Protection work

[shay19]

So after hanging out with Ryan and his friend Danny, I saw protection training first hand. Danny is a very good trainer and trained his own dog for it..

Anyway I wanted some input on it, I think Aida would be great at it, but frankly I feel like it feeds the negative image they already have so I wouldn't even think twice about starting her out on it.

Bruiser on the other hand I think would excel at it, I mean he has a LOT to learn still before I'd try it with him cause he has selective hearing at times and he cannot do that if he's going to do protection.

The only reason I've been considering it is because my dad recently got released from prison and he's already tried to kill my mom and step dad, if he found out where I live or move to then he may possibly try to do the same to me... I'd like to have something I can rely on for that extra security if that makes sense.. I don't like guns so that's not an option but I also love my dogs to death and don't want to get Bruiser into something that could potentially be very bad for him either..

Input guys??

[RealPitBull]

I don't believe in doing bitework with these dogs, period. Diane Jessup has lots of info on her website about bitesport - she is a fan of sport but NOT protection training for this breed.

Sport training mainly involves working dogs in PREY DRIVE. Protection training mainly involves working dogs in DEFENSE DRIVE. Essentially the former is a game, and the latter is a serious job implying actual threat to the dog. (I'm really simplifying here...)

Any sort of bitework done improperly has the serious possibility of completely messing your dog up. And there are a LOT of really bad trainers out there.

My advice - be extremely cautious, research a lot, consider doing sport training, NOT protection work. Realize that Pit Bulls are not meant to be protection dogs, and the breeds bred to do such work have pretty much the complete opposite temperaments APBTs do.

[Dave]

I agree with Mary. You can do it with these dogs, althought like Mary said other breeds are practically born to it, but once they are protection trained, I feel they are a big liability for someone who's not on their toes all the time. You'd be better off enrolling yourself in a self-defense class. JMHO.

[RealPitBull]

I wanted to add that I am NOT opposed to the bite sports or protection training in general (actually for a long time I was extremely interested in this sort of training but never actually ended up getting a dog suited to the work). It's just that it's not something to take lightly and especially with protection training, you are actually turning your dog into a liability.

[loverocksalot]

Get a Shot Gun and a pistol permit. That's what I done cause I am not relying on my dog. Forget self defense. Us woman most likely cant defend our self against a big man. But techniques, that is a different story which I would not share here. But I have a plan. especially if my gun is not in reach. Learned it in Shorei Kan Karate. Sensei said when taught self defense it gives women false sense of security you have to out smart them and use other methods. As for the Bite work and Protection with dogs. I would not do it.

[emilys]

protection is only appropriate for pit bulls when it's a GAME to them.. in the sport, the dogs only attack the sleeve. It's only in real K9 work that dogs grab the suspect. Most family dogs will act protectively against a genuine threat.. but if your dad is dangerous to you, he'd be just as likely to be dangerous to your dog (as in, if he has a gun, he wouldn't hesitate to shoot your dog)

Ask at your police or women center about self-protection classes and what other methods you can use to protect yourself (security devices for your house are a better investment than bite work). If you have any hesitation about guns, DONT get one. Anyone who buys a gun for protection must be mentally prepared, and trained, to actually use it. Otherwise, the threatening person just takes it from you and uses it against you.

[adoptapitbull]

And if you shoot someone, you better empty your chamber because apparently in some states, it's not self defense unless the chamber is empty. Heard this from a sheriff's daughter.

But in response to this thread, I definitely don't think it's a good idea. This is a big accident waiting to happen that may end up in someone getting hurt and your dog getting destroyed. Not worth the risk!

[maryellen]

maybe you are better off changing your name completely and moving.
if he already tried to kill your mom are the police now looking for him?

dogs that do protection work must be 10000000% stable with the right temperment.