Off Switch Activated

[MyDogBitz]

That’s awesome, I love how you’re channeling that fire into structured back tie work instead of just trying to suppress it. Shepherds live for that outlet, and you’re giving him the perfect balance of drive building and control with the out.

Crazy how quick they catch on, right? The way you described him seeing the harness and instantly lighting up, that’s exactly the kind of response you want. You’re building anticipation and clarity at the same time.

Out of curiosity, do you see him carrying that confidence over into everyday situations now that he’s had a chance to bark and push into the work?

Yes, but genetically he's been confident since day 1 so I'm certainly working with a great canvas. I had him delivered to my residence from the breeder. It was a six hour drive and he walked into my house like he owned it at 8 weeks old and never showed any nervousness.

Now that he's starting to bark, I'm encouraging him to bark AT me when we play and the level of intensity he brings has leveled up quite a bit.

 

[Malakai The Great]

Yes, but genetically he's been confident since day 1 so I'm certainly working with a great canvas. I had him delivered to my residence from the breeder. It was a six hour drive and he walked into my house like he owned it at 8 weeks old and never showed any nervousness.

Now that he's starting to bark, I'm encouraging him to bark AT me when we play and the level of intensity he brings has leveled up quite a bit.

That’s fantastic to hear, sounds like his genetics gave you a rock solid starting point, and you’re just adding layers on top of it now. That kind of early confidence carries so far down the line.

I like that you’re channeling the barking into play directed at you. It’s a small detail, but it really sharpens the dog’s focus and builds that clear communication. Keep shaping that intensity, and you’ll have a dog that not only brings the fire but knows exactly where to put it.

 

[MyDogBitz]

That’s fantastic to hear, sounds like his genetics gave you a rock solid starting point, and you’re just adding layers on top of it now. That kind of early confidence carries so far down the line.

I like that you’re channeling the barking into play directed at you. It’s a small detail, but it really sharpens the dog’s focus and builds that clear communication. Keep shaping that intensity, and you’ll have a dog that not only brings the fire but knows exactly where to put it.

We have to work on the play-to-work and work-to-play switch.

He's at the age where I prefer to use a toy reward over food reward for training. I noticed he's struggling to contain himself when I ask for longer pauses between play and he bubbles over during work.

It's cool. We'll get it.

 

[Malakai The Great]

We have to work on the play-to-work and work-to-play switch.

He's at the age where I prefer to use a toy reward over food reward for training. I noticed he's struggling to contain himself when I ask for longer pauses between play and he bubbles over during work.

It's cool. We'll get it.

That makes total sense, that transition between play and work is such a tricky one at that age. They’re so amped up that the brakes just don’t exist yet

I like that you’re prioritizing toy rewards. It keeps the drive alive while still teaching control. Those pauses you’re working on are gold, once he figures out he can channel that same energy after the break, everything starts to click. You’re clearly on the right track