Amstaff Training

There are two major reasons you might want your dog to receive attack dog training: for protection or for competition. If you want to train your dog for protection, you'll need to find a good trainer to work one-on-one with you and your dog. Be warned: not all dogs are capable of being good protection dogs. If you don't already have a dog, it is better to investigate your attack dog training options first. If a suitable facility can't be found in your area, you might want to consider investing in a dog that has already been given attack dog training.

1. One of the best sources for attack dog training would be a local schutzhund club. Schutzhund, which is German for "protection dog," is an international competition where dogs compete by completing various levels of obedience, protection and tracking courses. Although schutzhund is most commonly done with German Shepherds, it is open to almost any breed. Even if your dog is not able to compete, most clubs offer informal training get-togethers that you will be able to participate in. You can find your local Schutzhund club by contacting United Schutzhund Clubs of America.
2. Check out the yellow pages under "dog training" or "pet training." Even if the facility doesn't offer attack dog training, they might be familiar of another place that does.
3. Contact a dog breeder in your area. Breeders that raise Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Belgian Malinois, and Bouvier des Flandres will be your best bet because these breeds are the most commonly used in attack dog training.
4. Check with your local veterinarian, humane societies, and the ASPCA.
5. Ask your local police K-9 unit for their recommendations on attack dog training.

It is advisable to check with several of these sources and ask for referrals before investing in any type of training. Before spending your money, be sure to appraise the services and the trainer, observe classes, and ask questions. The trainer should be willing to evaluate your dog for free to ensure that it has the proper temperament for protection and attack dog training and should:

have an excellent reputation.

have experience and extensive behavioral knowledge.

be affiliated with reputable associations, organizations, and training clubs.

provide references-either from past or current customers.

have a genuine love of and concern for dogs.

have good teaching and communication skills.

have a sense of humor.

Finally, don't take attack dog training so seriously that you forget to have fun.
It is important that you enjoy yourself and that your dog enjoy the attack dog training, too.

By Darcy Logan

American Staffordshire Terrier