Frequently Asked Questions

Bite work involves controlled, structured training where dogs learn to bite and hold onto a target on command. It’s useful because it taps into a dog’s natural prey drive, builds confidence, and provides mental and physical stimulation.

No, bite work can be beneficial for any dog, including pets. It provides an outlet for natural instincts, helps with impulse control, and builds a deeper bond with the owner through structured play.

Prey drive is a dog’s instinct to chase, catch, and bite moving objects, which originates from hunting behaviors. Bite work channels this drive in a productive way, allowing dogs to satisfy these instincts through training instead of undesirable behaviors like chasing cars or animals.

Bite work offers mental stimulation, helping dogs engage in problem-solving and focus. It helps reduce boredom and frustration, especially in high-energy breeds, by giving them a purpose and task to concentrate on.

Yes. Bite work relies heavily on impulse control and obedience. Dogs learn to wait for commands, follow direction, and release the target on cue. This helps build better overall obedience and responsiveness to their owner.

Play is essential in bite work as it keeps the dog motivated and engaged. Using toys like tug ropes or bite sleeves in play mimics the bite work process, making it fun while reinforcing behaviors like chasing, gripping, and releasing on command.

Yes, when done properly, bite work is safe for family pets. It’s not about aggression; it’s about control, focus, and building confidence. Training should always be done in a structured, positive environment with a professional.

Bite work provides an outlet for dogs with high energy, allowing them to release pent-up physical and mental energy in a controlled way. It helps reduce hyperactivity, anxiety, and destructive behaviors by satisfying their natural drive.

Yes, bite work can help address issues such as frustration, aggression, or overexcitement. It helps dogs focus their energy constructively and teaches them self-control, which can carry over into other areas of behavior.

By harnessing a dog’s prey drive, you can make training more engaging and fun. Prey-driven dogs are highly motivated to chase, grab, and hold objects, which can be used as rewards for learning new behaviors or refining commands.

Bite work gives dogs a task that they can succeed in, which builds their confidence, especially in timid or insecure dogs. Learning to control their bite and receive praise or rewards for completing the task boosts their self-esteem.

Yes, bite work involves teamwork between the handler and the dog. The dog learns to trust and listen to the handler’s cues, which strengthens the bond through mutual respect, communication, and shared activities.

Puppies with strong prey drive can begin foundational bite work through play-based exercises. Start with short, fun sessions that encourage grip and engagement, gradually increasing structure and control as they mature.

Bite work focuses on controlled biting and releasing, often as a game or engagement tool, while protection training involves teaching dogs to protect a person or property. Bite work can be part of protection training but is more often used for sport or play.

Yes, bite work helps redirect a dog’s possessiveness towards objects. By teaching a strong “release” command and using rewards to encourage giving up items, bite work can help manage and reduce resource guarding.

Common tools include bite sleeves, tug toys, and soft bite pillows. These tools are used to engage the dog’s prey drive and teach them proper grip, release, and targeting. Tug toys are especially useful for playful training at home.

Bite work requires the dog to wait for commands, control their grip, and release on cue. This structured process builds impulse control, teaching dogs to focus their energy and excitement in a productive way.

Yes, bite work can be physically demanding, which makes it a great form of exercise for dogs. It strengthens their muscles, improves coordination, and provides an outlet for high-energy dogs who need more than just walks.

For older or lower-energy dogs, bite work can be scaled down by using softer toys and keeping sessions shorter and less intense. Focus more on mental stimulation, gentle play, and positive reinforcement rather than physical exertion.

Most dogs with a strong prey drive, energy, and enthusiasm for play are good candidates for bite work. It’s especially suitable for working breeds like German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and Terriers. Consult a professional trainer to assess your dog’s temperament and suitability.

Bite work can be a rewarding experience for both pets and their owners, promoting physical health, mental stimulation, and better overall obedience. Let us know if you need more information on any of these points!

We offer the full spectrum of dog training services from obedience, behavior modification (including aggression/resource guarding), agility, competitive sport and personal protection training.

NePoPo® is a dog training system developed by Bart and Michael Bellon, emphasizing a balanced approach that uses both positive and negative reinforcement in a structured and strategic way. The term *NePoPo®* stands for:

- **Ne** = Negative reinforcement (removing pressure or discomfort when the dog performs the correct behavior)

- **Po** = Positive reinforcement (rewarding the dog for desired behavior)

- **Po** = Positive punishment or pressure (to discourage undesirable behavior).

The core idea behind NePoPo® is to build a dog that is motivated, engaged, and able to work under both pressure and reward. The method focuses on teaching the dog to *work in anticipation of a reward* while understanding that undesirable behavior will result in a consequence. The goal is a dog that not only obeys commands but also shows enthusiasm and confidence in its work.

### Key elements of NePoPo®:

1. **Engagement and Motivation**: The dog learns to enjoy working by associating tasks with positive outcomes.

2. **Clear Communication**: Dogs are trained to understand what is expected of them through consistent signals and cues.

3. **Structured Corrections**: The approach also uses corrections to guide the dog, but in a way that avoids diminishing their motivation or trust.

4. **Balancing Pressure and Reward**: A critical element is balancing pressure (such as physical or mental challenges) with rewards, so the dog becomes resilient and reliable under varying circumstances.

NePoPo® is often used in high-level training, including for service dogs, police dogs, and sport dogs, due to its emphasis on creating confident and reliable performance.

The cost of our services varies depending on the type of training and the duration of the sessions. Please check our rates page or contact us for specific pricing information.