Integrating a Protection Dog into Your Family

When integrating a protection dog into your family, it is imperative to understand that this process is a slow burn and cannot be rushed. Dogs do take some time to fully adapt to new settings, and forcing too much on them too soon can be a stressful experience which may build unwanted and negative associations with yourself and your home. We recommend a gradual approach which emphasises positive experiences and association building while slowly allowing a dog to become accustomed to its new surroundings. We crate train our protection dogs before they join their new families, and always encourage to new owners to maintain this practice.

Bonding and training should be a new protection dog owner’s next priorities, and when done correctly go hand in hand. Bonding can begin from the very first encounter, and is nothing more than the forming and maintenance of mutually loving, trusting, and positive relationships. Training formalises the foundations set in bonding while establishing the healthy boundaries that are critical for any pet dog. This is especially important if it is employed in a protection role. Simple practices repeated consistently over and over again are most helpful in consolidating a dog’s training, and their regularity goes a long way in building the desired positive associations with you and your family.

Once you feel that your protection dog has comfortably integrated into your family, it may be time to consider further role specific training. We conduct home visits around the world to offer realistic scenario training, as well as top-up obedience or enrichment work and guidance. To book a visit, please email us on info@protectiondogs.co.uk.