All about Attack Dog Training
If dogs are generally trained not to bite people, there are dogs that are trained precisely to attack. These are the attack dogs. On command, they would jump and attack people or anything their master would tell them to. These are usually dogs that you’d associate with police work.
What is an Attack Dog?
An attack dog bites or attacks only when commanded to do so. He would also stop his attack on command. This is why an attack dog is a great help for police and other legal enforcement agencies. These are dogs that have undergone a special training called attack dog training.
Unfortunately, you’d find dogs that are trained to attack at command but not to cease attack at command. These are dangerous dogs that went through irresponsible training.
Attack dogs are not dangerous. They can socialize and have great obedience response. They do not attack people randomly unless they perceive their owner is at threat. Attack dogs are only dangerous if they are trained improperly. They become vicious and dangerous.
Training an Attack Dog
In attack dog training, the trainer would take into consideration the physical and psychological features and capabilities of the dog. The dog’s handler will be able to predict the dog’s response to any stimuli. He’d know how to avoid risky situations. The trainer would choose the attack commands carefully. The dog would have to undergo long and tedious obedience training before he could undergo the attack dog training.
Do not misinterpret guard dogs as attack dogs. They are not the same; although, attack dogs could also act as guard dogs. Guard dogs do not attack people. They merely inform their master or owner of a presence of a stranger. You can use small breed dogs as guard dogs.
If you would like to train your dog, it is very important that you first train yourself. A well-trained dog is not dangerous if the handler or trainer knows what he’s doing. Look into enrolling or joining canine training clubs.
Is Attack Dog Training Necessary?
It might not be necessary but it would be great if you have a guard dog and an attack dog at the same time. Some people may argue that attack dogs cannot compete with a bullet. However, there are situations where your attack dog can be quite useful. The drawback to attack dog training is that it might backfire on you. You cannot totally control your dog because there are things that would be out of your control. For instance, your dog is not immune to stress. This could trigger your dog to become vicious; and you’d end up with a "trained" vicious animal.
Finding Attack Dog Training
The two major reasons why people consider attack dog training for their dog are protection and competition. If you want to train your dog, you need to find a good trainer who knows how to read your dog well. Not all dogs are ideal for this kind of training. In order to find attack dog training, you can try your local schutzhund club. You could also try the yellow pages or a dog breeder. Check with your dog’s veterinarian as well. You could also inquire from your local police K-9 unit.
Have a great “dog training” day,
Dr. Alfonso
