Thread: Prey drive & aggression

Mark and Amy are spot on with there assessments. Guarding is used to build a puppies confidence and desire to possess the rag or tug which helps to build desire and prey. Especially used if the puppy has dropped off or plateaud in drive work which can sometimes be caused by either too much drive work, unmotivational play or more likely both. There is a massive difference between a trainer bringing out a dogs defensive drive (in your case the puppy chasing away the bad guy who is trying to steal his hard earned prey) through guarding and a trainer putting defensive pressure onto a dog to induce a fight.

So guarding is okay to bring out in the dog?

Is it acceptable for the dogs handler to work on guarding? I won't, as I don't want to mess it up (at this time) but would it cause problems for the handler in the future?

Originally Posted by Midol

So guarding is okay to bring out in the dog?

Is it acceptable for the dogs handler to work on guarding? I won't, as I don't want to mess it up (at this time) but would it cause problems for the handler in the future?

As PL states

Guarding is used to build a puppies confidence and desire to possess the rag or tug which helps to build desire and prey.

Amy, yes, it is an excellent way to develop and build strong desire and drive for bite work later. Also helps a puppy develop self confidence if done correctly.

Don't spend much time with him, I have my bitch who spends every minute of everyday with me and she's sick of hearing my voice, Though she's a good dog.
And don't let him play much with the other dog because you will never play that hard and fast and he will start looking at her as the boss and approvel. I took my pup to puppies class at 9 weeks old and 2 years later she has never forgot how much fun it was. Okay she is dog friendly but to much.
This is from years of owning dogs, now I have a working dog and they keep you thinking lol
reg Ena

the thing you have to remember is that your dog is only 8mths old and i agree with your trainer.i dont know if he informed you that dogs go through 4 stages of development and at 8 mths he would be going through his second.A little trick i used on my boy at the same age was i would not exercise him the day before training and on the day i would let him miss a meal,it seemed to raise his drive slightly and could be well worth trying.i also stopped ball games at home.he to showed no interest at that age and while he is not a dog of full working lines he now loves having a go but still at times snubs his nose particularly if a female has been around.I would also suggest not playing rag games at home with hiom either.letting strangers pat him is entirely up to you and would only serve to help him distuingish whats a threat and what isnt,but do be aware of how your dog is reacting to a person,if he is showing any signs such as raising his tail or pricking his ears advise the person not touch and reassure your dog that this person is ok remember your dog will quite often feed off your reactions so unless nesessary dont switch him on be calm in your manner
good luck

Hi guys

I have only jumped on the tail end of this thread and have not read all the posts so I aplogise if this has already been suggested. If this pup is only 8mths old and not showing much interest in the bite object and he has in the past, leave him alone and put him on a break. People are all too keen when they see drive to keep pushing until they see a problem - he is a pup and it is impossible for him to actively engage with the helper in any real form of defence as it has not developed yet. Defence (active aggression) in its true form is not present until the dog has reached mental maturity. Depending on the breed can be anywhere from 16 months to 2 1/2 years approximately.
Yes, defence can be triggered in a young dog but only to teach him how to protect himself and scare the helper off, so there is no real contact between dog and helper. To try and expect a young dog to engage in true fight with a helper is unrealistic. IMO, the dog in question would be better off being left until mental maturity to continue any form of bite work. The foundation for this dog in bite work , I presume, has already been set, now it is just a matter of waiting and hoping that genetics and foundation play its part. To continue working this dog in bitework will only lock him into prey as he will see it as a game and not a real threat.

Paul