Keep Your Family Safe with the Best Protection Dogs - Tips from Spencer Bowman | Episode 14

TL;DR

Learn about protection dogs and training from expert Spencer Bowman.

Transcript

spencer bowman is a well-established business owner breeder obedience trainer and protection dog trainer over the last 12 years he has perfected his craft and continues to grow his list of accomplishments he is the only american to date to qualify for the french selectives with a self-bred and trained dog he qualified for the french selectives out ... Read More

Key Insights

• Spencer Bowman has over 12 years of experience in breeding, obedience, and protection dog training, making him a reputable figure in the industry.
• Protection dogs should be friendly and social with family members while being capable of protective actions in real situations.
• The temperament of a dog is crucial in determining its suitability for protection work, and evaluations are often done when dogs are older.
• Different breeds are preferred for specific protection roles, with German Shepherds often favored for home protection due to their temperament.
• French ring and Mondeo ring are Spencer's primary focus for sport dogs, with extensive training in France to improve his skills.
• French ring decoys in France have more experience due to early training and access to a larger number of dogs compared to the U.S.
• For those interested in protection training, finding a mentor and joining a local club is recommended to gain experience.
• Maintaining a protection dog's training requires ongoing commitment, with follow-up training and support from experienced trainers.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is a protection dog according to Spencer Bowman?

A protection dog is friendly and social with family members but can also switch to protective mode in real situations. There are various types, such as family, personal, and estate protection dogs, each with specific roles and social behaviors.

Q: How does Spencer Bowman select dogs for protection training?

Spencer typically starts evaluating dogs from a young age, often raising multiple puppies and assessing their temperament as they grow. The selection focuses on quality over quantity, ensuring the dogs have the right temperament for protection work.

Q: What breeds does Spencer Bowman prefer for protection work?

While Spencer breeds Malinois, he often prefers German Shepherds for home protection due to their temperament. Malinois are more suited for sport work, and he collaborates with other breeders for suitable protection dogs.

Q: Why are French ring decoys from France often more skilled?

French decoys start training at a young age and have access to a larger number of high-level dogs compared to the U.S., allowing them to gain more experience and skill in the sport.

Q: What advice does Spencer give to those interested in protection training?

Spencer advises finding a mentor and joining a local club affiliated with recognized organizations. This ensures access to experienced trainers and a structured learning environment.

Q: What is the difference between sport and real protection dogs?

Sport dogs are trained for specific activities and competitions, while real protection dogs are trained for actual protective scenarios. A dog may excel in sport but not be suitable for real protection without specific training.

Q: How does Spencer maintain training for protection dogs?

Spencer offers follow-up training and support, including phone and email assistance. He emphasizes the importance of ongoing training and maintenance to ensure the dog remains effective in its role.

Q: What is the importance of obedience in protection training?

Obedience is crucial as it ensures the handler can control the dog in various situations. Spencer's training includes extensive on and off-leash obedience under distractions to prepare dogs for real-world scenarios.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Spencer Bowman, a seasoned trainer, discusses the essentials of protection dog training, emphasizing the importance of temperament and ongoing training.

• Bowman shares his journey into protection sports, highlighting the rigorous training and mentorship he received in France to enhance his skills.

• For those seeking protection dogs, understanding the differences between sport and real protection dogs, and maintaining training are key considerations.