How many people really think anyone can do "Personal Protection" Training in dogs?
I have long believed that people will do or say anything to make themselves right on an issue where they have literally stepped in something that smells bad. I have always tried to understand that everyone makes mistakes and that includes me. Further, I hope I am big enough to admit when I am wrong.
I have made the statement on several occasion that the average pet owner is not capable of doing their own protection training in a dog, and I have gotten upset more than a few times when I see people come on and ask such questions as "How do I make my dog kill on command?" or "How do I make my Pit Bull's head bigger so he looks meaner?" or "What is the best book to buy so I can train my dog to be mean?"
Maybe I am wrong. I believe there are people who are capable of training their dogs but I also believe they need assistance and for something as important as personal protection, they most certainly need someone who is well trained in the art.
However, I will be the first to admit, though I have watched others train, and I have even assisted at times, this is not my forte. So, I would like input from you guys on the idea that anyone can train a dog for personal protection, and also, should personal protection training be promoted in the average canine?
Most of you know I am working on some rescue issues with my county right now and writing several proposals. One of the reasons I am asking this is because we have always tried to put stipulations in our proposals with the county that deals specifically with laws associated with dog training. For example: we have a stipulation right now that states anyone who deliberately trains a domesticated dog that is a family pet to attack will be fined and the dog confiscated. It is not worded exactly like that, but I think you guys get the idea.
Thanks in advance for your discussions on this.
I mean TRAINING. When any dog is trained, the human counterpart should, of course, be trained to handle the dog. An example of a problem:
I was driving to the grocery store one day and encountered a teenage boy, about 19 yo, who was beating the crap out of his dog with a stick. The dog was on lead... or I should say had a rope tied around a choke collar. I stopped, of course since I deal wtih animal abuse in the county. I was told promptly: "Well I plan to be a dog trainer and this is my dog. I am training him to attack on command and protect me."
This is what I am referring to. Sadly, too many get the idea it is ok to do this.
@Geramy: I think we got ouyr wires crossed here. Our stipulation is meant to protect those who have legitimate protection dogs as much as it is to stop the abuse of animals that are being trained to fight with the term "protection dog" used as a disguise. It is the same premise as registering a firearm or signing your property "Beware of the Dog" It is not meant to interfere with anyone's legitimate rights. But it is meant to stop the high school kids from walking around with a dog that was purchased as a family pet and is being beaten and tortured si they can actually take them to the underground dog fights on Saturday night. There are legitimate trainers and there is a huge difference between a protection dog and a protective dog, just as there is a difference between a family pet and a working dog. However, my question is not should they be able to, it is are they capable simply because they want to and would that be a protectiuon dog or an attack dog?
@goxhunter: And again I think I worded this very poorly. Protection dogs are not confiscated from families. Dogs that are trained in the backyard to attack (not protect) are confiscated from the owner and the situation investigated. In almost every case, the dog was being trained to fight, with the exception of a few dumb kids who did not know better than to beat their dog... But people who take their dogs to proper trainers, even if it is a family pet, or people who go and learn to handle their dog are not targeted with this. As I said, I did not explain that part very well because I am more interested in the theory that anyone is capable of training a dog for protection. I am not referring to someone that goes out and actually learns to train a dog the proper way. I am referring to...say for instance a 16 year old boy decides he wants a protection dog and goes out in the backyard to train him with a book and a video of Cesar Milan.
@ Curtis: I believe you got the point and commented on what I was trying to ask. As you said, can and should are two different things. When you attempt it without the proper knowledge and dog, you are in for a lot of trouble. And I totally agree. It takes a lot of time and money to do it right. Doing it right has nothing to do with a short leash and a stick in the backyard...or God forbid...the old rumor that feeding the dog gun powder will make it mean.
I would like to also add, I have owned a protection dog before that was properly trained. I did not have this done, but rescued the dog after he had been poisoned. The vet was able to save him and he stayed in my rescue. I did incorporate him into my pack and he was probably the most well-behaved animal I have ever owned. I knew what he was capable of and, of course, I dod not adopt him out because I did not want him in the wrong hands. However, this dog was very playful and friendly and no one would have known from looking at him with my children what he had been trained to do. The point has been well made I think... aggression does not = protection and thank all of you for the responses. I did not give a TD. All the answers were thoughtful and gave a good insight into various aspects of the question. There were parts of the question I worded badly and that is where any problems came in. Sorry for the confusion.