The only experience I have with PSD's is taking many suit bites from them as a civilian dog enthusiast. I really don't know what kind of dog that you wouldn't want getting highly socialized around kids and family members. Forunately I don't need a dog like that. I can barely handle the ones I have.

Ed, I certainly did learn a valuable lesson that night, for free, thankfully. Going forward I'm going to assume the worst will happen and take steps to prevent it.

However I'd prefer to train my dog to go to "place" or otherwise stay away from our company so that in the unlikely event that we need him, he can get to us. But it needs to be arranged so that the company cannot get to him. Um, any suggestions? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Will, please check your PM, thanks.

I dont have much experience with GSDs but I do have an APBT that is quite adept at intimidating strangers that she doesnt know. I prefer to leave her in a downstay in her crate with the door shut but unlatched when I have company. She's able to get out but most people wont walk up to an APBT or GSD for that mattter while its in its own crate. As for in other public places simply keep your dog on tight heel and if anyone asks if they can pet it tell them no.

Would it be diffrent if the dog was not a ppd but a schutzhund dog?

Would it have been ok if a schutzhund dog was in the situation described above?

What im asking is are they two diffrent worlds regarding daily handelling?

Thanks,
NB

First the issue of "petting a PPD, Schutzhund dog, or police service dog". There are two reasons that these dogs should not be petted by anyone other than the handler:


1-I want my dogs to look at the handler as the center of their universe and

2-I want to prevent accidental bites.


I don’t want my dogs to think they can wander over to someone and get petted. My dogs should be neutral to EVERYONE . I don’t want them to be aggressive or overtly friendly to strangers. I want them to ignore people.

I can't even count the number of public service demos I did in the 10 years of working a police dog - I did not allow people to touch my police dog. I disagree that service dogs should be touched by the public, other officers or administrators. This policy will bite you in the ass. An accidental bite during a demo is the quickest way to kill a K9 program. The excuse of "GEE I never thought my dog would do that" is not going to fly. It is irresponsible to make these kinds of mistake. K9 handlers are expected to be professionals.

As far as personal working dogs in the home - Cindy and I have an agreement - I don’t touch her dogs and she does not touch mine. I don't feed her dogs, walk them or pet them. If we go for a walk together – I ignore her dogs. If I have to move her dog to a kennel I do it without emotion.

Someone asked about the issue of a PP dog being left on a rug when company comes over. This is crazy. If you have to worry about SOMETHING HAPPENING when company is over - either MOVE - see a SHRINK or leave your GLOCK on the counter.

Like I said, an accidental dog bite should occur no more frequently than an accidental weapons discharge.

DFrost

I think both Ed and David made very valid points here. I'd be a bit nervous in leaving one of my many firearms out in plain view when people were over - you just never know when some fool could pick one up and have an accident. Out of sight is safest for them and me - I can always reach into a drawer if I need to return fire.

I place my dog in a bedroom with the door closed, or in his crate when folks are over. If I felt the need for protection while people were visiting - they wouldn't be in my house, period.

The only time my Mal comes out of her kennel is when I am there, as well as in full control! She does not hang out with my friends, or my family. She only comes out for training, excercise or to go in the garage for the night. She serves a purpose and that must be remembered! The only time a person is allowed to pet my dog, is with my permission. No one but me is allowed to give the dog commands, and no one but me is allowed to handle the dog in any way, unless I specifically say otherwise. It is very much like a loaded firearm......I'll be damned if anyone but me uses it, touches it, etc, without my approval, and there is no way around that. Too much liability.

I marvel at guests in my home who are terrified to death of our Pit Bull who is wagging his tail and rubbing against their leg wanting their attention. They ask permission to pet him. The Malinois who is trained to bite, and bite hard enough to cause severe damage is the dog they reach for with care free intentions.......that happened once, and only once. The dog responded by allowing the individual to pet her, but who is to say that is going to happen all the time........no one can, not even me. Now it is made clear to everyone that touching the dog is only appropriate when I say so!

I must add however, that my dog is socialized, but in a very controlled manner. She does not roam freely when guests are around. Even when she is in the house and my family is close by I am in full control. If guests are over and she is in the house (rare) she is on leash and only for a minute or two. I do agree that it is crucial that my dog be social, and I will encourage social behavior, but only on my terms, when I see appropriate. That is why I say you can pet the dog if you'd like, but only when I feel comfortable with the overall situation. It is my choice when the dog is to be social.