At WhyzDog, we do not do attack training. That is, training where the dogs are taught to be aggressive and prone to bite with very little provocation and little or no threat discernment/recognition. (See blog to follow soon for more in this regard.)
WhyzDog protection training emphasises obedience and control. It is not about making dogs aggressive. We do not tolerate indiscriminate biting and attack. If you don't have solid obedience and control we will not consider protection training. Appropriate protection training is not about making a dog aggressive. It is about controlling aggression, teaching the dog stability and teaching the dog to properly identify genuine threats that require action. It is advanced training, that is only considered once the dog has reached an advanced obedience level.
At WhyzDog we will do protection training ONLY once we are satisfied that handler and dog have reached a suitable level of advanced obedience. A critical requirement is that the handler must be able to work off leash, especially to get the dog’s attention and recall at a distance. If the dog charges for any reason, the handler must be able to STOP THE DOG… PURELY WITH A VOICE COMMAND!
We will also assess that a dog has a solid and stable temperament. This is part of the reason why we do so much temperament and stability work in obedience classes.
We do not want dogs attacking someone “wielding a broom, carrying an umbrella or a child waving/playing with a stick or toy. Neither do we want a dog attacking someone greeting you with a handshake or hug. We also don’t want dogs simply attacking because someone is wearing a particular type of headgear (beanie/balaclava, etc.), or a particular type of clothing. We also do not want dogs attacking someone of a particular race group. Criminals and people who could attack you are not restricted to any race group!!! Especially important, ALL dogs, but even more so working dogs have to be stable around children. (Also see Children & dogs blog to follow soon)
My own GSD’s are working dogs, as has been the case throughout my children’s childhoods. My daughter and sons are all adults and we have had no dog incidents with any of my own children or their friends.
At WhyzDog we also do not do Schützhund or other show related man work. We train for practical protection. Some show protection dogs can’t and don’t protect if the criminal behaves in a manner different to what the dog is used to in the protection show/competition ring. Many people don’t realise or accept this, but Schützhund/show protection training does not automatically translate into practical/real-life protection.
The emphasis is on teaching you and your dog to recognise a threat and how to react. We also work on teaching the dog to react and protect when a handler is knocked unconscious. As important as it is to teach the dog to charge and bite in protection work, it is equally important to stop the dog with a voice command. If you’ve sent your dog and realise you made a mistake, can you stop it with a voice command?! If your dog has made a mistake and charged, can you stop it?!
Protection training demands ongoing emphasis on obedience and stability/temperament training and reinforcement. This is essential if your dog is going to remain a pet / family dog as well as working dog.
