as the pup gets older they may get interested in this. I never played tug with mine and know that I want to she doesnt understand that i want that so she doesnt do it. I dont think that is because of her but because of me. I trained her not to do it by not encouraging that.
by shostring on 31 August 2010 - 22:08
by KYLE on 31 August 2010 - 22:08
I personally like to see rather active to hyper puppies. There is the vollard puppy test with each question having a score, then a total score. Our female Blair was a very active puppy. She is a certified patrol K9. When she was a pup she would chase my wife onto the couch always wanting a nibble, but my wife was acting like a big sqeaky toy, lol. Blair at 10 weeks old would chase a tennis ball and bring it back. She has a natural retrieve which made object retrieves super easy. I was told that if you have an older low drive dog that is dominant, the younger dog may take on the lower drive characteristics. The older dog is kind of a mentor if the dogs are together alot. If this is the case you may concider keeping them seperated. Personally I only let a couple of my dogs run together. Too many alpha females with no issues getting it on! Many factors go into picking a working pup. Get and or make a flirt pole. I like to attach a piece of burlap to the end. I use this to help build whatever prey drive the pup has. Success is also a key. you must let the pup win. Too may misses and the pup may loose all interest. You also don't play until the pup tires or grows board. You want to stop the game and leave them wanting more. Good luck.
Kyle
by Nellie on 01 September 2010 - 10:09
I have only ever had one pup that behaved like this many yrs ago from show stock ,never would he play with a ball or any toys, he would run and play with the older dogs, he was never a working dog, he was very hard work trying to unlock his drive he had very little, made a good obedience dog thou never acheived the working aspect, but did make a excellent protection dog, never put to a sleeve but did step up to the mark when we were broken into.Good luck ,try the flirt pole as Kyle has recomended, it will take some work on your hubbies part to acheive the level he wants, but be realistic it may not happen, but don't give up easly happy training
by GSDdrive1 on 02 September 2010 - 16:09
What is the temparment of the parents? Are they from working lines? Genetics will play a big role in whether your puppy has the built in prey drive it needs. Kyle made some very good points, especially with regard to letting the puppy win. You may already be doing this but I would also suggest that any prey play be done separate from the other dogs. Have one toy you use for this play and do not leave it lying around, bring it out only for this type of play. If your puppy can access it any time it wants it loses value.
by Prager on 03 September 2010 - 18:09
Picture is worth 1000 words.
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Off course he should play!8 weeks old Czech pups.
Prager Hans
http://www.alpinek9.com
by Prager on 03 September 2010 - 18:09
The pup is teething now and have tender gums, thus throw him a soft cotton ball made out of socks. Also whip a white cotton sock attached to a horse whip ( feed store has them) to and from the pup. He should start to chase it after several whips. If he is not interested get to m another none intimidating pup who does play. Monkey see monkey do. If he show no interest then he is lacking prey drive.
Prey drive is inherited but what the dog chases is learned. So teach him. If he will not learn now he will have hard time to learn later. Be gentle ( Teething) and always let him win. Call me if you have more questions.
Prager Hans
http://www.alpinek9.com
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