PPD Prospect Reaction - Page 1

Just to get some input.  What are the preferable reactions that should be seen in a young (4mnth old) PPD prospect when you crack a whip?  Also if you were to bang two stainless steel bowls together?

Im also interested in your opinions as far as a dog of that age barking at people while on walks?  Is there any overall way to test a dog of this age to determine if he will be a good PPD candidate?

Thanks,

A 4 month old puppy should be friendly with people, no matter the venue. My PPD dog is friendly with everyone and I am not worried about him being a liability. He switches on like a light switch when cued or the situation requires if I am unable to cue. A truely one in a million type dog and absolutely perfect for me. Yes, he will deffinately bite for real.

As for loud noises, at 4 months a puppy preferably will be unphased but also acceptable is the startle response with a quick recovery and curiosity. We do not want to see fear with no recovery, cowering or running away.

This is how I pick K9 prospects, along with other scenario testing.

Melissa

I am in agreement your pup should be friendly, taught to be clear in mind, the rest will come natural. Remember you do not want a loose canon because you are ultimately responsible for the dogs actions.
Always,
Cee

"Just to get some input. What are the preferable reactions that should be seen in a young (4mnth old) PPD prospect when you crack a whip? Also if you were to bang two stainless steel bowls together?

Im also interested in your opinions as far as a dog of that age barking at people while on walks? Is there any overall way to test a dog of this age to determine if he will be a good PPD candidate?

Thanks,"

this dog is still a puppy.

how close is the whip being cracked?

Is it cracked in front of him or beind him where he can't see? How loud?

The preferable reaction would be the dog would stop what he is doing, look in the direction of the noise, get closer to investigate, tail half erect, ears forward, curious expression in his face and confident stride towards the noise.

same reaction with 2 bowls is preferable.

the dog of that age should not be barking agressively with people on walks. Should be outgoing, confident, not overly friendly but not shy either, not barking at them but acknowledging their presence, could be friendly wagging tail, but it doesn't have to be.

"Is there any overall way to test a dog of this age to determine if he will be a good PPD candidate?" this is an ambigous question with no clear answer.

A pup at that age is still a roll of the dice.  Genetics would be your best indication here followed by the above comments on the reaction with a quick curosity recovery.  The whip crack is only good at increasing a dogs drive in my humble opinion.  A good PPD dog should not need the whip to fire up when challenged.  I would also look for a dog that barks when worked in prey to bring the helper/toy in range!  I would never work a dog in defense at this age.