Schutzhund training

[Gio]

I would NOT do this on your own or even consider it. The ring sports are a huge undertaking. Schutzhund training is rather demanding, and it goes beyond the OB and bite work. You will get involved in tracking as well if you are planning to compete. It is very involved but can be fun if you have the time.

I have been involved in training for 16 years and have competed in Personal Protection (P/P) trials, PSA trials which I was able to title my first Presa Canario, and French Ring.

Obedience (OB) is ALWAYS the first area to train, and without control of a dog you have no business doing bite work.

Even with full OB a bad trainer can ruin a dog with too much pressure, or working the wrong drives.

You also need to realize that doing a ring sport is not an automatic guarantee that your dog will protect you at home. Shutzhund is a routine and I've seen dogs run off a PSA field when over pressured.

A good decoy will switch gears and give the dog an easy bite, which basically makes the exercise a zero in PSA, but the dog doesn't get ruined by pressure.

It's a very fine line with some dogs. So decide what you are looking for. A home protection dog is much different than a "sport dog". The sports are more involved and precise. A French Ring III dog is incredible to watch and you can switch from sports to home protection easier than home protection to sport.

You most certainly can send your dog to be trained by a reputable trainer and there are many around. You need to develop a relationship first, and be prepared to follow through on your end with continued training after the groundwork is put down. 50% of dog training is PEOPLE training. A bad handler can blow a competition as easily as a dog can. So while you may have to send your dog in, it is best to be involved from the start. That is not the same as doing it yourself though, you will need the help of a good decoy/trainer or both depending on the options you have.

Insurance companies are ignorant and have no clue that a properly trained protection dog is far more reliable and secure than the average dog left in the front yard of a home.

Well trained dogs are confident and secure. They know a threat VS a non threat and don't bite out of fear. It is proven, and I can prove it still with the dogs I have now.

I could go on forever on this subject but don't have the time.

This is my first Presa doing a courage test a Red Star Kennel. This dog was bomb proof with evrey family member including two very young children and with invited guests in the home.

Though the test looks harsh, it is something a dog without the right nerves would bail out on. Our pit bull that we owned during the same period of time was not suited for this. She was an obedience titled dog, but never took to bite work.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsaSSAGJIXE


This is our second presa that would have been an excellent trial dog. Because of kids and multiple activities we have not been able to dedicate enough time to competing with him. That is something to keep in mind. DO YOU HAVE THE TIME?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1Tmj4w9Dyo

If you do have the time, it is a very rewarding hobby! But it is still one to take seriously. IF you have a dog that is suited for this stuff I suggest you go through the motions and get some OB titles on your dog. If AKC still offers a K-9 Good Citizen title, it's something insurance companies may like to see.

You also have no obligation telling any insurance company you are competing unless they ask you.

Treat your dog properly. If you have young kids over, crate the animal. Have a secure, fenced yard and don't do anything questionable with your dog outside of the training field or at trials.