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Australian Bandog Introduction

Elana P

Well-Known Member
This is technically personal protection training - I think true guard training would require him to be more of a sentry type dog and for my purposes I prefer a social, less civil/defensive animal.

I want something that is stable, safe and comfortable around crowds/people. Typically guard dogs aren't as discriminatory.

There is a slight sport component to this training.

Although he is NOT a true sport dog by breeding or temperament.

I simply wanted to grow as a responsible dog owner and provide this big ol' hog dog an appropriate outlet for all his drive.

I'll try and take him as far as I can - more of a showcase of his adaptability/engrained abilities/solid training/growth with him.

But he doesn't hold a candle to some of the sport/purpose bred dogs I train with -many of which have high percentages of game pit or mal blood.


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Well, why not challange him both physically and mentally?
Too many dogs now days, have little or no physical and mental stimulation in their lives.
Has he had 'official' obedience training, or did you train him at home?
 

I3rendanG

Well-Known Member
Formalized advanced OB is a requirement for some of the things we train for. Scored alongside the protection component.

So as far as official obedience - we never went to "puppy school" -isn't my first rodeo. But do have all the prerequisites down - attention/focus heeling, down in motions, object guards, long down-stays and recalls, outs, contact heeling ect. And passed the CGC to validate his safety/formalized obedience for public record.

As for the physical and mental challenge - a lot of this training is mentally taxing on the dog. Decoys are trained to exploit your dogs weaknesses and "steal their points" in competition.

That in and of itself is challenging to the dog and to the trainers/handlers. Our job is to meet the dog where they are-only after it's determined that they have what it takes.

You never want to force a dog into something they may not be capable of doing. And a fair amount of problem solving is involved - you train dogs as individuals - not necessarily a hardfast curriculum.

He's been extremely slow to mature. I emphasized my desire to have him primarily worked in prey until 16ish months.

Could I have pushed/challenged his mental capabilities with defensive work in that respect - yes - but at what cost.

Much of this is manipulating conditioned responses. I didn't want to prematurely condition defensive aggression - especially when it's not fully developed until 2-3 for him.

I can challenge him mentally in other ways. Such as getting him to out in the height of a fight or confrontation with the decoy. Skills I'll need to demonstrate on the field.

Physically - we just started to seriously condition him for summer here on the east coast. Majority of his physical development should be wrapping up so I'm a little more comfortable exercising him more strenuously.


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Elana P

Well-Known Member
Formalized advanced OB is a requirement for some of the things we train for. Scored alongside the protection component.

So as far as official obedience - we never went to "puppy school" -isn't my first rodeo. But do have all the prerequisites down - attention/focus heeling, down in motions, object guards, long down-stays and recalls, outs, contact heeling ect. And passed the CGC to validate his safety/formalized obedience for public record.

As for the physical and mental challenge - a lot of this training is mentally taxing on the dog. Decoys are trained to exploit your dogs weaknesses and "steal their points" in competition.

That in and of itself is challenging to the dog and to the trainers/handlers. Our job is to meet the dog where they are-only after it's determined that they have what it takes.

You never want to force a dog into something they may not be capable of doing. And a fair amount of problem solving is involved - you train dogs as individuals - not necessarily a hardfast curriculum.

He's been extremely slow to mature. I emphasized my desire to have him primarily worked in prey until 16ish months.

Could I have pushed/challenged his mental capabilities with defensive work in that respect - yes - but at what cost.

Much of this is manipulating conditioned responses. I didn't want to prematurely condition defensive aggression - especially when it's not fully developed until 2-3 for him.

I can challenge him mentally in other ways. Such as getting him to out in the height of a fight or confrontation with the decoy. Skills I'll need to demonstrate on the field.

Physically - we just started to seriously condition him for summer here on the east coast. Majority of his physical development should be wrapping up so I'm a little more comfortable exercising him more strenuously.


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Thanks for the information, I appreciate it.
Sounds like an interesting and intensive sport/hobby for both dog and owner.
 

I3rendanG

Well-Known Member
I appreciate the ability to grow with my dog. It's really a journey where we learn together.

It's more about the dog than it is the handler. Having an individual who is clear headed, strong nerved and capable is only the beginning. Having trainers who are perceptive and intuitive - understand why the dog bites, what drove their working in, how they process stress, when to work through stress, when to relent is all part of the journey.

Some can read animals and some can't. So being comfortable and learning from experienced individuals is extremely important as well as rewarding.

Anyone can show a dog biting a sleeve. Does the dog bite because it's a game, because they've been conditioned, are they reliant on the tool, or so they use the tool as the ability to get to the man.

It's been extremely rewarding. I'm looking forward to his continued development.


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I3rendanG

Well-Known Member
*or do they use the tool to get to the man.

The some well practiced dogs no longer view biting the decoy (sleeve/suit/hidden sleeve) as the reward-and actually begin to target soft points - hands, face ect. [emoji15] when frustrated/angry


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I3rendanG

Well-Known Member
21 months old now, and just a few quick photos.
His suspicion has really kicked up as has his confidence. He "keys" up on certain people he doesnt like. Hard, unbreakable eye contact. Serious staredowns as if he is waiting for them to do something stupid. He sits quietly/watchfully, and is calm.
He's still very controllable, and social. Particularly protective of the female family members and putty with me. Still unbelievably immature. He's still very much a puppy - his attitude and demeanor is like that of a 7yr boy.