The major part of attack training is the dog's ability to come off the attack on command. It takes a dominant-natured dog to qualify for this training. If the dog is dominant, it will have to learn to control itself and listen to the handler. That is the reason behind all the obedience training and testing. The animal MUST stop its attack on command.
In attack training, most trainers treat it like a game. The dog is teased rather than hurt. This type of training builds confidence in the dog and helps it control its fighting instincts, which obviously the dog in question could not do.
After each phase of the attack training, the dog is tested for obedience and stability. If the dog falters in stability it is dismissed from the program.
Almost all of the medium and large size breeds can be trained as attack dogs. However, not all individuals among a breed are suitable. Some will not have the right temperament; others will not have bonded with humans and may attack without the command. (Sound familiar?) Abused animals will be unreliable. It is important to remember that attack training is giving the dog the permission to charge a human. Normally, this action is inhibited in canines.
The dog is not the only one tested. The handler or owner also is tested. This person must, by law in many areas, be a law enforcement officer or a military K-9 corps officer. Because of the job description, the person is evaluated before being admitted into that branch of service.
If the person wanting an attack trained dog is not a law enforcement officer, the training school must test the person. The reason for wanting a dog trained like this is the first question asked. Attack trained dogs are similar to deadly weapons - in the wrong hands, tragedy can occur. The person wanting the dog must be psychologically sound and stable. There must be no history of use of mind-altering substances.
Only after meeting all these tests and passing them will a qualified training school allow an attack trained dog go to an ordinary citizen.
Danville is one of the places that forbids keeping attack trained dogs within the city limits unless it is owned by a law enforcement officer.
