bk4jon,

No it isn't required to use the ring technique for training a dog. The trainer I work with starts pups, adults too, one on one. If the dog is not responding that way, he will have the dog worked with another dog. This is usually done with another dog that has just started and hasn't really had any control put in yet. The other dog will usually stimulate compition in the newer dog. Once the dog is started they go back to working the dogs seperately.

One of the problems with working dogs in groups is that you are never sure what the dog is being aggressive to. In some cases the dog is not alerting on the agitator, but is after the other dog(s). Done long term this can foster dog aggressiveness. The dog is being praised for the barking and if the dog is after another dog , not the agitator you are praising the dog for being aggressive to the other dog.

In situations where there are a lot of dogs being worked it is important to make sure your dog gets the attention required to be trained. I have seen situations where the dog doesn't get anywhere because it is a little slow starting and doesn't get the work required to bring it along.

I don't think the ring or in some instances, line agitation, is a prerequisite for any protection training. As many have pointed out, it is a fairly traditional method and is used frequently. Just because your dog does or does not respond to this stimuli at this time,it may in time to come. Be patient. I don't think a little more time with this method is either wasting time or energy. Stick with a little while longer and let us know how it is going.