Can american line be trained for protection? - Page 2

 An Am line dog may be able to do it, not any of the ones we've had through here, but I'm sure they exist. Exception not the rule I would think. If you already have one, and want to find a good trainer and try it, then go for it. If you are looking for a pup and have that in mind, then you are probably setting yourself up for disappointment. It would be like buying a Prius and attempting to tow a boat with it. It's not what it was made for and will probably frustrate the heck out of you trying to get it done.
Just sayin,
Annette

I have an Am. line GSD. Her father is very confident dog but not a showline dog. He came from more rural areas so has great traits. But her mother is out of top showline dogs (not exactly a fan) and can be soft. My dog has lots of drive and is not fearful but I wonder how she would respond to sch. or mondio ring. But like someone else said I am into my dog and want to try HER at a dog sport. Not so much wanting to trial a sport then purchase a dog to accomodate that. I am just interested in what she can and can not do and how she will respond. I think she would be more suited for herding than proteciion or a true dog sport.
Reggie

Gemini hit the nail on the head, in my opinion.  Can a dog from generations of AKC show champions be trained for protection?  Even in my experience, I'd say, not very likely.  My GSD Prince was from one quarter German lines, three quarter German lines, and though he was an excellent watchdog, he was not all that confident, and would not have been worth anything in protection.  He wouldn't fight to defend himself against an attack, and there's no way he would have defended me.

But a dog that didn't come from generations of show dogs, a dog that actually came from a place that trained their dogs for work, herding, protection, etc., just might.  All German Shepherd dogs are from the same country, Germany, and if they haven't been bred away from the work to parade around the show ring, they could still have what it takes to do a job.  It might not be likely, but it could happen.

Just my opinion.

Crys

I've got a 5 year old female that will flat eat you up if necessary. She was trained for personal protection. It depends upon the dog.

I for one,,,am frightened

Alaman, is she Am.? And you are totally correct it depends on the dog but also on the handler/owner/trainer. I think if my dog had that cabability the upbringing that I did at an early age may have side tracked that. She has alot of drive and a guy that wanted to dog sports wanted to purchase her but he wanted to wait and I came back to purchase her. At the time I thought she might grow into a dog with aggresion issue and may have tried to be the boss too much. The breeder told me she was the most hyper, and aggressive. She is actually far from aggressive. But she had true dog qualities that not alot of her litter mates had and I think they misread her.
Reggie

Quote:  Elkoorr,  You have just defined a fear biter, put some pressure on that dog and it will be gone.


Fellofher, may be I did. However, since I do know this dog, its not just that cut dry and simple. He has brought a lot of confidence into his work and had a blast while doing so. But he is like a child with ADHD, and I am not denying that he has a temperament fault.

I suppose this is like asking if you can drive a golf cart on a highway...

Errr, you can....  I am sure there's some American GSDs out there that are good at personal protection, so the answer is yes, I have seen some doing PP work, I haven't seen any doing sports but I'm sure they're out there somewhere.

Phil, that is a very rude remark you make. What is the purpose of it. You seem to have a lot of knowledge in the training of GSD. Can't you share that knowledge in a positive way.

JMO,
Rick Atchley