Bite Work Training Sequence for Working Line German Shepherds
Understanding the sequence of training in bite-work can be particularly challenging— especially for new working line German Shepherds trainers. To explain this perspective, let me give two examples of practices you should likely avoid.
A new dog owner shares how his Schutzhund club advised the new working line German Shepherd dog owner to not start defensive training until the dog was mature. Further, a similar statement was recently shared. A prominent working line German Shepherd trainer recently outlined a method involving the use of a fence between the helper and the dog to mitigate the dog’s perceived threat level. I am not the only one to write on this subject. Other trainers have seen this error and have responded similarly. Getting the sequence of training right and off to the right foot will pay dividends in spades for the serious working line German Shepherd enthusiast.
What is Our Purpose in Owning a Protection Trained Working Line German Shepherds
Vonsider the ultimate goal in owning a protection dog—an animal with a solid temperament, strong nerves, and a reliable grip. We seek a dog that can safeguard our family without posing a threat to those around it. A great protection dog will have a good off switch, meaning when it is time to hang out with the family, the dog is relaxed and well-mannered. The dog is not a threat to the family. Achieving this ideal does not stem from commencing training with protection training!
Comparing the act of waiting for a young dog to mature before starting defense training to teaching a child how to ride a bicycle illustrates the absurdity of such an approach. Imagine expecting a teenager to drive a formula one race car before he or she has ever learned to drive a regular car. Yet, this is precisely what advocates of accelerated defense training carry out. Getting the cart before the horse, these trainers start training their dogs for defense before introducing prey work.
Young dogs must first acquire the biting skills through prey training before applying them in a human context. These foundational skills in prey training are essential for the dog to feel confident and comfortable in its protective work, fostering the necessary confidence. It is essential the dog learn unquestioning obedience before moving on to bite sleeve work. The dog must be willing to bit— and let go— with no hesitation. All this must be achieved before introducing working line German Shepherds to the more serious training of defensive protection work.
The initial stages of defense training are inherently uncomfortable for any dog, especially for young ones. Exposing a dog with weak nerves to defense work without prior skill development can lead to avoidance behaviors, potentially causing undue stress.
This rushed approach often seen in inexperienced trainers can lead to more harm than good. Instead of hasty defense training, a thoughtful evaluation of the dog’s nerves and drives is essential. Understanding the various types of dog temperaments is crucial, ranging from good nerves and strong prey drive to weak nerves and intimidating defense thresholds, each requiring a tailored training approach grounded in prey.
German Shepherd Dogs with good nerves and strong prey drive may need to transition into defensive training at an earlier age than defensive dogs. All dogs, regardless of temperament, must have a solid foundation in prey training. By intertwining light defense work into their training regimen when they are younger, strong-nerved dogs can avoid developing a resistance to transitioning from prey to defense.
The types of herding dogs like Pitt Bulls and Maremma Sheepdogs have often sparked debate among protection dog forum members. Owners argue that due to their aggressiveness towards predators, these dogs must have defense. Arguably, this is not true. These dogs do not exhibit defense behavior in protection training but rather kill predators motivated by prey drive. This confusion between prey and defense is common and highlights the importance of a discerning eye in dog training.
Planning For Success in Protective Bite Work Training of Working Line German Shepherds
Trainers who immerse their dogs exclusively in prey training risk creating dogs overly fixed on prey. Such a tactic tends to produce nervy, fearful dogs. While such dogs may possess sound temperaments and good nerves, becoming locked in prey can hinder their adaptability in diverse scenarios.
Furthermore, different training methodologies cater to the diverse goals and temperaments of dogs, whether it is for guard dogs, Schutzhund dogs, or police service dogs. Each dog’s unique traits should guide the training program towards cultivating a balanced temperament and requisite skills for their designated roles.
Ultimately, setting a solid foundation in prey drive is crucial to achieving advanced training levels, as seen in services like the French Ring sport. The evolving methodologies in dog training reflect the need to adapt training techniques to suit each dog’s temperament and goals effectively.
At Czech Working Line, we strenuously advocate training strategies should be rooted in understanding how protection dogs are wired. Coming to a better understanding of what makes working line German Shepherds tick will help avoid rushed defense training in favor of a structured approach grounded in prey work. Each dog’s path to becoming a successful protection dog is unique, requiring careful consideration and tailored training methods to bring out their best potential.
