I think I've figured out the locking jaw myth, with Pro's help. We've been doing lots and lots of self-control work, from the minute he came home. Big, powerful dogs really need self control. I've read that a 60 pound dog is stronger than a grown man, and Pro weighs 75 pounds. So the thought of me wrasslin' with him just doesn't fly. It's got to be a combination of strong relationship and self control.
So anyway, when Pro gets excited, which he does a lot, he really, really wants something in his mouth. It would be great if he didn't choose someone's sleeve, or the leash, or any number of other things that don't do well with teeth marks and drool on them. So from day 1, he has had his special football tug. Whenever we're doing something exciting, like leashing up for a walk, the tug keeps his mouth busy. We've been working a little on "Go get tuggy!" but that's still a work in progress. Mostly we stick it in his mouth before doing any of the fun stuff that gets him excited.
The other day, Pro was hanging out in the living room with Mark and Ziggy, when I came home. Excitement! Pro had to grab something, and his tug wasn't handy, so he grabbed the edge of the area rug. Not ideal. We're working on "drop" too, of course, but that wasn't working- he was REALLY happy to see me. So I went and got his tug, held it out and called him from the kitchen. Pro came running, but unfortunately his vicious pitbull locking jaws wouldn't open (feet getting one message, mouth getting another), so he did a somersault still holding the rug in his mouth! Silly boy.
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