Loves Dobies: Keith O'Sullivan Seminar

Even though Dieter isn't a bulldog, I had the opportunity to squeeze in a bit of bite work training with Keith and another NWDA decoy Shawn this past weekend. I had attended a seminar once previously by them without a dog and was impressed by their professional, yet light hearted attitude and their uncanny ability to work dogs very well, not only in ring sport, but schutzhund and personal protection work as well. I even witnessed a police dog in training working with these guys. They have a whole lot of talent and are very down to earth, which is a great combination!

I have been feeling a bit frustrated with Dieter this past month as he seems to be taking one step forward in bite work and a couple steps back. He is far too serious about the work and needs to realize it is just a game and no one is actually out there to get him.

Anyways, when I heard these guys were in Canada from Connecticut at a bulldog show, I jumped at the opportunity to see them in action again - And even work Dieter with them.

We had a blast, Dieter was worked 3x that afternoon and behaved himself very well. When are you bringing them back again Cathy ;-)

This dog doesn't even blink an eye with a new decoy - one thing I am very grateful for!! This photo was taken very shortly after we got on the field. Keith is over 6ft, Shawn is as well and handled the long line on the harness. Dieter was oblivious.

These photos don't highlite it well, however Keith did a lot more prey drive work with Dieter during the sessions and kept things pretty light in terms of pressure.

He worked well considering the sun was blazing and temperatures were quite warm even in the shade. It felt downright hot working out on the field.

Some fancy footwork training Diets to carry the tug without killing it. Was a bit of a circus at first, however eventually Shawn just took both leashes.

Finally - the carry (not quite like a GSD, but slightly improved!). This was after only a few bites. There is hope. The key? (not 100% sure) but I think it will be teaching him to balance out the aggression by continually building on his prey drive in order to secure his grips and stop some of the insane shaking.