Posted by Hogbender on July 21, 2009, 11:17 am, in reply to "A sentry dog isn't exactly the same as a PP dog, so it may be trained differently..."
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"We have sold civilians both PP dogs before and also sentry dogs. They both have a lot of similarities, but they are not exactly the same. Depending on the dog's natural instinct. A sentry dog needs more territorial aggression and defense than a PP dog. A pp dog can have these things, but a sentry dog NEEDS these things. "
The Customer said "Personal Protection Dog". The only difference I see between the two is an Indoor Sentry dog CANNOT EVER bark and hold. He will not have any help until 08:00, no matter what. There is no need to teach an alert or out command to an Indoor Sentry Dog, because you won't be there to say them. I see no difference in aggression between the two dogs, in a dark building and the dark home while I sleep. Since you added defense I can only guess you don't think the P/P dog should be pissed off because I am climbing in your window at 02:00. I do.
The Customer does want him to alert and warn them as long as they are outside the building. Once the building perimeter is breached, all bets are off. The same goes for a P/P dog in my book. The only real difference comes in with an Outdoor Sentry Dog.
My point was that I can either choose to make the dog exactly how the Customer wants his "Personal Protection Dog", I can argue definitions with him, or I can try and sell him on the "correct style" of training. (which happens to be the way I do it)
I was always told that "The Customer is ALWAYS RIGHT!" That is why I either make the "Personal Protection Dog" exactly how the Customer wants it, or I tell them why I cannot or will not sell them a dog. I may not have dog that "fits" in that environment. I will not train or sell a dog that desires a strong bond with humans as an Indoor Sentry Dog. I don't think that is right for the dog. He could do it, but he has a right to be happy. I happen to have a reject right now that pretty much hates everyone and wants to be left alone. He would be much happier in that environment.
I think that many who hire a Trainer, forget that they are the Customer, and their desires ARE THE ONLY WAY it should be done! If the Trainer tries to talk you into something, or out of something, it is time to walk. If he makes you sign a contract, take it to a Lawyer and make sure that your desires are also protected in the contract. I am willing to bet they are not. If the Trainer refuses to negotiate a mutual protective contract, it is time to walk. I would look for a pay as you go Trainer. That protects you both without the contract, but that is just my opinion.
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