Category: Working Dogs

Competition Dogs versus Protection Dogs

Posted by Dog Trainer College

A common question we hear is…what is the difference between a competition dog/trainer and a real-world protection dog/trainer?  We’ll try – in the short span of this brief article –to answer the highlights. First, competition work is very structured and predictable.  The decoy must make the same movements in order to be fair to all… Read more »

Get on the Trail of Scent Detection Dog Training

Posted by Dog Trainer College

With their fantastic sense of smell, dogs can be valuable tools for law enforcement in sniffing out illegal substances, bodies, missing persons and even explosives. Plus, they make pretty great partners for the men and women of the force, too! These dogs, like officers, are only as good as the people who train them. Without… Read more »

Four Realistic Thoughts about Protection Dogs

Posted by Dog Trainer College

Let’s take a realistic look at owning and/or handling a personal protection dog.  Your expectations for this kind of dog should be different than the expectations you have for a pet dog.  If you can’t get past this thought pattern, you will need to hit the re-set button in your mind.  Pets and working dogs… Read more »

A Real German Shepherd Dog

Posted by Dog Trainer College

There are many creatures out there that look like a German Shepherd dog, have a certificate and pedigree that says it’s a German Shepherd Dog, but are disgusting excuses for the real thing. The most important aspect of a German Shepherd is his/her temperament.  Color and pedigree are secondary!  (Never pick a GSD because “he’s… Read more »

Responsible Dog Breeders

Posted by Dog Trainer College

Dog breeders can make a world of difference!  Both responsible dog breeders and puppy mills will influence the final product of the pet:  either good or bad. Dog breeders shouldn’t be breeding for money!  The love of money will convince a breeder to let things “slide,” either in the selection of the breeding stock, the… Read more »

A Protection Dog is an Investment

Posted by Dog Trainer College

Most items that are high dollar are considered investments.  This could include a house, car, boat, education, etc.  The same can be said of protection dogs.  Now, these dogs need not cost what most of the above items would (however there are some sellers out there charging astronomical prices). A personal protection dog is an… Read more »

Commitment to Service Dogs

Posted by Dog Trainer College

Some of the most committed dog people in the world are service dog owners.  These disabled people develop a strong bond with their dog/s.  Each is depending upon the other to meet particular needs. This little article deals particularly with those who are considering getting a service dog. Do you like dogs?  If not, better… Read more »

When Does Protection Training Begin?

Posted by Dog Trainer College

You want a protection dog, right?  So when should training begin:  8 weeks, 8 months or ???  It’s a common question. Simply, training should begin before the pup is even born.  Yes, I know, a trick answer.  But truly, if you want a solid protector, your dog’s parents should have the character traits you desire… Read more »

Pets as Working Dogs

Posted by Dog Trainer College

Many people have come to us across the years saying something like, “I have this smart family pet (GSD, Mal, Lab, etc) that I’d like to have trained as a working dog (protector, drug dog, therapy dog, etc).” Red flags are already flying!  Right away, we recognize that this person has limited knowledge of working… Read more »

Choosing a dog: a look at pedigrees.

Posted by Dog Trainer College

Selecting a dog can be a big task for some.  This article looks at the subject from the pedigree side of things.  Are pedigrees important?  What should I look for? Use a dog’s pedigree as a tool.  Keep in mind that a pedigree is not a guarantee that your dog will perform like its predecessors. … Read more »