Family Protection Dogs
ADVANCED PROTECTION DOG TRAINING WITH ARRO
Considerations in purchasing a Protection Dog
for your family from Gatorland K-9
Ted and Dawn Hoppe would like to address some of the more common questions and concerns they receive.
What qualities should I look for in a dog that I am considering for Family Protection? What qualities should a Family Protection Dog trainer possess? What services should I expect with the contract, and follow-up service after I have purchased the dog? Use the CONTACT US form above to request more information on our Protection Dogs or call Ted at 386-749-9000.
The most important is that the dog be stable, with solid nerves. A good example of optimal temperament is to look at the qualities of an exceptional Police K-9 dog. This dog is highly trained to apprehend criminals but at the same time, must go home after work and live with the family. Police K-9’s often go into schools for demonstrations and have to be petted by many excited children. You may not need a Police dog but you want the same qualities that make a good Police dog. The dog should be intelligent, loyal and confident. The dog should be loving with it’s family and social in social situations but know when to defend if needed.
Protection is a specialty and not all trainers are qualified to train a dog in protection. There are many good obedience trainers in this country but not much is known about protection. It is important to know the qualifications of the person offering a trained protection dog.
Our contracts are normally customized to meet the needs of each client. Most come standard with a satisfaction/replacement agreement in the event the dog does not work out. You get handler training with the dog and a detailed instructional DVD. Ideally, you should come and meet the dog and spend some time learning the commands and how the dog was trained. If the dog is sent to you, the minimum to consider is an instructional DVD that clearly shows all of the commands and how to reinforce them. Having the dog delivered to your home would be important and especially helpful if you were experiencing problems with criminals. Ted Hoppe has extensive experience working with families. Training is just as much working with the human as it is working with dogs. Being able to work with people is often different than working with dogs. You will feel comfortable with Ted & Dawn. You will trust the training advice they offer. This trust will form a relationship that should last for the lifetime of the dog. At Gatorland K-9, exceeding your expectations should include not only the dog, but the service that you receive when buying the dog that you choose as your Family Protection Dog.
Hi Ted:
We just wanted to give you an update on all of us. Marco is working out beautifully. He has given us peace of mind and comfort as well as the ability to live in our own home. We haven't had any "break-ins" for 3 months now, so we are assuming that Marco is a deterrent factor. He is such a good dog and has become our 4th baby! The kids adore him, and he is so gentle and patient with them. He is Cooper's outside buddy, Taylor's running buddy and Teagan's watch-dog. He truly pays special attention to her and they love each other!
We hope all is well with you and your family. We are counting on a Wyoming visit from you sometime in the future! Thanks for all you've done for us.
Jodie and the rest of the Cody Thompsons
*For your convenience,we offer handler training courses and delivery service.
Above left: Belgian Malinois Libby during protection training with decoy Rob and trainer Ted Hoppe. Above right: Same canine at home in relaxation mode with her toddler charge, Savannah. Read this client's testimonial on the Testimonials Page.
