Home Protection Trainer??? - Page 1

Hi all - I'm new to the site and was wondering if anyone might be able to help me in my predicament. I am a certified trainer myself but specialize in pet dogs and problem behavioral issues. I have worked some dogs in Schutzhund but that sport is something that is more my father, uncle, and grandpa's thing (it's a guy thing in this family I guess) and I haven't done it in YEARS. I know that I am NO EXPERT in the area of Schutzhund area. I was recently given a 2 yr old female GSD (I had a client come into an unfortunate financial situation), named Elsa, and she needs WORK! I can do obedience and basic issues, but I can see that Elsa needs some serious confidence work, and as my father noted I could use a protection dog for the house I have recently moved in to (far from my family). The problem I find myself in is I know I cannot due Elsa's training by myself, and I have lots to learn still, but I don't know where to go. I am new to the area and about 150 mi from home. I would love to know if you know anyone in the Rockford, IL and surrounding areas that could show me how to work my dog in confidence first and work my way up to home protection. I don't want to do Schutzhund sport, I want a protection dog, but please note I don't want a hitman, I simply need a body guard. (and yes unfortunately with recent neighborhood events I do actually NEED a bodyguard!) If anyone has any suggestions of where I could go I would love to hear them! Thanks!

Sent you a p.m.

    I personally would not suggest protection or sch training with a dog that is not confident IMO

i agree with gsdnewbie if she is not a strong nerve dog with good courage i dont think it would be smart to protection train her just work on boosting her confidence for what you are asking for if you really want a serious protection dog id start over and get another dog.

Elsa,
I can think of some options that you can do.

A. Although you do not want to do Schutzhund work... The basic protection work that the helpers do is to build up the dogs confidence level before they start working the dog on the protection pattern (Bark in the blinds,etc). You might want to search for a local schutzhund club nearby (unless if your family members are experienced helpers themselves), and let them know that you are there to help boost up your dogs confidence drive, and that you are wanting to do some protection work with your animal.

B. Find a local PSA (protection Sports Association) nearby and get your dog evaluated to see if she can pass for the sport. They will test out your dogs nerves and everything else.

Personal protection dogs must require steel nerves and a lot of confidence.

If your neighborhood is that bad that you need a bodyguard then why don't you just move? Or better yet get yourself a gun, and take some lessons on how to use the gun.

moving isnt often an option and a lot of people are afraid of guns if a person targetting them senses it he will take the gun from them either steal them or beat them with it or use it agaisnt them

what about a taser? while u walk ur dog have one handy a smal one

What is the dog doing that implies it needs more confidence?
Is a good deterrent not enough?  If she puts on a good show, maybe that is all you need?

BTW, a schutzhund club usually has people in it that do some PP too.  It would be the best place to start to get your dog evaluated, to see what you have, and what you need. :)
All the best!

The gun would be a good option for in the house, BUT seeing how she lives in the Communist Republik of Illinois.... concealed carry is a felony.  I also live in Illinois.  I got the guns, got the dogs... just cant take the guns with me.  So the dog it is!

destiny4u, I don't like the idea of using a taser because it mysteriously won't work for certain people, especially those who are high on PCP.

A lot of people are afraid of guns because they probably don't know how to use it. Taking lessions on proper gun usage, with a lot of shooting time will decrease the stress and anxiety of using it. 

Theirs no way that the suspect can take the gun away from you if you put the hand that is holding the gun to your waist instead of sticking your arm straight out.

BMartin, I don't know the laws in Illinois but don't they have a concealed weapon license that you can get? I believe that follows in on Amendment 2 - Right to Bear Arms. In Florida all you got to do is take a few classes then the instructor signs your application, and then you submit it to tallahassee with a $150 (I think) fee.

Brittany,

Concealed carry is ILLEGAL in IL.  No license is even available.  I agree completely that it is a violation of our 2nd Amendment rights and I am very outspoken about it.  Rather that getting into a political discussion (because thats basically what it is) in this thread, perhaps another thread could get started in Off Topic to discuss it.