Thread: Avian Aversion Courses

My boy is a very soft dog, I have heard of GSDs 'snapping' when they get too far above threshold. He is quite a worrysome boy most of the time (his facial markings don't always help either, people think he's worried when he's actually not). I am concerned that doing this avian aversion thing would break his spirit or possibly make him flip to be an agressive dog. When excited he is a very mouthy, bitey dog so I have done sleeve work with him to focus the love of biting to a safe activity.

I'll be taking him out with me this week with a boom stick and will see how he goes. We have been working hard on our heel work under distraction and also a stop at a distance. However, he'll be on a long line for this trip so I can step on it and but the breaks on ASAP as I am sure there will be some situations that are just too much for him.