I've been a member on this forum since '03. I found one of my youtube videos posted by other members on this site - and unfortunetly it got really bad reviews and seems like the thread was locked by a moderator because my comments of rebuttal were considered more disrespectful than the ones against me. Keep in mind I did not post the video on the forum and if I did I would have asked those who were watching to read the video description. Anyway, I apologize to any one in the threads that I offended (extra special apology to Will). Caught me by surprise seeing one of my videos the subject of two threads. I would reword my posts if I could. But since I have discovered that there are some talented PPD trainers on the board who are good at picking out the fine points I am looking for feedback on this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jb0cxrawMXc

These are some pet dogs that I have been working with. Definitely some errors going on, but do you see anything that could be detrimental to their use as a personal protection dog or any tips to keep the right amount of control, but not make them too weak?

Any feedback appreciated. Great forum by the way!!

 Quote:

I'm curious Mike, do you have video of the dog now to see how he's turned out? Nothing personal but I'm always a little skeptical about the whole we train for real life scenarios, this ain't just sport stuff.

I'm quoting myself from that thread Mike, because I'd like to see what the dog looks like now. Would he be pretty close to two?

Your videos themselves are pretty insulting.
You keep repeating your mantra, bashing sport dogs.

Your training lacks scope.
What happens when the handler cannot speak, and therefore cannot give the command to the dog, that will save a life?

And before you question my credentials, you'd do well to know that your training, is even more hypothetical than my real-world experience with dogs. You bash sport people, and then train for PPD.

I'll up the ante. The last "attack trained" (as you like to call it) dog I worked with, was trained to disable the attack on command. It was also trained to protect it's handler (and personnel/objects designated by the handler) from preceived threats- that is, threats as perceived by the DOG.
The handler may not always have the liberty to speak. The dog's ability to read a situation and understand when the handler is in danger is the whole point.

 Quote: Mike D'Abruzzo

I've been a member on this forum since '03. I found one of my youtube videos posted by other members on this site - and unfortunetly it got really bad reviews and seems like the thread was locked by a moderator because my comments of rebuttal were considered more disrespectful than the ones against me.

Hi Mike,

I do not think the other thread was locked because of your comments at all. I think it was locked due to the way the direction of the conversation as a whole was heading.

This is a pretty passionate board so the moderators do a wonderful job of making sure they allow us to converse, discuss, and sometimes even argue a bit. However when it looks to be like a thread that will get pretty heated, Ed is made aware of it so that he can make the decision to allow us to continue.

Nice to see you posting more though. 6 posts in 5 years...your not as outspoken as the rest of us...just kidding.

This is a different video posted here (there is some muzzle work in this video), but I can get an updated video of the pup. He is about 2 now and is handled by an officer now doing dual purpose training. I'll invite them to the club and could get updated video if they come. Matrix launches very well now and generally hits the side with the weapon even if we switch it up each send. He has flattened my agitators on a couple occaisions. He hits similar to this dog now - but has the better control we did as a pup - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyYeGJ0jIT0 I have some other footage of adult dogs doing muzzle scenarios, etc too I can upload. I haven't uploaded anything new in about 1 year, but I have some dogs now that are working on 3 attackers, guarding knocked out owner,baby carriages, and some other interesting scenarios all in muzzle too you may like to see.

Mike,
I only locked the threads because if they fall into a level that's bordering on a flame war the site owner has asked to be notified.
That's a Mod's job, nothing personal there, honest!


I had actually checked your site and as you asked for some positive feedback I was going to include:

Your prices are reasonable.

You've seen combat and that gives you a real heads up regarding what actually goes on during a "real world" fight.

You attended the primo dog trainer's school ( The Tom Rose Rose School for Dog Training .

All good signs, as I'm sure anyone would agree.



Please remember that there are trainers/handlers/owners of all sorts of skill level here, from new pet owners to seasoned vets - really, there's no need to include stuff like "just sport owners" or that people don't know what they're seeing.

You posted a puppy training session and I think that you mis-titled it. I'm looking forward to more advanced videos from you ( add the phrase "these are *training* videos" and watch how much more helpful folks are. )

Thanks. I'm just curious how the 1st dog turned out mainly as a personnal comparison.

Hi Alyssa,

The reason the videos are bashing sport dogs is because I had a string of clients that have purchased sport dogs without cross training from unethical dog brokers.

They then came to me because they had no control over the dogs in the home or anytime really and no confidence that the dog new anything other than its sport routine. This happens a lot unfortunetly. We all know a sport title in itself only garauntees that the dog passed the requirements for that routine and nothing about additional cross training - the dog doesn't even have to be housebroken or have even ever been in a house for that matter.

You have to remember who my audience is. It is the customer who doesn't know anything. I have nothing against sport dogs - I was initially involved in sport training when i started at the tom rose school and for a while after. But, when I switched to training mainly for private security I realized the responsibilty I had to the guard (not to give him a false sense of security) and to the dog (so the dog doesn't get unexpectently bashed accross the head). The last 3 years my customers have mainly been pet owners so I always stress to them you can not guarantee the dog will react correctly in any given situation unless you train specifically for that situation and test that dog in the situation with a muzzle or a tactical suit and unknown agitaor. So that is generally what the training is geared toward. I would think most people who understand their sport dogs would agree with what im saying. Not that a sport dog can't be crossed trained.

About lacking scope - that is something im always working on and trying to improve. In the club we are currently working on things like protecting the unconsious owner, telling the difference between appropriate touch from the bad guy and what deserves an automatic attack.

I prefer my dogs not to react to loud voices or general chaos - but i do train to go when the handler is physically assaulted or obviously unable to lead. It really is a never ending process to keep getting the most out of the dog and to master every imaginable situation without your dog being trigger happy.

I'm sorry the videos are insulting to you. i do give you my sincere apology - but like i said it was geared more toward protecting the buyers of personal protection dogs who are sometimes shelling out $20,000 plus for a sport dog and video tape shipped to them on how to handle this dog with all types of empty unproven promises.

Fair 'nuff.
It's not so much the videos I took issue with, but the text overlays.

Thanks! your feed back and explainations are most appreciated!