When I first discussed buying/training a dog for protection with my husband, we talked about the intense responsibility that would be involved with owning a dog like this. I explained to him in very simple english that he couldn't do some of the things he liked to do, i.e., annoy me by poking, teasing, scaring, sneaking, tickling, wrestling with me. (now you know the real reason for training the dog, lol, j/k)

He said he was clear on the matter...now, who's fault will it be if the dog bites him? I'm sure the first little 'nip' that he receives will put the message into his brain loud and clear. That's when I will hear, "OHHHH, now I get it!" After all, he NEVER listens when I talk. Heehee

 Quote: RobbinMann

I explained to him in very simple english that he couldn't do some of the things he liked to do, i.e., annoy me by poking, teasing, scaring, sneaking, tickling, wrestling with me.

I didn't realize these things were no-nos within the family/pack. I guess I've always assumed that the family of a PPD was somehow exempt.

With dogs like this, how do you safely have marital spat? Do kids need to be more aware of their behavior and tone of voice, both with each other and when friends are over?

Sorry for the stupid questions it's all very interesting and I don't know too much about it.

Hmmm, a safe Marital spat,,,,100Lb Rotts the least of my worries.

 Quote: steve strom

Hmmm, a safe Marital spat,,,,100Lb Rotts the least of my worries.

Steve, you crack me up! You are so right, though. There is much more to a feline/female homosapien than any PPD dog, lol!!

Sarah, as far as the teasing, poking, pulling stuff...it really just depends on the dog. Hubby and I can wrestle but it usually ends up in a spat between my two males dogs, not an attack on either of us, lol. The general rule is to be present and aware at all times. Just like any dog, you never know what is going to set them off and once a dog is taught that he has power over a human being then it just ups the stakes. It also depends on the dogs personality and of course what it is used to seeing. We can fight all day long and none of the dogs care but the 'ominous' behaviour is obviously a trigger for Levi. I've known dogs in my lifetime that were just mutts and never trained for PPD work but if you started chasing or screaming or wrestling they would automatically start getting defensive and even nip the offending person as a warning. Still, if you have a dog that is trained it is probably best to try and stay calm or kennel if you are planning on having a knock down, drag out! LOL

Thanks for the explanation, Robbin.