Guard Dog Training Equipment

Guard dogs have been used for hundreds of years to protect both people and property. A potential guard dog candidate cannot be trained without the proper equipment, which helps expedite the training process and keeps both dog and handler safe from injuries.

  1. History

    • The primary duty of ancient domestic dogs was to protect their owner's family and property. Guard dogs were taught from a young age to bark at strangers, alerting their owners to potential thieves and chasing off intruders. Owners initially trained their dogs with just collars and pieces of rope, but as society evolved, so did training equipment. Items such as radio collars, decoy blinds, and bite suits have been developed over the years to make guard dog training a safer, simpler process.

    Function

    • Guard dog training equipment serves two main functions: to control the dog and to protect the trainer. Items such as choke collars are used on the dog to guide him during training sessions and correct him if he responds inappropriately. Items such as bite suits protect the handler from the dog's strong jaws as he learns to defend his property. Training equipment should be used during every session for best results.

    Types

    • The three main types of guard dog training equipment are dog gear, motivators, and handler gear. Collars, long leashes, and harnesses allow a handler to control the dog while he is being worked. Motivators such as tennis balls and treats reward the dog when he responds properly. Handlers must consider their own safety during training and wear protective gear that includes goggles, padded bite pants and hard bite sleeves.

    Cost

    • Training a guard dog is expensive. A full set of equipment for the dog, which includes a wide collar, 50-foot training leash, and motivators, costs around $150. The handler's equipment is much more costly, with a full bite suit averaging more than $1,000. Handlers can save money by purchasing used bite suits from established trainers who no longer need them, or by sharing equipment with fellow trainers.

    Warning

    • Guard dog training should never be attempted by amateur handlers. Guard dogs are most often large breeds such as rottweilers and mastiffs that can cause serious injuries in the wrong hands. You should also review local laws regarding guard dogs, as many cities have restrictions on what breeds can be owned within city limits. A number of insurance companies can refuse coverage if you own a guard dog, so check your policy before training your dog.