Schutzhund Training
Advanced Protection Dog Training
The focus of advanced training is going to concentrate on those dogs destined for protection based work. Simple watchdogs require very little, if any, specialized training; whereas, protection dogs require a high level of precision work.
The basis for training a protection dog or one that will attack on command or due to impending threat is based in the art of Schutzhund. Schutzhund is a German created performance sport which tests the workability and temperament of a dog. It was specifically created for the German Shepherd Dog, but now many additional breeds such as the Rottweiler, Doberman, and Belgian Malinois participate.
Schutzhund is a multi-level training program that focuses on not just protection work. There are three components: obedience, tracking, and protection. No dog can be trained and worked in only one area. This is vital to the well-roundedness of the dogs involved in schutzhund training.
Police dogs and other working dogs that go onto to be patrol dogs are trained in a very similar way to Schutzhund. The main difference in their training styles is not the methodology but the manner. In Schutzhund’s protection phase, there is a man who is the ‘Agitator’. He will wear protective body gear, a Schutzhund jute sleeve on one arm, and he will carry a stick.
Schutzhund dogs are trained through this agitation method. When the Agitator raises his arm with the stick, the dog perceives it as a threat. They are trained to bite the jute sleeve. They will eagerly bite on command, but they are also trained to “release” on command. Such dogs are also trained to only bark or ‘hold’ the stranger at bay, unless force becomes necessary.
Police departments sometimes train the dogs without the jute sleeve and instead go for more inconspicuous body protection so they look more like the everyday person. They do not want the dogs to become accustomed to only biting a jute sleeve on an arm. These dogs may bite in other body locations too, but they are also trained to release on command.
The most common language for advanced training commands is German. Schutzhund is a German formed sport, although it has spread worldwide now. Police departments even continue with German commands as many of the dogs had some early training overseas. Plus, they do not want a suspect being able to call a dog off, and it is less likely they know the German words to use.
Temperament and control are very important in a Schutzhund dog. No dog may compete in any level of Schutzhund competition without first passing a BH, or a strict obedience and temperament test.
While not everyone who trains and places protection dogs trains and competes in Schutzhund, the principles are the same. Those interested in purchasing an already trained dog should be leery of anyone who only trains the dog in protection.
Note: Schutzhund in America is not the same as its true meaning originated in Germany. Germans created Schutzhund training for the sole purpose of Protection. A true Schutzhund dog is a dog who will go to any means necessary to protect its owner, the family, or its environment. However, Americans have used the same term to label a Sport Competition Dog. Schutzhund in America is not a protection trained dog. It is only a sport competition dog. The dog is not trained to protect anyone or anything. So keep in mind when searching for a Protection dog in America, please use the term “Protection Dog.” While searching for a sport competition dog in America, ask for a Schutzhund trained dog.
K9Specialist.com provides Schutzhund training in the Michigan and Ohio areas, with services available in the Holland Michigan, Muskegon Michigan, Grand Rapids Michigan, Detroit Michigan, Flint Michigan, and Saginaw Michigan areas among others.
Policies
After 3 visits and/or 1 week or more at our training facility, no refund may be obtained. This is only valid on Basic training programs. This is not applicable to any Intermediate, Advanced, Aggressive Behavior Modification, or Personal Protection Training Programs.
For clients protection as well as ours, all evaluations are subject to being recorded.
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Aggression – K-9 Specialist will not take on any dog that shows aggression toward any internal family member. This goes for daughter, son, nephew, niece, uncle, aunt, father, mother, In Laws etc. We only deal with aggression that comes from the outside in. We will teach the dog to be put under control by the handler to stay on their property at their side while being out doors. This means under complete client contained supervision!! Client must specify clearly at the signing of contract on what type of aggression they are dealing with and understand what we will not take on.
All training comes with a lifetime guarantee for the life of the pet.
Note: Please understand that K-9 Specialist LLC can only teach you and provide you with the proper tools to control any unwanted behaviors your dog may have. For example, if you have a Hound and you dislike that he or she chases birds, K-9 Specialist LLC can help you control that unwanted behavior while you are in your dogs presence only. We cannot stop your dogs natural given drive, nor can we control it if the dog is unattended. However, as long as you are trained by us and follow the proper procedures on how to maintain control of your dog while in his or her presence, you will have a well behaved dog. Please note that this applies to all behavior modification courses. Do not be fooled by others who claim they can “cure” a problem that is a natural instinct to your dog. There is no cure for a bird dog wanting to chase birds for example, but there are ways to control them. Please do not waste your time or money on K-9 Specialist LLC if your expectations are to “cure” your dogs natural instinct. If your expectation is to have full control over your dog while in his or her presence, we are the team for you. This same concept also applies to aggressive behavioral issues.
Special Example: I, owner and operator of K-9 Specialist LLC, owns a naturally aggressive Pitbull. My Pitbull is ONLY aggressive towards other dogs or animals in general, not people. As long as I am with my dog, whether I have her on or off a leash, she will respect and obey my authority. For example, if another dog walks by and I am present with my Pitbull, she will remain in her place and not move or react to that dog because I am there to control the situation. However, if I walk away and leave my dog unattended, she will most definitely advance towards the other dog because I was not there to control the situation. I am giving this very real scenario to provide the public with the knowledge that just because a dog is well trained, the training does not take the natural instinct out of them at all. It would be like taking the “dog” out of the dog…completely impossible. That’s why I offer training to help teach and educate you as well as give you the tools to maintain proper control and behavior with your dog, as long as your in his or her presence. That’s the key right there. You MUST be in his or her PRESENCE to have complete control.