Protection Dog Training

As mentioned, protection dogs require an elite level of training, but they must first be able to carry out a number of tests regarding their drive, their temperament and more – in order to proceed to their journey of becoming a protection dog. 

In many cases, dogs do not have what it takes to be a protection dog, but I can work closely with your dog to assess them across a number of categories, with a view to step into the protection dog world.

While it may be disappointing to find out your dog does not have what it takes for the protection dog world, it is vital to know this before sending them straight off to be trained as one, as this will only lead to further and greater disappointment.

It is in this train and board regime (or ongoing 1-2-1 sessions) where I will work with your dog to assess both their current level, and to draw out their potential. There are a number of areas that need to be covered – all revolving around basic dog obedience. If they can perfect the basics, they may have what it takes to reach the next level:

– Walking on the lead

– Sit

– Down

– Walking to heel

– Here

– Wait

– And more…

After your dogs stay, a decision will be made. If they don’t quite have what it takes, this is in no way an insult to your dog. As mentioned, most dogs do not have what it takes with only a very select few having the perfect traits.

Regardless, your dog will have had 3 weeks intense training, working on their basic obedience and there will without doubt be a noticeable difference in your dogs behaviour, obedience and habits. Even if being a protection dog is not for them, they’ll still experience a huge learning curve during their stay.

The initial assessment and training support for a protective dog would usually be no less than two hours. Followed by further dog training sessions lasting around 90 minutes.

How long does it take to train a dog to be protective, but manageable?

It varies according to each animal’s personality and inherent behaviours. The Essex Dog Trainer always provides an honest evaluation of the timescale needed to get the balance right with a guard dog.

Our effective one-to-one sessions to teach dogs protection skills are provided at our purpose-created dog training facilities in Chelmsford, Essex. However, if you prefer, we can come to your home or workplace to provide specialist guard dog training.

We also take dogs on a residential basis, for intensive protection training. This is ideal if are not local to Essex, and want your protection dog trained by the best.

The Essex Dog Trainer would be pleased to provide free advice on buying a dog for protection, and the best way to train them for their role. Then, you can book specialist 1-2-1 or residential training services for your animal.

As a general rule of thumb, the best dog breeds for protective purposes are larger and more confident ones, such as German Shepherd, Belgian Shepherd, Rottweiler, Doberman, Dutch Herder, American Bully and Giant Schnauzer.

Much depends on whether this is a guard dog for a workplace or a dog to protect a family home.

Either way, the aim will be to cover the defensive duties mentioned above (alertness, sounding the alarm, and challenging intruders). As well as general manageability.

For example, a dog for protection will need to know who is in charge of them and will need to respond to recall signals, and commands to lower their guard and sit. They may need to be able to attack on command, but also to act respectfully around family members or staff, for example.

Please note, as we are a company with a strong UK-wide reputation for training guard dogs, and dogs to protect homes, we do assess each animal we see carefully. If we feel your dog has ingrained personality traits that make it unsuitable for its role, we will always be 100% honest.