This is a fun video

[Castlemaid]

If I remember right Ghostwolf was asking at what point in the training is the dog switched from playing in prey to actually being pressured for defense.

I'm not sure if I can answer that question - I'm still learning what Schutzhund is about, still learning what the helper does to train and develop a dog, and still learning about reading my dog when under stress. What I know is that it was an EXTREMELY gradual process, with just tiny bits of more pressure and threat brought forward, with the helper acting (overacting LOL) being scared and intimidated in order to build confidence.

[Chris Wild]

Originally Posted By: CastlemaidIf I remember right Ghostwolf was asking at what point in the training is the dog switched from playing in prey to actually being pressured for defense.

The simple answer: when the dog is ready for it.

There is no magic age, as it depends on the dog's temperament, nerve, and his development through other the other stages of learning in protection work.

Some dogs are ready for some defensive pressure relatively young, others not until full maturity. Likewise, some can only handle a little bit and never more than that, others can handle quite a lot, and some can never handle much at all, regardless of age. Each dog also has a different idea of what constitutes "defensive pressure". For one dog, it may be the helper just acting a bit suspicious or making eye contact, for others it might take a full frontal attack for the dog to feel pressured. It's completely up to the individual dog, and that's why having a good helper who can read the dog well, put on pressure when called for and, most importantly, relieve that pressure in the right manner when the dog responds properly, is so important.