By Josiah Neuman CMT
Neuman K-9 Academy, Inc.

There are many differences between a personal protection dog and a sport dog. The dog itself should be bred with similarities, such as good drive (defense or prey), solid nerves, and stable character. These similarities enhance confidence, as well as the physical ability to do the job. The difference between these two types animals can differ greatly, and the criteria for either dog should match that of the owners needs. This article will discuss some aspects that you should consider, if you are looking for a sport or personal protection K-9.

Top sport competitors usually live in a kennel. They are handled and trained, from the very beginning of their lives, specifically for sport work. Similarly, a formula one race car, is built from the ground up for precision and speed. It never will be modified, or rebuilt to be the family grocery hauler.

When we compare sport and personal protection dogs, we can make more associations than a formula one race car, however each dog plays a very different role, in the environment, in which it works.

Activity Level

One of the most overlooked aspects of either dog, is the activity level. A sport dog needs to be very active, working on the field for long periods of time, and engage in activities, that will give it proper outlet for its intense drive. High activity level dogs living in the home without the proper amount of physical activity, will quickly become destructive, and difficult to live with. On the other hand, a dog that is bred specifically to protect its owner or family, does not need to have the same activity level of a sport dog. It is perfectly acceptable for the dog to lie down and hang out with a calm, easy going demeanor. Genetics and breeding for particular qualities pre-determine the activity level of the offspring.

Drive

Often we hear and read about the drive of the working dog. You can find several good articles on the internet that defined prey, defense, and fight drive, however in this article, I will compare the difference in drive, between the sport and personal protection dog.

Sport dogs need high levels of prey drive, and this is a big part of what increases the activity level. Note: this drive will trigger the dog’s instinct to chase, catch, and kill (bite), which is necessary for bite sports (Schutzhund, Ring Sport, etc). Sport dogs generally do have varying degrees of defense drive. This helps bring intensity to the fight, after the chase or pursuit is over, and the dog is on the bite.

Personal protection dogs, do not need high levels of prey drive. They are usually on leash, or at home, protecting the family or property. These dogs do not need to chase, catch, and bite everything that is moving, or exciting. Note: some prey drive can help in the early stages of training, and also to decrease the level of stress on the bite. Defense drive, however, is very important. These dogs should be less forward and more protective, in the presence of strangers. A defense driven dog remembers faces, places, and is more in tune with its surroundings, than that of the prey / activity driven dog.

Thresholds

Thresholds relate to the dog ability to deal with stress, adversity, and tolerance to pain. These thresholds develop at different stages, and they are passed on through genetics. Some refer to thresholds as the dog’s nerves, which is true, when you are talking about mental thresholds. Physical thresholds relate to touch sensitivity / pain tolerance.

Personal protection dogs and sport dogs, can both benefit from strong thresholds. Dealing with the pressure involved with competing, or actually protecting the handler in a time of crisis, requires the dog to deal with different issues; adversity, enduring higher amounts of pain, and overcoming stressful, challenging situations. Higher pain thresholds can also make the dog more difficult to correct, and/or it will be less responsive to a correction, in working mode. For the novice handler, a stronger dog, with less tolerance / reaction to correction, can be difficult. These dogs are not “sensitive”.

Note: when a dog is pushed beyond its threshold, it will elicit a change in behavior, in response to stimulus. This is referred to as, “fight or flight”. The recovery time from this mental state of mind, is also very important.

Training

Training is more than teaching your dog to sit, stay, or come on command. Training is also testing. I can not stress enough, the importance of testing your sport or personal protection dog, and conditioning it for what it will encounter, on the field or at home. Genetics are important but without training, dog and owner will not have the skill set, or form of communication needed, to react in the heat of the moment. Beware of the breeder, that tells you their dogs can naturally do the work. All military, police, or any other skilled profession, requires individuals and dogs to go through training to be successful. Training, testing, and preparing, are a necessity, if you wish to compete or rely on your K-9 to protect.

The proper age to begin training, socializing, and preparing your dog, should begin at 8 weeks of age. Introducing pressure and realistic protection scenarios, should not begin until the dog has been conditioned properly, and is mature enough to handle the work.

Conclusion

Titles alone, do not guarantee that you will find the right fit for your next competition dog, or family companion. If you are looking for a working dog, I recommend you seek the advice of a professional trainer, K-9 handler, top level competitor, or a club. These people see and work with all kinds of different dogs, and are best qualified to give you un-biased feed back on breeders, and importers. They can help you find the right dog to meet your needs. Do your research. Ask for references, study the progeny, assess current and past accomplishments, and meet the sire/dam of a potential litter. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!

If you would like more information about the types of training offered by Neuman K-9 Academy click here!