Protection dog

[tylerg_95]

I understand that Gsd need to be tested physically and mentally. Would being a protection dog fufill those needs. Also, my dog is only 45 lbs. Would this be too small. And since I have no experience would I still be able to sign up for classes. Thanks

[Catu]

Yes, it is. First than all because a true protection dog (not a dog that barks through the fence) needs lots of obedience and work on the owner part that sure is good stimulation physically and mentally for both on the team (the dog and the handler).

You can take your dog to be tested to know if she can be trained in protection work, regardless of her size. Nerves, drives, ability to withstand stress, etc. are more important than body weight, and will decide if she is capable of not. I can think of some Malinois who are around the 45-50 lbs and do excellent.

You have to be aware that to train a dog in protection is expensive and a commitment through all the life of the dog, not a class to pass and take the certificate home.

[Catu]

I really don't know how old are you, but just to add... People under-18 shouldn't train a dog in protection. To help as a family member, yes, but a protection trained dog needs an adult to be responsible of its training and handling.

[GSDluver4lyfe]

Originally Posted By: LicanAntaiI really don't know how old are you, but just to add... People under-18 shouldn't train a dog in protection. To help as a family member, yes, but a protection trained dog needs an adult to be responsible of its training and handling.

I'm sorry but I take offense to that. 18 is nothing more than a number, its not like you go to sleep the night before you b-day as a 17 year old wake up to have a personal awakening and suddenly become responsible. You either are or your not. Some 40 year olds shouldnt have PPD's either. There really cant be a set age for what it appropriate. So long as said person FULLY understands the responsibilities and is physically and mentally capable to understand what they are doing (and have the right reasons for personal protection training, not just to show off how "cool" or macho they are)

Most kids act really stupid and immature, I wont argue (the reason I HATED high school, most acted like wild animals) , but there are alot more responsible "kids" out there then people want to believe. I fear the fully grown egotistical nutcases that want to prove his (or her) dogs are so tough, nothing can touch them, invicible types.

[Catu]

There are many 14 y/o kids who are more responsible than some 40 years old guys to drive a car, yet they should not have licenses.

[windwalker718]

Is there a recognized title for PPD's?? If so what official body recognizes it? AKC (laughing), SV, USV etc...

I ask as I hope to title Ike in obedience and to do PPD training, though may not go all the way to schutzhund. (Finances, distance and physical problems may not allow me to go that far)

[GSDluver4lyfe]

Of course not, its against the law . Age restrictions serve nothing more than convenience. Its alot easier to average most maturity levels at certain ages and throw everyone under that blanket statement.

We are talking about dogs here, not weapons of mass destruction. Sure protection dogs need more work and maintenance training, but its not THAT complex to where age restrictions are necessary. So long as you have a good dog and a good trainer/teacher/mentor, you being 18+ shouldnt really matter.

[ahlamarana]

The age of the handler would matter for the legalities in a dog bite case, though.

[GSDluver4lyfe]

A underage person cannot own a dog (doesnt mean they cant be the primary caretaker). My dogs before I turned 18 were technically my mother's dogs in a legal sense. But they were my dogs, in the sense of training, feeding vet care ect.

Regardless, 18 is not a magic number. How is a 16 year old that shows interest in PP training, does the proper research and finds a great PP trainer any different from a 30 year old doing the same thing? In fact it would have made me more careful being underage knowing my mother would be held responsible for any damages. But thats just me.

If the PPD is such a nuisance and everyone around it is in danger, well then it shouldnt be doing PP work.

[Liesje]

Tyler, your best bet would be to find a really good, reputable club that does the type of training you are interested in. Many clubs will want you to attend, without a dog, before you decide to commit or they decide to take you on as a member. Then they can evaluate your dog, or help you find a suitable dog, if this is something that really interest you. Would you be interested in Schutzhund? I ask because there are many Schutzhund clubs but far fewer clubs that do personal protection or other protection sports. If you do not need a real PPD and are simply interested as something to do with your dog, to challenge you and your dog, Schutzhund is something to look into. Yes, you can train and compete with a mixed dog of any size.

As for age, I think that would depend on the parents and the rules of the club. Here is a 12 year old doing a SchH2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXsvVmz9bQQ