Training F.A.Q.
Common Questions asked by Dog Owners
- How old does my dog have to be before training for obedience?
We start training your dog at the age of 8 months.
- If my dog is an adult can you still do obedience?
Yes.
- Till what age can you still train my dog?
We don't have an age limit.
- What breed does my dog have to be?
We train all breeds.
- How long does it take to train my dog?
It takes us 20 days for obedience.
- Does my dog have to stay at the centre for the training?
Yes.
- Do I have to be with my dog?
No. You only need one to two hours at the most to spend with your dog on the day that you pick it up to learn how to control it and to make sure that the dog listens to you and follows your orders. You will be instructed by one of our trainers on how to give your dog the proper hand signals and verbal commands.
- Do you correct problem dogs?
Yes.
- If my dog is easily led by other dogs or people, or is aggressive to other dogs or people can you help?
Certainly, your dog will be fully under control.
- Will you stop my dog from jumping up on people? Taking washing off the line? Digging Holes? Chasing other dogs or cats? Motor bikes, cars etc.?
Yes! You will find that once your dog is trained it will be a pleasure to be a dog owner and you will be wondering why you waited so long before you had it trained.
- Would you be able to train my dog not to take baits and to eat food only from its own bowl?
Most certainly. This is very important as we still have some pretty cruel people in our society that are beyond help. But if we protect our pet friend, he will be at no risk. It's a small price for his life.
- Will my dog ever forget the training that you give it? and will I have to keep it up every day?
No! Your dog will never forget even if you don't work him for months but we would advise you to take him for walks regularly as they love to be worked. Plus, after the training you will enjoy him so much more that it will be a pleasure for both of you and not just for the dog. If time is a problem maybe get the kids to walk him. You wont have to worry about them being dragged by the dog anymore.
- Do you guarantee that my dog will be trained after being at your centre?
And when we get him home will he still listen to us?
Yes! Our work is all guaranteed. When you get your dog home he still must work for you, that is why we spend time with you at the centre, to explain to you, and most important, teach you how to control your dog. However, if you are not sure about something, you know that you can call us anytime and we will be more than pleased to help you at no extra cost.
Common Questions asked by Dog Owners regarding
Guard - Personal Protection - Attack Work
- When can you start training my dog for this type of work?
Normally over the age of 12 months.
- Can you train any breed of dogs for protection?
Yes we can train any breed, PROVIDED THE DOGS ARE SUITABLE TO BE TRAINED.
- What do you mean by suitable?
The dog has to have the right temperament and disposition for us to produce a well balanced trained canine.
- How do I know that my dog can be trained for guard?
By bringing your dog to the centre. We will test him and give you the result on the same day.
- If my dog is suitable does it have to be obedience trained first?
Yes. However, we can still train your dog for obedience and guard at the same time.
- How long will it take for both courses?
If done combined it takes 30 days. If separate, 20 days for each course.
- Will my dog still know me after the guard training?
Yes. We have never had a dog that we have trained that did not know the owners.
- Will my dog still be all right with children?
Yes. No difference to direct family members. However, if a dog is attack or guard trained it should be at all times supervised by adults in the presence of outside family members.
- Will my dog be a happy dog after the training?
Yes. Definitely, there will be no change to its character.
Terminology
There are many terms and definitions that describe the desirable temperament in a service dog. The most important ones are:
- TRAIT : a characteristic
- PREY DRIVE : the desire to chase and grasp
- AGGRESSION : unprovoked attack; hostile behavior
- AVOIDANCE : to refrain from an undesirable incident
- DEFENCE DRIVE : to protect oneself from a perceived threat
- DOMINANCE : having authority or influence over the pack
- INSTINCT : inborn tendency to behave in a certain way
- HARDNESS : the ability to cope with stress and discomfort
- THRESHOLD : the point at which a stimulus produces a response
- SPIRIT : temperament or disposition; courage; emotional state
- NERVES : the ability or inability to remain calm in a difficult situation
- DRIVES : guide the movement; united effort towards a common goal
- FIGHTING SPIRIT : this is the desire to measure oneself against an opponent
- COURAGE : the ability to face danger and pain despite being apprehensive
- SHARPNESS : the natural tendency to react to a given situation with aggression
- TRAINABILITY : the ability to perform in a given task in the shortest amount of time
- GAMENESS : The willingness to succeed or overcome, no matter what hardship must be endured.
- ACTIVE vs. REACTIVE : an active dog is one that has inherited the correct genetic makeup that will make it willing to initiate the desirable motions of a service dog, rather than the reactive dog that needs to be stimulated by the helper or outside events to achieve the same results.
