Personal Protection Training for Dogs - the Sport for Killers?

Proper training of either a Sch or PP dog is VITAL. These are not activities to go into half-heartedly. In both activities, you are teaching a dog that it may have to bite at times. But the dog also has to be willing to release that bite when told. A high level of obedience and socializing is essential in both activities. It was recommended by Mr.Villaneuva that the protection work (the biting end) be practiced at least 2 – 3 times a week. Obedience and tracking should be drilled every day. Ms Maher gave great emphasis on the need to train control. An out of control dog is a danger as is the one who bites without reason and refuses to release or stop a charge.

Should you consider either activity? Look at yourself. Are you are passionate about either activity? Do you have the right dog (physically and mentally)? Do you have the ability to commit extreme time into proper training? Are you calm, rational, and do not have a quick temper? Then consider investigating these activities further if they strike your fancy for the right reasons.

However, if you think this is a cool thing to do or want to have the "baddest" dog on the block, forget it. If you want to turn your already "bad" dog into a weapon, again, forget it. If you cannot or will not devote the energies to properly train and maintain the dog, forget it. These are not activities for the macho image-seekers or those who cannot, for whatever reason, dedicate the awesome amount of time and training. Also, you must be willing to help change public perception of these activities and endure criticism for what you are doing.

When asked if the average dog owner should consider Sch or PP work, both responded "No." The average dog owner is often not prepared mentally, physically or has the right dog for these activities. The average dog owner is often lacking in even rudimentary knowledge of dog behavior and drives. Most dog owners confuse these activities with attack training.

According to Mr. Villanueva, attack training implies aggression without provocation (think the stereotypical junk yard dog). Sch and PP are defensive techniques in response to an attack. However, if the average dog owner is willing to educate him or herself, understand the drives of dogs and choose the best dog for the activities AND is willing to devote the years of training, then yes, you may wish to consider these activities. But then, you would have raised yourself above average.

Schutzhund and Personal Protection are not sports of killers. They are the activities of highly trained individuals and their dogs. They are the activities for the stable-minded, driven and even fun loving. The dogs are doing a job, participating in a sport. However, these dogs may be more than the average dog owner is able to take on. The dogs are not bad, but dogs with a dominant nature and a strong work drive need owners who are experienced with very confident dogs.

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