Not to sound like an ass, but reading a lot of what is said about working dogs on a shooting forum is equivalent to reading about shooting on a working dog forum. I'm sure you can catch my drift. A lot of misleading advice and misconceptions. The thing the OP is 100% correct about is, most of the trainers in the working dog realm think their way is the highway and their dog's shit doesnt stink. The working dog world is right there under the horse trading industry. Its dirty and full of liars, cheaters, and charlatans. I would hate to be in the OPs shoes. Wanting/needing working dog services and not knowing what they dont know and more importantly, WHO they dont know. I'll hit some contacts up in AZ and see what I can help you with. Just know this.. Working dogs are a tool. But unlike most tools that you can throw into a box and only use it when you need it, this tool takes a huge part of your attention and a lot of your day and a lifetime of training. Can u imagine a hammer that you needed to shape and mold for 4-8 years? Doesnt sound appealing, does it? To be completely honest (most if not all trainers/brokers wouldnt dare admit this) the appearance of a threat to said burglars/assailants will suffice 90% of the time. Theres very very few instances and situations where a 1%er type dog is actually needed. I've been training dogs for quite a while and I've never been in a situation where I know that if I didnt have one, I'd be in trouble. I don't know the OPs situation so i wont make that judgment call. Only he knows that.
Bottom line.. 99% of the people that say they know their dogs will protect them or their homes, I'd put my truck title on that i would run their dog out of their own yard. That isnt a dig at them for their dog. It's a numbers game. Now... with that said, 99.99% of burglars arent working dog trainers and they dont have the confidence to test that nor do they have the knowledge to make a semi accurate judgement call on deciding whether said dog has the goods. Soooo... most big dogs with a loud scary bark will do the job. It scares them, alerts you, and said burglar remembers that about your residence. Burglars have self preservation. They dont want to get fucked up or leave DNA at a crime scene (their blood). Most wont test that. The OP and anyone else considering the LIFE of having a true protection dog need to seriously evaluate their lives, life style, and true needs before making that dive. If you're thinking that I'm trying to talk you out of a working dog, you're right. I am. If you honestly consider what I've said, and still feel the absolute necessity of a working dog, then u need to take the next steps. If u go straight to a trainer/broker their going to convince you that you DEFINITELY need one because well, you and your future dog are going to be a mortgage payment, kennel food bill, etc... I have nothing to gain or lose in helping you. I'm one of the few who are going to tell you the truth. Take some time, talk to your family, talk to your insurance co, evaluate your living situation and neighbors, etc. If you still feel confident in the need, let me know. I'll make some calls for you.
Bottom line.. 99% of the people that say they know their dogs will protect them or their homes, I'd put my truck title on that i would run their dog out of their own yard. That isnt a dig at them for their dog. It's a numbers game. Now... with that said, 99.99% of burglars arent working dog trainers and they dont have the confidence to test that nor do they have the knowledge to make a semi accurate judgement call on deciding whether said dog has the goods. Soooo... most big dogs with a loud scary bark will do the job. It scares them, alerts you, and said burglar remembers that about your residence. Burglars have self preservation. They dont want to get fucked up or leave DNA at a crime scene (their blood). Most wont test that. The OP and anyone else considering the LIFE of having a true protection dog need to seriously evaluate their lives, life style, and true needs before making that dive. If you're thinking that I'm trying to talk you out of a working dog, you're right. I am. If you honestly consider what I've said, and still feel the absolute necessity of a working dog, then u need to take the next steps. If u go straight to a trainer/broker their going to convince you that you DEFINITELY need one because well, you and your future dog are going to be a mortgage payment, kennel food bill, etc... I have nothing to gain or lose in helping you. I'm one of the few who are going to tell you the truth. Take some time, talk to your family, talk to your insurance co, evaluate your living situation and neighbors, etc. If you still feel confident in the need, let me know. I'll make some calls for you.
