At Grünberg Shepherds, we take protection training seriously. So seriously, in fact, that we only train German-pedigreed shepherds, and only for very particular clients.

And if you’re looking for a fully-trained protection dog, look elsewhere unless you are a professional handler, or in some other professional capacity that we can verify. If a protection dog is something you need, we will work with you and your young dog (that meets our requirements) to train you together.

A protection-trained dog can be an important addition to a family. One client of Grünberg Shepherds owns a high-end jewelry boutique that specializes in custom designs. They had had some chancy things happen and, before the situated escalated, came to us for a protection dog. This dog was able to notify its owners of a potentially dangerous situation so police could be notified. The dog continues to patrol the premises, doing its job.

 Here are some common questions:

• How do I know I will meet your requirements?
  All dogs must pass a temperament evaluation before training begins. After that, the owner must show that the dog obeys them in regular obedience. If the dog won't listen in obedience, you can bet it will not listen in protection.
• I live far from Asheville, North Carolina. Can I send you my dog to train?
  Yes.  Some clients send us their dogs because of the distance and others because they would rather a professional handle training. These owners then learn how to “push the buttons” and work with their dog.
• How long does it take to train a dog for personal protection?
  This depends on the level of protection desired and on the dedication and willingness of the owners to work with their dogs. We prefer to address this question on a case-by-case basis. It also depends on whether you are training a dog you already own or if you wish to purchase a dog from us that has foundational training.
• How much does it cost to protection-train a dog?
  Usually, protection training starts at $150 per session and can go up from there depending upon the level of training and how much support a clients needs. Some clients like to train right at their homes. Travel costs are additional.
• Will my dog listen to me?
  You must always have control over your dog. Any dog with teeth has the potential to bite. Protection dogs are taught when they may open their mouths and when they may not. If you do not pass our rigorous process to be accepted for training, none of this will be an issue.

We work with dogs that are stable and have good nerve strength. The training for handler and dog is methodical and successful at each step. The dogs we train are not loose cannons. We get comments all the time about how "normal" our protection dogs act. One would never guess our personal dogs are bodyguards since they are so friendly and open.

If you still have questions, please contact us to find out when we will be offering a protection seminar. At the seminar you can meet some dogs and get all your questions answered.

Protection Video

What are we looking at here and why is that man screaming?

Preparing a dog to be a personal protection dog requires good genetics, careful training, and skilled handling. We want to desensitize the dog to anything the "bad guy" will do which includes screaming and/or attacking the dog. We want the dog to react, hold a confident grip, and put his weight into the struggle. This video shows Ingo's FIRST time in defensive bite work.

Gallery

Click the thumbnails below to view the full size image.

A life-changing event

My life took a twist a few years ago when I found myself the victim of a serious assault that could have been fatal. This was followed by a continued personal death threat.  I was placed in protective housing by police, and had no idea how I would ever return to a normal life.  Then I came up with the idea of a protection dog.

I hired a local handler to find me the “perfect” dog.  I have three young children, so this dog had to be able to withstand being dressed up as a ballerina, tugged, pulled and poked, and still be able to fend off or take down a very large man.

My quest began in Northern Canada and ended in Vermont at Grünberg Shepherds.  I’ll never forget the phone call from the handler when she found Hex. She assured me he was “the perfect dog.”

Hex was 18 months old, and still had a bit of training to do, but I knew he was going to be joining our family.  I told my children about Hex, and my 5-year-old was extremely nervous about dogs.  She had been told that “German Shepherds EAT children.”  Her fears were soon laid to rest once she met Hex…her words always echo with me: “I don’t like Hex…I LOVE Hex.”  And I think this picture, taken in the early morning hours with just the two of them awake and watching rabbits, says it all.  They are best buds.

Hex has since been the most wonderful addition to my family. He’s been everywhere with us, from soccer games to my office and has endured family vacation road trips with stops at hotels along the way. Everyone loves Hex.  
 
Hex has given me so much control of my life.  Before I had Hex, I could not wear head-phones to listen to music while I cleaned my house. I could not sleep without my glasses clutched in one hand, a light on and my phone in the other hand.  I could not take my garbage out at night. I can do all of that now. If Hex were to have a second name, it would be “freedom.”

My children don’t know the full extent of Hex’s talents.  And, fortunately, they don’t know the history behind his addition to our family. On their own, however, they have labeled him our “Guardian Dog.”  Perfect.