OVER THE TOP DRIVE DIMINISHING??? - Page 1

Pedigree Database

Premium classified

This is a placeholder text
Group text

Premium classified

This is a placeholder text
Group text

Premium classified

This is a placeholder text
Group text

Premium classified

This is a placeholder text
Group text

DebiSue

by DebiSue on 12 May 2010 - 17:05


My 19mo girl has always, from day one had over the top drive.   She has always turned on and gone after the helper with little to no encouragement.  Her prey drive transitioned from the flirt pole to the pillow to the sleeve and she gives a good full bite.  She is not afraid of the helpers, she loves them.  She sits off field watching other dogs and goes crazy wanting her turn.  I don't scold her for barking, just the opposite I encourage her to "watch him".  She charges onto the field like she is going to tear him up but when the helper freezes up and she is in the bark & hold she seems to lose interest.  I think she is confused but I don't understand why the sudden lack of interest in biting the sleeve.  She looks back to me as if to say "What is he doing?"  She will continue the bark & hold, very nicely but by the time he presents the sleeve she bites it half heartedly.  She runs down the escape well but doesn't always "latch on".  Her courage test is pretty much the same.  She charges him like a rocket but often just bites "at " the sleeve.  It isn't everytime.  Some bites are awesome and he can swing her off the ground but others are frontal or weak and at times she just leaves the helper and comes back to me.  I've checked her teeth and find no problem there so I've rulled out pain.  I feel like we are taking our time, never have rushed her into anything.  She has always been go go go at whatever you present to her.  I have been concentrating hard on OB for her BH and protection has recently just been like a reward for good OB so we haven't been into overkill but it doesn't seem to excite her like it used to.

Anyone got any ideas why she is suddenly losing interest?  All constructive comments are welcome.
Thanks!
Deb

Two Moons

by Two Moons on 12 May 2010 - 18:05

Possibly the helper is not exciting enough.
Things could become routine and boring to the dog, lack of interest.
Find a way to add some spice, ramp things up a bit more.


by TessJ10 on 12 May 2010 - 18:05

Besides mouth problems, which you've checked for, any other physical problems?  Making sure you checked entire mouth, head, neck, spine, not just teeth.  Getting jammed maybe having some neck issues?

Also, how often do you train?  And have you tried putting her up for a couple weeks?  No bite work at all.  Put her up for awhile (at least 2 weeks, maybe more) and see if that brings her enthusiasm back.

The fact that she's actually leaving the helper and coming back to you is no good, you don't want that to keep happening.

by SitasMom on 12 May 2010 - 18:05

Has she been jambed? Could she have a Jaw, Neck, Back or Tooth injury?
Has she been "whipped around" during the courage test?
Has she fallen on her back?
Is she in Heat?
Has she been intimidated by a helper?
What kind of sleeve is being used? Does it have an indentation for an extra long muzzle or does she clamp down on the hard barrel of the sleeve?
Have you tried different fabric sleeve covers?


by TessJ10 on 12 May 2010 - 18:05

I disagree with "add some spice, ramp things up."  This dog is coming off the sleeve and returning to the handler.  She is not biting on the escape.  Whatever is happening now is already beyond her for some reason.

OP, what are your helper's and TD's thoughts on what might be happening?

Two Moons

by Two Moons on 12 May 2010 - 18:05

I assumed there were no physical problems but that is worth checking yes.

darylehret

by darylehret on 12 May 2010 - 18:05

Conflict?

by SitasMom on 12 May 2010 - 18:05

do you have any videos of what your dog is doing?
there are people here that can read into your dogs movements and tell much about what is going on.

Elkoorr

by Elkoorr on 12 May 2010 - 18:05

Deb, she is maturing and acting like a bitch. You are putting more pressure on her with the obedience part. Some dogs will transfer that to the protection, others dont care. You can try a few things.

Stop protection until you get done with the BH.      OR:
If possible do protection first, and afterwards obedience.
Make the sessions short and sweet.
Have your helper be more of a threat to her, he needs to give her more of a fight.
You could put her back on the line and pillow for a bit, couple prey bites, couple long bites, then put her up.

Its frustrating, I know just too well as I went with my girl through the same.

by TessJ10 on 12 May 2010 - 19:05

Elkoor, what worked best for you?  Stopping the protection or the other options?  And how long was this an issue for your dog?

Just trying to give the OP hope of the light at the end of the tunnel.





 


Contact information  Disclaimer  Privacy Statement  Copyright Information  Terms of Service  Cookie policy  ↑ Back to top