Your Opinion - Page 2

there are plenty of dogs that actively bark and look like crap....for whatever reason. If you're trying to hide something, no matter what, it is only going to show up later.....

I think the Silent Guard is fine for the right reason...I personally like to see a dog be active and to Bark while Holding the Helper...Don't think there's anything nicer to see a dog to "Out" and to be active and "Bark"...but there are some dogs...of which I've had a few...that just can't control the Bark while Holding the helper...They want to jump around...bounce around and just can't settle in...and for some reason it's related to the Bark...So by getting the dog to NOT Bark...It settle's the dog into a nice rhythm...So I think the "Silent Guard" IS the right thing to teach and use...But I don't like seeing it used for every dog...I think the "Bark" should be tried first and if it doesn't work then fine...Try something else...

~Bob~

A few different thoughts on whether people prefer a Dog to Bark or remain Silent. Well one thing is that a judge will not mark a dog down for being silent, unless of course it is not intense enough or it diverts his hold on the Helper at any time; Same thing for the Dog that Holds and Barks; If it moves around it is points lost it it looks around points lost, So it is 6 of one and 6 of the other regards Silent over Bark.
My Dog is Silent, Now she never used to be but when she runs the blinds and  Guards and Bark starts she just sits and her front legs move up and down with the Bark and it is very strong bark for a female; Then on to the escape after releasing the Sleeve she remains totally fixed on the Helper, sitting and her front legs straighten up as if she is trying to make herself bigger  and her focus never drifts from the helper not even if you do a dance behind her nothing takes her focus off for a second.  as i said she used to sit and Bark strongly then one day she did not bark. we normally have around 3 or 4 guys on the field when a dog is working? So the next session she barked after the blinds but did not bark again whist guarding. one suggested to put a line on her and wind her up. another said NO, let her go on as she is, he said the dog knows best what it wants so since then the silent guard has been we hope perfected. I just wanted to here what others thought i will say one thing when she is given to chance to re engage with the Helper the Bite is instant and very powerful
Steve1

IME, some high drive, especially high prey drive dogs do not bark when directly in front of the helper.   They are locked on and focused on the decoy and are ready to bite.   Most strong, serious dogs do not bark before they bite, they are silent.  In the blind the dog is encouraged to bark and often rewarded for strong barking with a bite.  In the escape the dog is taught and expected to be quiet and in control before the bite.  The dog quickly learns that silence brings reward.   The dog also quickly learns that the re attack is coming after the out.  Some dogs are trained or naturally bark after the out.   Some strong dogs are silent and guard with intensity waiting for the slightest movement to strike.  Like a sprinter in the starting blocks at the Olympics, every muscle tense, coiled, ready to explode when the gun goes off.  Many strong dogs are jut like this, silent, focused and ready to go.  Many high drive, high prey dogs are like this.   It is not a bad thing, it is how the dog is.   I like it.  My dog is exactly how Steve describes his dog.  

Now, I have used the bad "P" word of high Prey.   Prey is essential and if you think you can stand in front of my high prey drive dog and slip the sleeve after the escape bite, by all means do it.   It won't hurt me a bit, he has proven many times that he will bite your bare arm the same way he crushes a sleeve.   He will be very silent before he does it though.  Don't ever think all high prey drive dogs lack defense, some have just as much.  

Steve, if your dog is silent I'd leave her that way.   As long as she is strong, intense and focused.

Jim

steve1, based on your description, i'd say your dog is showing growth, confidence, and maturity and if she's developed into a silent guard with 'the' stare and intensity, you ought to consider yourself blessed, or, depending on you nomination, very lucky. one of the most amazing, beautiful, and distinguishing attributes of a gsd is his/her mind and ability to grow. i believe in giving the dog the extra degrees of freedom along the way to grow, to make decisions, and to surprise me. imo, this is the primary attribute that makes the difference between a good and a great dog, on and off the field. it sounds to me that you have enough knowledge, skill, and conviction to let her contribute to take you both to the next level. you may be in for a heck of a ride. enjoy.

I prefer active dogs but I also prefer dogs that are not exactly the super high prey, extreme sport type.  I would force a dog with a nice silent guard to active guard though.

I prefer active dogs but I also prefer dogs that are not exactly the super high prey, extreme sport type.  I would force a dog with a nice silent guard to active guard though.

Why?  High prey does not always mean extreme sport type.  I am curious about your opinion, only because I respect it.  

Yes, She has been left to do excatly wants she wants but of course we have helped her to improve, It really looks good and the spectators are just as tensed up waiting for her to attack when given the chance. One thing is certain there is never a training session with her that the comments like Crazy Bitch or such does not come out of some peoples mouths they love to see her work; But then a Dog who Barks and Holds the right way is just as nice to watch, Me i love all of it
Steve1

I was interested to see your post Judron, my husbands Javir daughter does the most intense silent guard, must be a family trait..

Margaret N-J

Kaffirdog
Gina is also a Daughter of Javir, So it may be a family trait, but then Javier himself used to Bark and Guard and he would be at the level of the Helpers face at times
Steve1