It's looks as though Michelle has gotten a handle on the problem but I'd like to address the issue a little with some advice that may save prospective PPD buyers a hassle.
I'll talk about what I feel is optimal and some of the glitches that people may encounter during the process of getting a PPD.

When I start the process of working with a prospective buyer, I begin with the mindset of first trying to talk the person out of buying a PPD. I discuss in depth *why* the person wants to get a PPD and I often suggest alternatives for protection that may be more effective ( alarms, firearms, etc ). I talk about the responsibility and management of owning a PPD to include escape-proof fencing, crates, on-going training, life style modifications, etc.
This is the area that some prospective owners will realize that owning a PPD is not for them and they'll drop out of the process. It's also the time that I'll reject some prospective buyers due to a lack of responsibility on their part ( I'll usually eliminate someone that says things like "I'm going to buy a female also to get back my investment" .......< insert buzzer noise here > Sorry, thanks for playing! )

So Michelle had a valid reason for looking for a PPD and a good mindset for the reality of protection - kudos' to her. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

It's up to both the PPD vendor and the client to look at what kind of dog the client can handle - and his involves the clients experience with dogs and their ability to find follow-up training when the dog is placed with them. And things like additional family members and pets also have to be added for the long term consideration for the fit of the dog to the handler.
Everything's a trade off, ya'll have heard me say this frequently. A killer dog that has a wire thin trigger and will protect you are great if you're in the Witness Protection program or are a Narco kingpin ( I actually sell more dogs to Central and South America than in the U.S. due to kidnappings ) but tend to be...."unsuitable" for a family in the U.S.
Most people's needs can be fulfilled by a dog that does a strong bark on command, but for some reason it's hard to convince a client of this fact. Look, a criminal is looking for a victim, not a sparring partner - if they encounter a threatening dog they'll go on to easier pickings...it's human nature.

I'd really like to just put a check list here and make it simple for getting a PPD for a prospective buyer, but the list would just end up on all the wannabe PPD sites, and I'm getting tired of my work getting stolen by the bozo's. <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Michelle, I'm glad it worked out for you! <img src="http://www.leerburg.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Will said "Most people's needs can be fulfilled by a dog that does a strong bark on command, but for some reason it's hard to convince a client of this fact."

My corrolary is "and a big dog that goes on walks with its female owners" - a GSD/Roti/Mal/etc is a great visual deterance. I have no worries when my wife/daughter are out with one of ours.

But it does sound like we live in a much safer neighborhood than Michelle.

On a side note, Michelles comment about freezing applies to Gun ownership, martial arts or any other means of protection. If you count on that gun to protect you, you better have shot that piece alot of times. If your going to use some type of martial arts, do some real sparring so you know what it is like to get hit - the first time it happens you (most often) are just stunned by it - not knocked out, but just unable to respond quickly.

Will,
That is very interesting. If I comprehend your post correctly, a PPD dog has a lower tolerance for threatening behavior? (I am not saying that the dog doesn't have good temperament.)

Carolyn

Carolyn, a PPD has been "attack trained" to defend against threats to its handler's person, family, car, property, etc. (or did I misunderstand your question?)

This brings up an interesting question. At least to me. I have a 6 month old GSD. When he hears or senses someone comeing onto my property, he barks. If we're in the same room, he barks then looks at me as if to see if he has my attention. I usually praise him, then investigate. This is great, and I want to encourage this. However, he also barks when he looks out the window and sees a bird in the yard. I'd like to discourage this. How do I encourage him to alert when people are present, and not alert to birds, cats, or blowing leaves? How do I teach him to "bark on command" in situations where I feel there may be a threat?

 Quote:

I begin with the mindset of first trying to talk the person out of buying a PPD.

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Most people's needs can be fulfilled by a dog that does a strong bark on command, but for some reason it's hard to convince a client of this fact. Look, a criminal is looking for a victim, not a sparring partner - if they encounter a threatening dog they'll go on to easier pickings...it's human nature.

will, just want to say that i am glad to see you post your philosophy about this, and i find it most sensible and helpful.

i wish more people understood what you wrote, and even if others "steal" it for their own sites, if they attribute it to you, i would think it would send more of the right type of clients directly to you.

far too many people are interested in using dogs as weapons that have no business owning such a dog. it is trainers such as yourself who are in a position to help educate that segment of the public, and that does all of us a service. thanks.

michelle, you sound like you really have your head on straight about this. good luck with your dog, and sorry that you have to cope with the level of threat that requires her.

Candi,

No, you didn't misunderstand.
I guess my question should have had more "meat". PPD dogs are attacked trained. When you say "attack trained", do you mean trained to react (without any type of commands) from the handler? I am ignorant about PPD's. My experience with PPD's is, well, non-existent. (I have touched a few - but that is it. Of course, I had permission from their partners/handler.)

Carolyn

Carolyn, some PPD trainers here will answer with alot more expertise than I possess (!) but:

Yes, an "attack trained" dog will defend its owner against an assault without being commanded to so -- Even my Borzoi (who's NOT a guardian breed & has NO protection training will do that much, as most K9 pets would, but without the effectiveness or persistence of a PPD)...

Beyond this, I'm way over my head, so others will have to be more specific in answering <:-)

An "attack trained" dog is usually one that the handler has little to no control over and after making an impressive display the dog will immediately retreat. These are dogs that have been beaten down in an effort to make them "tough" and lack confidence, maturity and experience that is necessary for a true PPD. An unfortunate training method is to chain the dog and shock it every time a person comes nearby. The dog is stressed, threatened and pained into engaging the decoy (which is often the handler). This is called "self-defense."

A "personal protection" dog bites on command and/or contact with the handler, and is controlled on voice command. A PPD is mature, confident and has experience in fighting and taking down decoys. The dog is trained in games until it is mature enough to handle pressure from a decoy. The dog chooses to engage the decoy. This is called "true defense."