Originally Posted By: Mike Bellemare
 Quote:
.....*many* changes to your life ... to successfully manage the canine?


Am I the only one that does not understand what that means? Will or someone else, could you clarify?


Working dogs take a lot of responsibility and time to train and maintain. They are living creatures that can have good days and bad ones, they get cranky, lethargic, bored, excited, happy, and will need a lot of your time so they remain focused.

A working dog (which is basically what a PPD is) is not like an alarm system you can turn on and off after you have read the manual, or a gun that only requires cleaning and loading. A dog means: feed, brush, walk. A working dog means: feed, brush, walk, exercise, train, routine and consistency - by you, not your wife one day then your neighbour the next, then your kid, then you again for a few days... Granted, other people in the house need to be able to handle the dog should something happen while you are away, but a dog works best with one primary handler.

There is that Chuck Norris joke about how he doesn't sleep, "he waits", and a PPD dog is expected and supposed to play that role. Because a dog is a pack animal a PPD dog will be waiting for 2 things, one is of course a bad guy to munch on, and the second thing they wait for is you. Generally PPD dogs are high drive, smart dogs that need and constantly want something to do. Plan for AT LEAST 10 YEARS, having a full time part time 30 hour a week job with your dog.

I do not own a working dog, but know and have met people who do. Think of it as a commitment with very serious consequences should something go wrong, and very plentiful rewards over the long term. Keep in mind that dog is at work when it is around you, your family, or any of your property. It needs to be in great physical and mental shape: always.

Most people should just take a Krav Maga class, and always wear a good pair of running shoes. Get an alarm system, carry a cell phone, and do your best not to compromise your safety. Bullets miss, guns jam, Police may be too busy, alarm systems can be compromised, but nothing beats being in good shape and able to run or win a fight if you have to. Bad guys don't want opponents, they want victims.

Most of the time perception will dictate your fate.
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