Misconceptions of Personal Protection Dogs (PPDs)
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Last week we spoke about whether you should get a protection dog or not. We covered some liabilities, the training, and the breeds, among other things. If you haven’t read last week’s post, pause here and go give it a look over Should You Get a Protection Dog. Great, you're all caught up!
Let’s dive into the messiness of protection dogs and the misconceptions surrounding them. I’ve heard these particular statements multiple times in and around the idea of a protection dog: “I don’t want my dog to be mean to people,” and “I’d never be able to take them anywhere because they would be so reactive to everything!”
My personal favorite is always, “My dog will NATURALLY protect me! Why would I need that level of training?”
We very lightly touched on this last week but we can dive into more depth here.
So where do we start? How about the beginning, training?
The Foundation of Training a Personal Protection Dog
Training a personal protection dog (PPD) starts back when they’re puppies. Puppyhood is defined as a dog that hasn’t evolved into a full adult. They still display behaviors in line with a younger member of the species—mouthing, incessant barking, accidents in the house, lack of boundaries, etc.
This is where the beginning training is most crucial. We build confidence and drive as they grow into adult dogs. Puppies are more malleable than adults, so it’s easier to create habits than to break bad ones. We start with fundamentals like sit, down, and the building stages of bite work.
Tools like a bite pillow or flirt pole help build their desire for the object and engage in the hunt. Socialization is key too—exposing the puppy to new smells, sights, sounds, and people helps them work through emotions and stressors.
Training Through Stress and Socialization
Training through stress is one of the biggest challenges new PPD owners face, especially when it comes to puppies of working bloodlines. Social media has distorted perspectives on training these dogs. The flashy Instagram reels don’t show the full picture. You might see moments of success, but they don’t show failures or the long, grueling process it often takes to get there.
When you’re building a protection dog, stress must be introduced gradually, as the dog is being trained to protect you from real harm. New owners often think this kind of pressure is too much, but it’s essential to creating a well-rounded dog that can cuddle on the couch and then neutralize an intruder without hesitation.
The Myth of the "Naturally Protective" Dog
There’s a common misconception that dogs will naturally protect their owners without training. While there are rare cases of dogs stepping in to defend their owners instinctively, the vast majority of dogs will prioritize their own safety when faced with real danger. If a dog hasn’t been exposed to stressors and trained to respond, they’re more likely to flee than fight. Proper protection training ensures the dog understands its role and responsibilities, making it much more reliable in high-pressure situations.
Socialization and Public Outings with Your Personal Protection Dog
Taking your PPD out in public is an excellent way to keep them well-rounded. Places like Tractor Supply, Lowe’s, and Home Depot are great spots for socializing. If you have local places that allow dogs, bring them along!
For example, here near Willow St, Pa., we have Sickman’s Mill, where dogs can join in on a social outing. Keeping your dog exposed to different environments ensures they remain adaptable and well-behaved.
The Unique Nature of Personal Protection Dogs
Overall, protection dogs are unlike any other type of dog. They come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities, but the common trait among them is their willingness to protect their family through proper training.
They have the ability to regulate their emotions and respond to critical situations without hesitation. The idea that they’re mean or dangerous is misguided.
They’re well-mannered, socialized members of the family with an important job to do when called upon, and they’re willing to give up their lives for you.
Ready to Train Your Personal Protection Dog?
If you’re interested in owning and training a personal protection dog, the next step is to schedule a consultation. We can evaluate your needs and discuss a plan of action tailored to you and your future protection dog.
