Protection Training for Dogs (Shutzhund)
by Zahid N. Sindhu
Protection training is not limited to a particular breed although German Shepherds are widely known as protection dogs. When a dog enters this training, the evaluator will monitor their disposition and how they respond in situations that pose a threat to either the family or trainer is assessed. A protection dog needs to have excellent mental stability and endurance. After completion, you will be able to come up to them without them becoming overly excited or afraid. They will also stay alert to their surroundings, as they have been trained to protect either those who they work with in law enforcement or their family members. The dogs that complete this training are excellent around children as well as adults.
If a dog is nervous and easily excitable, they can be a danger to themselves and others around them. This training is designed to recognize these characteristics within the dog and will not recommend them for protection work. This type of training teaches the dog that the owner is the "alpha" dog (so to speak) and as such, the owner does not have to worry that their dog will going running around and possibly become injured or hurt someone. The dog is able to enjoy more freedoms because they are trained to come when the commands are given. When they complete the program, they will become great protection dogs as well as superb companions for their families.
There are three parts of a Schutzhund Trail consisting of the tracking phase, obedience phase, and protection phase. The purpose of the tracking segment is to determine the mental soundness of the dog. The evaluator is watching for how the dog obeys heeling instructions during the obedience phase (around crowds and alone). The protection phase tests the dog's courage, physical strength, and quickness. The handler's control for the dog is crucial. The exercises include a search of hiding positions, how the dog locates person who is hiding (they are acting as a threat), and guarding the decoy while the handler approaches. The dog is expected to chase the lure when a break out is attempted and to hold the clench firmly. If the lure attacks the handler, the dog is required to stop the attack with a firm grip with no wavering.
At the end of the testing is when the dog's courage is assessed. A person who is hiding (posing as a threat) is then told to come out of hiding by the trainer. When the handler tells the decoy to stop and they do not the dog is sent after them. The decoy then runs directly at the dog threatening the dog with a stick. It is important that when the dog makes a grip that they are firm and only released when the command is given or if the threat attempts to escape. The only other time the grip either should be released or lessened is if the threat stops fighting. The intention of the protection tests is to assure that the dog is neither afraid nor a criminal threat in a public location. It is important that the dog adheres to the commands given and does not attack unless a threat is imminent.
Individuals of every age range and life status can participate in the Schutzhund protection-training program. When a dog completes this program, they not only make wonderful working dogs for law enforcement they also make excellent protection dogs for families with small children or those who have disabilities. This course is excellent at determining the dogs that have the disposition to be protection dogs and weeding out those that do not have the appropriate temperament.
About The Author: Zahid N. Sindhu is a dog enthusiast who, after noticing the lack of an online resource for dog lovers in Pakistan, decided to launch http://www.dogs.pk The site features a comprehensive list of dog breeds, dog breeders, veterinarians and online classifieds. The site also has a forum where people meet to discuss their canine friends.
Article Source: http://www.articlestreet.com |
