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Split...from my first breeding and she's a daddy's girl!
Questions and Answers Where
can you go to get basic answers for working dog questions? Have you ever felt like no one wanted to give you a straight answer?
I have compiled several questions and answers which have come to me along the way. While no
one answer is ever carved in stone and set in concrete, these are great basic replies. They are also MY position and do not
reflect the position of any training group or association to which I belong.
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1. My puppy does not come when called. If I go towards
him, he runs away. What's the problem? The puppy is in a play mode and may
also be trying to establish some "control" over you. Do not chase him. Instead, run away from him while clapping
your hands and calling his name. Puppies want to belong, this is a pack concept and it will follow. 2. Can I do my own bite work training with my German Shepherd puppy? He
is 15 months old and from hard working lines. Simple answer, NO! You are a
pack leader and you should never allow your dog to "try" your position. Allowing him to bite on you is a challenge
to that role. It may also come back to "bite" you as he matures and becomes more independent. Get a skilled helper
to do any K-9 protection work. 3.
Which sex is better for K-9 personal protection? For street/patrol use the male is the ONLY
choice I would make. For general home, estate or personal protection, either is fine. Also, you want to look at buying from
working lines instead of show lines. The drives will usually be stronger and the bond is just as good. 4. Can I feed my dog rawhide chews? Sure if you want to try and kill it! When wet, rawhide feels like a paste. If caught in your dog's throat
it can kill it. We use pork skins and pig ears. Marrow bones are also great chew items. Use proper adult supervision with
any K-9 chew treat. 5.
If I have my male dog neutered will it change his protective nature? Neutering and spaying
change the reproductive abilities of the animal, the operation cannot change the genetic make up of it. A good dog will be
a good dog, a bad dog will be a bad dog. 6.
What is the best age to start herding dogs on livestock? I don't do any
herding lessons before about 10 months of age. There are mental and physical issues that can cause problems for a young dog.
One major mistake can set up back months or even a lifetime in training.
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The difference in a Working Bouvier des Flandres and
a show lines model...it's like the difference between a truck and a sports car.
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A Gaines Border
Collie at ten months of age. This one was taking her first herding instinct test and did very well. A Split x Spot breeding.
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7. My Lab doesn't like dove feathers. He rolls the bird in his mouth.
Why? Feathers are something that all bird dogs need to get use to. Dove feathers can be a problem
in warm weather. Start your bird dog off on duck or goose wings. Frozen quail can be used for hard mouth dogs. Make the whole
experience FUN! 8. What
breed of dog is best for K-9 Personal Protection training? It isn't so much the breed of dog,
it is more a matter of owner likes and canine size. A poodle can bite and cause problems, a German Shepherd can cause bigger
problems. If you want a dog that is a low shedder, the Bouver des Flandres is a good choice. The Belgium Malinois is smaller
than the German Shepherd and bites very hard. Look at working lines rather than show lines. Also, stay away from any AKC American show
lines animals. I have never seen one that had the temperament to do the work. 9. Should I leave my dog with a trainer who tells me not to come around
for two weeks until it is trained? I wouldn't leave my dogs with anyone that I didn't KNOW.
And if they are telling you to stay away, this should be a big RED FLAG not to use the outfit.
Too many bad things can be done to an animal and sometimes the "training" can cause lifetime problems. Do
your homework on any outfit that makes big claims... 10. Are there any big differences in dry dog food? Sure big differences.
All dry dog foods are rendered into a cereal form. Cheaper brands of dog food use corn and corn by products. Better name
brands use chicken, lamb, beef, turkey, or fish. Look for meat as the number one item. Small grains can be used in the second
or third listing (barley, rice, or wheat.) 11. I want to learn more about dog training and am thinking about learning how to be a decoy/helper.
Is decoy training safe? Nope! There is no level of safety when dealing with a dog that knows
how to bite. Too many accidents can happen if the K-9 handler isn't paying attention. Dogs in high drive can transfer bites,
equipment can fail, and falls can leave you at teeth level. Any form of training is as safe as you can make it. |
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12. Why do some dogs spin like a top when doing
protection training? This can be from several factors. Hectic drives, poor foundation work,
decoy/helper working too close...the list can grow. A dog that spins needs to have more focus and self control. Usually this
problem can be fixed. 13.
Can I use a prong collar on my puppy? I haven't seen too many puppies that were so strong willed
that a prong collar should be used. A nice flat, tight fitting collar is best for young puppy training. Prong collars can
create training issues down the road. 14.
Do dogs really understand German commands? Dogs do not know world language. They know the sound
and how it relates to the action the handler is expecting. You can use any language for any application. 15. Are herding and working dogs safe around people?
If they are being trained or are trained for K-9 personal protection, I do not want them to
be viewed as a social item, needing attention for everyone. I view the trained dog as a tool for urban combat! You would never
allow a stranger to handle a loaded firearm, why would a trained PP dog be any different? The dog should view all
but the handler and his "pack" as objects of caution. 16. Are Bouviers good with kids? I think many breeds are good with
kids, there must be pack structure and guidelines for all to follow.
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We train in the cold, snow, wind,
or any other weather condition. Let the bite work continue! (Photo by Andy Larrimore of Windywoods
K9)
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