Here we go again. This week national newspapers all carry the story of Premier footballer Andy Carroll's acquisition of two Cane Corso protection dogs following his recent attack at gunpoint.
Like Pit Bulls and Rottweilers before them these poor dogs, who allegedly bite on command, will now become the dog of choice for every wannabe gangsta in the UK.
Trust me unless you are professional dog handler working for the police or armed services so-called protection dogs are a serious liability. I worked with one of these dogs, also acquired by a 'celebrity,' and the bewildered dog had no idea who was in charge and who was an intruder. The dog may have had months of training but the owner had none. Within days the dog became a confused self-employed time bomb.
Think about it for a moment. How are these dogs going to know precisely who to attack? I know how it's supposed to work but I'm not 100 percent sure I could guarantee the outcome. An amateur has no chance at all and is as much likely to be bitten by his own dog as anyone else.
Most of the victims of the horrific attacks we read about in the tabloids are family members.
It takes leadership, experience and great skill to handle these dogs why take the risk? The consequence of an attack on an innocent victim is devastating. Your dog isn't going to know the difference between an intruder and a stranger and it's asking to much to expect he will. Consider the logic of it and you will see just how absurd it is to think he would.
If you have a security issue buy yourself a top-notch alarm system. Leave protection dogs to the police.
For more training tips go to my website.
Comments
Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.
We took months to research and had several meetings with a K9 protection company to make the decision to home our dogs and we thankfully worked with a reputable company.
They worked with us to understand our environment and they told us which dog suited our "situation".
They then gave the chosen dogs further specific training to suit our lifestyle for example trained to be sensible around horse and cattle and to be cat "friendly".
The dogs are presented as first an animal then dog then family pet then protection dog. They are NOT security (guard) dogs and there is an important difference between a protection dog and a security (guard) dog in their training, "home" environment and purchase price.
Our dogs trained from 12 weeks to 2 years. They are as (very) obedient as any dog should be, house trained and then "bite" trained and, we as owners are trained to be pack leaders and consistent.
We were spoken to by ex police dog handlers in the specific law around when to and not to use these dogs as a LAST defence. We have refresher training with the dogs 1 day every 6 weeks and this continues for 3 years.
When out in public they behave like any normal obidient family pet.
We are responsible for ensuring they are not stroked by strangers (because it's sensible) and they are on the leash when other dogs are present because EVERY dog is one dog fight away from being dog aggressive.
In a "bad" situation we can bring the dogs under close control quickly and have them vocalise or bite if we perceive we are in imminent danger then have the dog retreat back to our heel on command.
The dog is trained to bite, hold and release on command. They are not trained to maul and I have never seen this in training. They are described as the sword by your side, the last thing you have to protect yourself if you can't lock yourself safely away and call for help.
Whilst I agree they are potentially dangerous in the wrong hands, like sadly many other legal things in life, I would add that there are some companies working with these dogs in a responsible way and choosing owners, who do feel that the dogs do have training that is of use in today's society, in a responsible way.
Sadly whilst many people like the concept the ongoing commitment is too much for them and /or their lifestyle.
I know from experience how few families have either the time, determination or the commitment and all too frequently it all goes wrong.