Step 2 – Introduce Short Sleeve

6-Month Old Puppy

As always, the Handler activates the Helper by saying “helper.” Then the Helper comes out from behind the blind to work with the dog.

Please remember that we are not working on aggression but prey. The dog must be focused on the bite pillow. Move around and let him have a bite.

After the handler “walks” the dog in a circle, the dog can out or move again. It is the Handler’s choice. Try not to create a Behavior Chain. Do not follow a pattern.

With this specific puppy, it is vital to teach him to accept cradling. Right now, he wants to remain in control and the possession of the bite pillow. The Handler needs to call the dog, shorten the leash and cradle the dog until he is calm. One hand must be under the chin. Do not “out” every time or the dog will associate cradling with the outing and will protest. Avoid creating Behavior Chains and make certain that the dog holds the bite pillow for at least 5 seconds before you circle with him or out him. This breaks Classical Conditioning.

When the Helper moves, his body is upright, and there is no threatening leaning into the dog, there is no whip, no agitation. There is a lot of movement of the Helper and the pillow. Prey drive is the key.

Because the dog is young, the Helper presents the pillow very clearly with both hands for an easy bite. The Handler will release the dog to the pillow by giving the “bite” command – 03:25 sec.

The reason the Handler pulls on the leash while the dog is in the bite is to prevent chewing and rebiting – 03:28 sec.

The Helper will alternate releasing the bite pillow immediately after the bite to empower the dog or proceeding to tug.

In our school of thought, we do not allow the dog to release the bite pillow on his own. We want for him always to hold on until we say “out.” If the dog drops the pillow, have him re-bite it after your command “bite.”

We later will teach the dog to go into drive when we pull on the leash. For now, if you need for the dog to come to you, say “come” and tug on the leash do not continuously pull on it. These are two different cues for the dog.

It helps to attach a leash to the bite pillow so the Helper can tug gently on it to keep it “alive” while the dog is being cradled and is holding it.

As the dog becomes more comfortable, the Helper may choose to use the pillow as a sleeve – 07:28 sec. The Helper can eve run a little to introduce Short Escape.

We do not worry too much about the dog growling while on the short sleeve. It is a sign of potential insecurity or a lack of clarity. It should go away as the dog learns and becomes confident.

The only exercise we advise to abstain from is Driving. It might be too much for a young dog.