Protection Dog Training Tips You Must Follow

Protection Dog Training Tips You Must Follow

What is a Guard Dog?

A Guard dog or personal protection dog is raised and trained to protect a home, family, or person. Such dogs are trained to command bark and action on the signal of any intruder.

Protection dog training is mandatory for a guard dog, done by trainers, dog professionals, and owners.

Three types of guard dogs are trained for personal, family, or property protection.

Protection Dog Levels

• Level I Personal Protection Dogs
• Level II Personal Protection Dogs
• Executive Protection Dogs

Personal protection dogs are trained for different circumstances and purposes. They are counted as protection weapons. Such dogs also fall under legalities.

Helpful Tips For Protection Dog Training

A protection dog is also understood as an attack dog. US Army Field Manual(FM-740) says that a guard dog is not used to making too many friends except its owner.

Such dogs are trained, fed, and cared for by single handlers.No one else is allowed to give affection, feed, and touch attack dogs.

If you like to walk alone at night or in the early morning, alone in a house or shop, then you might be looking for a protection dog.

A guard dog adds a security layer during or in the owner’s absence. Our experts have collected valuable tips for protection dog training.

Helpful Tips For Protection Dog Training

A protection dog is also understood as an attack dog. US Army Field Manual(FM-740) says that a guard dog is not used to making too many friends except its owner.

Such dogs are trained, fed, and cared for by single handlers.No one else is allowed to give affection, feed, and touch attack dogs.

If you like to walk alone at night or in the early morning, alone in a house or shop, then you might be looking for a protection dog.

A guard dog adds a security layer during or in the owner’s absence. Our experts have collected valuable tips for protection dog training.

Obedience Is First Step In Protection Dog Training

Obedience is the first and foremost thing you must teach your dog. You can start with basic obedience commands like bark, leave barking, sit, and lie down.

The dog’s response to all obedience should be 100%. If your dog is not responding to them, you must leave that pet dog to be converted into a protection dog.

Take Your Dog Out On A Walk

If you train your dog within your home premises, he might get frustrated in any outside circumstances. It is identical to the socialization of pet dogs.

Take him with you on a walk, and let him learn about the outdoor environment and different people.

It will increase his exposure and reduce his fear of strangers. He will also be able to observe diverse people.

Bark On Command Training

The command a guard must follow is “bark on command.” Many people get confused with the attack and bark commands. Those dogs which bark before going for an attack are much safer to be kept as guard dogs.

They alert the owner of any imminent threat and threaten the intruder to stay away from his territory. Keep observing your dog’s personality and continuously work on its improvement. These commands are about when to start and stop the bark.

Some dogs don’t follow the “stop bark” commands too quickly. You should command him to lie down. A dog can not bark comfortably if he is down.

These commands could be your native language words, gestures, or unique signals. Protection dogs must comply with these commands.

Protect Me Command Training

The primary goal of a guard dog is to protect you. So you must work on the “protect me” command. You may hire a professional trainer or ask anyone unknown to your dog.

That person will come closer to you. Then you have to give your dog the “Protect Me” command. Your dog will bark at that trainer/stranger and attempt to bite.

That person must intentionally run off. This act will improve the confidence of your dog and sense of protection.

If you are working with an expert dog trainer, use a padded arm or leg to expose the bite. Push the dog to bite on that padded arm or leg. Encourage your dog to threaten the attacker and show aggression.

Back Off Command Training

This exercise is the most crucial one for a protection dog. Once your puppy/dog attempted to attack the intruder and took him down. It is critical to train for “back off.” If a dog denies this command, this is a dangerous situation.

A protection dog must accept the instructions from the attack command to leave the person. If your dog goes violent during the attack and doesn’t listen to your “leave it” order. It is not safe to keep such dogs as protection dogs.

The complete control of a guard dog is fundamental to training it for protection purposes.

Best Protection Dog Breeds to Consider

Some dogs like Pit bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Mastiffs, Boxers, and Rhodesian Ridgebacks have protection sense in their genes.

In our experience, most dog breeds can be trained for personal protection purposes. However, it depends on the choice of that individual.

Here are a few protection dog breeds you can consider.

German Shepherd, Doberman, Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, Boxer, Belgian Shepherd, Tibetan Mastiff

Aim of The Personal Protection Dog Training

Personal, home, or personal protection dogs are a deterrence force to avoid crimes and theft. Dogs are loyal and give peace of mind in terms of security.

There are several other points to consider before attempting protection dog training.

• A dog not fully trained or controlled may become a liability for you. Suppose it bites someone, and you will face a lawsuit.
• Keeping a protected dog as a pet may be hazardous. It can attack kids and cause damage.
• Converting a pet dog to a protection dog can completely change his behavior and personality.
• It is not 100% sure that each dog taken up for protection dog training will become a guard dog. In many cases, they don’t accept the new role.

Protection Dog Training Equipment

Tactical dog training equipment and tools are used for safety. Things like a dog attack suit, protection sleeves, dog collars, and tug toys are considered for protection dog training.

Protection Dog Training Cost

Protection dog training is not a one-day game. It may take weeks, months, or even years to fully train a protection dog. The average protection dog training cost lies between $30K to $80K depending upon the level of training and time spent.

Protection Dog Training Schools

Protection dogs can be trained at school and at home as well. One needs a training guide and a professional trainer to work on dog temperament and behavior at home.

Several guides, handbooks, and even courses are available from expert trainers. You can search popular and nearby protection dog training schools on social media and Google as well.

Online Protection Dog Training

Training a protection dog through video sessions or any other virtual way can be effective. However, It is better to consult a professional dog trainer and go for physical options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does protection dog training cost?

Protection dog training cost depends on the dog’s breed, dog’s nature, behavior, and time required to train the dog completely. It can lie between the $30K to $80K industry’s estimated average after consulting many firms which sell this service.

What is the best breed of home protection dog?

Some breeds are naturally grown with a protection mindset and take less time to train. German shepherds, Dobermans, Mastiffs, and Rottweilers are popular protection dogs.

Can I train my dog for personal protection?

Yes, training a pet dog for personal or family protection is possible. You can do this yourself through online trainers, guides, and courses.

Just follow the tips we have explained above to train a guard dog.

What is the time required to train a protection dog?

Every dog has its specific nature and behavior. It is impossible to draw a line on how long a protection dog takes to get fully trained.

This varies from breed to breed, trainers, sessions, and level required.

Training a guard dog may take as long as four weeks to one year or two.

What is level 1 protection dog training?

It is basic training in which a dog learns the basic commands. Such dogs are also ready to protect a person, family, or home upon any suspected activity.

Level 1 protection dogs are less aggressive than Level II or others. They remain children and family-friendly with slight behavioral changes.

Does a protection dog worth it?

If you are home alone and want to add a partner cum personal guard, then a protection dog is worth it. It may be costly to obtain, train and keep a protection dog. However, a protection dog adds deterrence and an additional security layer for any mishap.