Even the first lesson can be lethal

Burke did none of those things, once he got the female riled up for an attack Burke smile only grew more wicked. His pale eyes lighting up, as he watched the black female before her snarl. Once she came charing at him, which was targeted on his neck Burke pushed his muzzle down to protect his throat and tensed his muscles. He would not dodge her attack to have her take a bite at his precious organs. His neck did have some strong muscles for carrying this broad head, only the base was sensitive but he knew how to protect it. She evaded his attack but Burke was going to evade hers by protecting himself. 

Once she was close enough her turned away from her jaw, even turning his stomach away from her, since she was so close Burke gave her a rough shove with his shoulder and side of his head. If he had been in a real fight he had used his teeth in the process but now it was just a point of making her attack and learn how to use her body. Yes she might lose balance with his rough shove, but he wanted her to learn that she could brace her body just like that, it could even throw off an opponent. The moment you startled an opponent it was yours to strike and push them down in the dirt.