[Stephen Whitley]

What do you look for in your dog's "hold" to know you can move on to the ear pinch? Is heeling with the bumper good enough? Or does he need to be able to run to you from across the yard without dropping it, for example?

 

[LuvMyLab]

I'm new at this game. But I'd think the pup is ready. When it readily excepts objects being placed and holds the objects. You can confirm by tapping the object if the pup does not drop it.

I went for a short 5 minute walks while she held the buck or dummy.


Again I'm am new there is far more experienced trainers on this board

 

[Travis R. Bullock]

I move on to the ear pinch after finishing advanced Hold with the dog which would include;
1. Heeling with bumper/bird/dowel.
2. Jumping up and down off of the training table with bumper/bird/dowel.
3. Being able to tap on both sides of the bumper/bird/dowel and for the dog to understand they need to retain their hold on the object until the drop command is given.
4. Pulling on one side of the bumper/bird/dowel and making sure the dog holds the object until the drop command is given.
5. Preferably having the dog return from every mark and fun bumper and come to heel holding the bumper/bird/dowel until you take the object with the drop command. However I have had client’s dogs that have had such a long period of time with certain bad habits that I have had to move on to the ear pinch before this step was 100%.

These are some of the steps I go through to ensure the dog completely understands the Hold command before moving on to the ear pinch.

Take Care,

Travis R. Bullock

 

[Stephen Whitley]

Thank you for the replies.

 

[LuvMyLab]

I never though of using light tugs on the dummy that's a good idea

Like putting presure on leash when teaching sit