I am a new Cane Corso owner with a 12-week old male puppy from a local breeder. We started him on clicker training at 7 weeks. We want to train him in personal protection when he matures, but this is a new field for us and we have many questions. I have read the Tom Rose book and reviewed many of the Leerburg DVD's including Raising Working Puppies.

We have been unsuccessful with our three Dobermans (from American show lines) in our efforts to prepare them for protection training. The two that we took in for working dog aptitude tests failed and a big part of the problem was their lack of interest in or cowering from the hostile bad guy. So we are left to wonder where we went wrong with them and are trying not to make the same mistakes.

The issue I would like to raise for discussion is one on how to raise family protection dogs. Particularly the topic of "Who pets my puppy". It seems to me that all the sport-oriented trainers (including mine) I have asked about this topic all gave me the same advice, which is consistent with Leerburg doctrine.

This school of thought basically specifies that no one pets your dog except members of the household. He can also be taught to go get petted (a couple pats on the head and not complete gushing) and also recall from being petted. This has exceptions for aggressive or shy dogs until they begin to mellow out, and then they go right back to the strict "no pet" policy. The goal is a dog that is indifferent to strangers.

Many people I have run into have expressed concern over this method of raising a protection dog, particularly a Corso. Perhaps this method works better with more outgoing breeds such as the Mal and GSD. They advise that it could potentially lead to a more fearful dog. And that it could be hard to deal with ignorant people who sneak in a little pet or grab in public. And most importantly that "friendly" dogs make excellent protection dogs.

When I asked the local sport-oriented trainers about this method of raising puppies, instead of advising me what I should do, they explained what THEY do. But it was reassuring to hear from people who know, like the K9 Pro Sports folks, that a dog who gets petted by everyone makes a good protection dog (i.e. will fight people when required).

I would like to note that this dog is one that will live in the house with us and go to crowded public places with us.

Well, I can only choose one on the poll, so I'll have to answer this way. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

You want to achive balance and have the dog be neutral to people (not seeking attention, not nervous, not aggressive). So if your particular puppy is fearful, you might need to structure some positive interactions until your pup has come bck into balance. If your pup is very outgoing, you will probably need to do a strict no petting rule. I guess this is the "Leerburg doctrine" right?

I have been corrosponding with a k9 officer who trained and handles the first (and I believe only) Cane Corso police k9. The dog is certified for narcotics and patrol. The dog also does meet and greet type events and is pet by kids - probably dog bite awareness - I wasn't sure of the exact situation. Anyway, if you would like, I can send your contact information on to this person.

I suspect what went wrong with your previous dog is that they were from American show lines. However, I have NO experience on this, but several others on the board DO have experience with show vs. working dobes. Perhaps they will speak to this?

Thank you for the reply. That makes a lot of sense.

Right now my puppy is very outgoing and strains at the leash to meet everyone. Is probably best for me to continue with a "no pet" policy until he mellows out a little.

I would be happy for you to forward this information on to Guido's (?) handler.

Good for you! Yes, it is Guido's handler.

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We have been unsuccessful with our three Dobermans (from American show lines) in our efforts to prepare them for protection training. The two that we took in for working dog aptitude tests failed and a big part of the problem was their lack of interest in or cowering from the hostile bad guy. So we are left to wonder where we went wrong with them and are trying not to make the same mistakes.

You may have done absolutely NOTHING WRONG, with your AMERICAN bred dobermans.

Many puppies of many breeds grow up, UNABLE to work as protection dogs.

You have choosen a breed, Cane Corso (as a whole) who's working ability for protection work, is on the low scale of working ability.

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Many people I have run into have expressed concern over this method of raising a protection dog, particularly a Corso. Perhaps this method works better with more outgoing breeds such as the Mal and GSD.

Some of the most aloof dogs i know are working GSD, and malinois.

I have met my fair share of "rare" breeds including Cane Corso's, Presa's, etc and also worked them, and what i find of the vast majority of these breeds is, they are lacking the nerve base, and physical attributes to excell in protection work.

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Many people I have run into have expressed concern over this method of raising a protection dog, particularly a Corso. Perhaps this method works better with more outgoing breeds such as the Mal and GSD. They advise that it could potentially lead to a more fearful dog. And that it could be hard to deal with ignorant people who sneak in a little pet or grab in public. And most importantly that "friendly" dogs make excellent protection dogs.

Raise a puppy to see your world, as it is.

If the animal has what it takes GENETICALLY to work, it will work, provided it's trained with PROVEN, EXPERIENCED AND CREDABLE dog trainers.

Expose your pup to your world, including being petted, but not too much. A pat here or a pet there, isn't going to harm a puppies development.

The problem rises when the puppy is raised by inexpereinced people, who train for protection work and the dog is genetically insecure or fearful, and compounded with lack of knowledge base to instill proper control required of such an animal.

Cheers,
Chello...

Email: Mr_Chello@hotmail.com

Marcelo,
After training serious protection dogs for a long, long time ( and making a pretty decent living at it <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> ) I agree with your findings 100%!

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I suspect what went wrong with your previous dog is that they were from American show lines. However, I have NO experience on this, but several others on the board DO have experience with show vs. working dobes. Perhaps they will speak to this?

I have personally met a rather 'unpredictable' AKC show Dobe, and heard of others from conformation friends. I think the breed is heading down the same hole as the GSD, I'm afraid...