I have almost 2yr old gsd. He has amazing focus, drive just all around strong skills. He does have what I beeen discussing her a submission problem at times but that doesn't deter him from things. He loves to exercise and learn new things and I would love for the both of us learn protection training. I just wonder what video to get with him being 2 yrs old and also how to start the foundation of his bite work.

No way in hell would I do any bite work with a dog that has submissive peeing problems. Protection work will do nothing for this dog but create a panic/fear biter. JMHO of course!

Im not an expert hense why I come here but IMHO I would have to disagree about the panic/fear biter. His submissive peeing is not a constant thing and just now happened out the blue moon. He has a strong personality and lets nothing scare him. People no matter size and looks and just a keen personality. I think that it will boost his confidence and self-esteem. His is in tune to everything I think he can tackle it do great.

Well, Bob is an expert

If a dog is submissively peeing, they're unsure about something. There are many thing to do with your dog that can build his confidence and have fun training him. Tracking, OB, etc.

But protection work? no way!

Joseph, I’m probably one of the last people that should be responding on a thread about Protection Training Adult Dogs but I do feel qualified to say that what you are thinking about, with the dog you’ve described over the past couple of months, is a very bad idea.

There will be people out there that will take your money and tell you what you want to hear but you are not only putting your dog in a stressful position, you run the risk of creating further issues that can be caused by thoughtless trainers and your own inexperience.

While my dog’s temperament is much different than yours (no submissive peeing, no separation anxiety and a few other things) there was what you’re describing as an appearance of a “strong personality”.

“Keen and eager” is wonderful but Joseph it’s not the full package. These dogs not only need to be physically capable of enduring the stressful training but more importantly their mental state must be as stable as they come.

Right now, from what you’re describing, your pup does not fit this bill.

I would also caution you to heed Bob’s advice. I only wish I knew about this site and had come here prior to simply doing the assessment testing I had done with my boy. It did not do him any favors.

A dog that submission pees has a conflict, and this issue should be completely addressed before you even consider any bitework.

Is it possible that something like the bite work can also do for the better? Strengthen his personality and so on. Much like how the only way to face your fears is to go at them head on type thing. I understand what everyone is saying and do believe its possible very much so that you are right. I just wonder can it also work the opposite and strengthen his mental mind going through the training and what not.

Most likely, the only thing you will teach this dog is that if he bites, than the scary person will go away. Very dangerous thing to do with a dog with fear issues. Only a dog with solid nerves should be trained in bitework.

Three and 1/2 years ago, I was in almost exactly your shoes. I had a Boerboel with fear issues that I glossed over. Thought the dog would rally and possibly excel in protection work. It turns out I couldn't be more wrong. He was a very, very bad candidate for bitework. I had him evaluated twice by reputable trainers. The only thing the evaluations did was confirm that the dog was fearful, and possibly make his fears worse.

You come here looking for information & you just heard from 2 of the most experienced trainers on this board... Bob with many many years of dog training is sport & other venues, & Will with many years as a trainer & dealer in PPDs as well as other venues.

I don't know what else anyone can add..other then to again say BAD IDEA.

 Quote: Joseph Eubank

Is it possible that something like the bite work can also do for the better? Strengthen his personality and so on. Much like how the only way to face your fears is to go at them head on type thing. I understand what everyone is saying and do believe its possible very much so that you are right. I just wonder can it also work the opposite and strengthen his mental mind going through the training and what not.

The trouble here is that you're assigning human behaviors for a canine - they do not think like us, and this is a very common mistake.