I have one of our 6 month old pups staying with at the moment, as her owners are on holiday. Not sure if anyone remembers, but it is the same pup the owners thought was attacking them a couple of months ago. (It was out of hand play biting)

They admit they have some problems with her, but love her to bits and are commited to her. The play biting has improved, but she will still do it, and hard. She has learnt no bite inhibition at all. She tried to bite me while I was lifitng her into the car on the first day (I just ignored it and put her in and she hasn't done it since) and she also bit me the first day after our walk when I put her lead back on. Again, I ignored her and got on with it, and she hasn't tried it since)

The worst thing, as far as I can see is her recall. Her owners have a problem with it aswell, so it is not just because I am different. Sometimes you can call her from 3 ft away in the house and she just looks at you. I have tried all sorts of squeeky voices, different treats (although going to get some black pudding to try, just in case), different toys, ones she hasn't seen before etc. She does love balls, but her owner hasn't taught her to retrive, and she seems to have learnt that it is fun running off with balls, so quite to opposite to what a retriever should be doing! So using a ball to 'lure' her is a bit pointless, as it's impossible to reward her with a game of 'fetch'. she seems to just think humans are BORING.

I know her owners don't play fight with her, possibly due to the play biting, although I have tried to instigate play fighting with her and she just won't engage in it. They do take he rot a 'socialisation class' but I think it just sounds like lots of dogs having a free for all, so not ideal at all. The woman who runs it did ask if owner had taught pup recall at all, but doesn't seem to have offered any pointers. Owners also humanise pup rather a lot. She has a nun-nights blanket that she has at night and tucks herself in, although she hasn't done that here. Pup is still on three meals a day, as owners tried to cut it down to two but said she was hungry at lunchtime so are still feeding her. I changed it to two meals (after them agreeing) with no problems. they also said she wouldn't eat all her food if on two meals, but I feel personally she was on too much anyway. (more then reccomended on the bag) Their vet apparently said her wieght was OK, but I felt she was a bit tubby. (no waist at all) She has lost wieght while here as playing with her sister and not eating as much.

If they hadn't requested that I 'sort her out a bit' while she is here (they meant it half joking, they know that won't happen) then I'd probably keep my opinions to myself, but I feel they are best stoping the 'socilaisation class' for a bti, as she is well socialised with other dogs and will obviously still meet them on walks etc and try and get her a bit more focused on humans. I have done some basic training work with her like heelwork, basic comands etc, and she seems to respond well to that, but is still a bit indifferent.

If anyoen has any thoughts, or suggestions on how to get her interested, I'd welcome them!

Thanks!

I would recommend that they start a class running the KC good citizen scheme, run by an apdt trainer. these classes are run in a way that should allow a degree of one to one observation of a dog together with its handler, and train the handler to manage the dog. currently you personally do not have the opportunity to see where the owners may be going wrong. There is emphasis on recall in these classes, and also there are excercises involving play. When I got my first pup I found the classes invaluable.