OVER THE TOP DRIVE DIMINISHING??? - Page 6

Deb,

It's good to see you have a positive attitude.  Part of being a good trainer is reading your dog.  If you are new to the sport then getting out to clubs watching and learning is not only good for you, but also for the dog.  With hard work and the right attitude I think you will be able to title a dog.  It might not be this dog, but it will help you with your next dog or in other venues.

I give you credit for trying and asking the questions, it's more than most of these so called experts on the database  have done lately.

Brad

elkoorr
 why with a young dog with confidence problems would you want to think of the helper as a bad guy or aggressor? it should be the dogs friend or favorite chew toy to help build its confidance and make it positive and fun. Remember the emotions of the handeler will transfer right down the leash to the dog! Go out and have fun and leave the attitude in the truck your dog will get more out of it.

Sueinnc, Deb gave her circumstances that finding a club with experience helpers is too far for her to travel weekly. She explained that her training director otherwise the helper himself has some experience (minimal I would say as he has only titled his “soft” GSD) but he is more than happy to learn and is open to criticism. They also have visits from experience helpers to her club occasionally. I cannot see that being worse or the same as a total inexperience helper oppose to learning and a helper who thinks he knows it all but gets it wrong.

Your later comments about channeling drives are correct and constructive.

As long as the parties concern are realistic in what they hope to achieve, I see no reason to be heavy.

Deb, I commend you for bringing up your concerns. There have been some good pointers to work on. If you are open to share video clips on your dog on the field, perhaps there will be more help given. Brave thing to do but if you get the correct feedback, then you may see some progress. Just a thought

why with a young dog with confidence problems would you want to think of the helper as a bad guy or aggressor? it should be the dogs friend or favorite chew toy to help build its confidance and make it positive and fun.

ron writes: this is the essence of the overall problem with this and most young dogs.....the helper is not to be looked at as a play toy....maybe if people waited until the dog matures a bit and stop thinking that a helper running around like a clown giving prey bites is good helper work. The helper is not my dogs friend....that doesn't mean you destroy the dog by pressuring to avoidance. JMNSHO:-) 

Thanks Sue.  I'm not ready to give up yet.  I have an amazing dog.  Her talents just may lie elsewhere.  I am not going to let her go to waste though.  We will find her niche in the dog world.

the helper should be building the dogs confidence at this point. the boggie man comes later if and when the dog can handle it.

the helper should be building the dogs confidence at this point. the boggie man comes later if and when the dog can handle it.

There are many ways to build confidence in the dog.  The helper doesn't have to be the dog's best friend to build confidence.  Actually, it can be quite the opposite and really build the dog up.  The dog did not meet the the Boogie but Jason from Friday the 13th.

Jim

Yes, Deb, it makes sense. We are doing the same with the youngsters, not so much the GSDs but more the bulldogs and rotties.

Thanks Ron for answering that. Might had been a poor choice of words from me, english is my second language.

Jim, LOL... not many survived Jason!