Helper Work on Your Own Dog - Page 1

I know this is something many in our sport disagree with. Personally I think there is some good that can come from this if performed on a limited basis. Others constantly do helper work on their own dog that they then later handle in trials. Any thoughts?

Unless you really really really know what you are doing (and some folks do but not very man)... most people do not need to own a sleeve!! You will do way more harm than good.. there are so many other things to do with your dog.... other skills to be learned, especially if you are a novice....

not a good idea. I have seen it done, and seen for myself that the dogs are not serious, are just playing around, and that's not what the attitude should be for protection work. Don't do it. molly

PaulG, I will add this from very reliable and experienced sources and mentors. I was told long ago to view your dog as your partner, and not your companion. While I cannot comment specifically on one's use of a bite sleeve to play with his own dog, it is the accepted theory that doing so (especially with someone else assuming the part of the dog's handler) that is can very effectively destroy the much-needed bond between a man and his dog. There are perhaps some who are successful doing this, but they obviously have a dog who is 100% prey focused and deals very well with distractions. But my question would be this; how would the dog react to a different helper on the trial field-a good one who is trying to force the dog to fail in order to really test the dog's mettle? Bob-O

What if the dog is so serious and civil in nature? I have seen a few instances in my life where they were able to calm the dog down and teach it its responsibilities and control in protection. For weak or inexperienced dogs I agree it would be just a game and not teach them the right attitude. For strong experienced really defensive take-it-real dogs I believe if the handler has a sound relationship with the dog some benefit can come of this.

PaulG, the only thing that I would wonder is how it would affect the true relationship between the dog and his partner, and as you know all dogs are just a bit different. We have all seen dogs with such pronouced civil character that they are handler-aggressive and require a very firm and consistent hand. I really can't comment further, but surely there are more people who can deliver their comments and explain further reasoning behind them. I would like to hear them myself. This may become an informative thread. Bob-O

Thank you Bob-O. You bring up a point I did not even consider-handler aggressive dogs. I would have to agree that if the dog was prey or defense young or experienced I would not suggest doing helper work on your own handler aggressive dog. Great Point.

I'll be doing a lot of the helper work on my new puppy. IMO opinion dogs are creatures habit and can recognize a similar situation regardless of the surrounding. for example the hold and bark if i send my kurkey into the blind or your house and you are standing there ,he will do a hold and bark. Just like if i hold his toy and stand across the yard i can give the command and he will do a hold and bark. i do this often to build barking and get him used o barking when winded. I think he understands its play w/ me a real w/ you. but he is still able to do a hold an bark for a toy, bite, escape, freeze up, and out. the more i did it at home the clearer he became on the field. after the escape bite, his outs were much clearer. So based on that thoey ill be doing a lot of my own helper work to show my puppy exacltly how i want him to strike, pull etc. Now all of this will be in play, w/ regular session on different helper using more aggression drives, etc.. I dont think you should ever try to build aggression in your own dog w/ a whip or stick, but if you know what you are doing you can teach the routine, how to regrip, and the out. Some might feel this will lead to a dog that is too much play and does not ring enough aggression but that may be what im after. i want a dog that will play schutzhund. its a game where points are given perhaps.

Helper work on your own dog is always better than working your dog with a poor helper. A good helper needs at least 20 years experience and such helpers are rarely available on the American continent.

wscott00 I agree. We do this with our own pups. Show them target, grip and such ourselves. Make it a game they understand and are confident in, before they do it with a real decoy. Then the concept is there and the decoy can put the pressure on as the pup can handle.