Protection dogs are sourced from carefully selected candidates, and put through an intensive training program.
Depending on the client requirements, training may take up to six months.
Personal Protection dogs also need constant practice.
This allows them to remain sharp and responsive to potential situations. When your family's life is at stake, we believe in maintaining a high level of control and obedience. We also demand total control of your dog, to limit liability concerns. Our dogs are trained to stop on command, and to protect on command.
You and your family need to believe in your dog - at all times!

Leighton Oosthuisen has been training personal protection dogs for more than 30 years. He was an instructor in the military and law enforcement, as well as a consultant for the industrial security and terrorism industry.

We believe in setting a high standard when it comes to Personal Protection dogs. Dogs undergo very intense and advanced training, and handlers are required to do the same.
Handlers also undergo months of training in obedience, control and agitiation work. Annual refresher classes are also required.
If you are going to be away on vacation, we suggest your dog stay with us for the period you are away. This prevents problems with pet sitters and boarding kennels losing control and doing something irresponsible.

There are three ways to approach Personal Protection Training.

1. TRAINING YOUR PERSONAL PET
If you have a pet that you would like to teach protection training to, you can enroll in the program. Depending on the personality of your pet, they can either start with the:
a. BARK DEFENSE CLASS, for small dogs, or soft dogs that just want to bark
b. PERSONAL PROTECTION LEVEL 1 CLASS, for dogs that want a little more.

2. PROCURING A PROTECTION DOG CANDIDATE
You locate a suitable candidate for training.
We evaluate this dog, and if he or she passes, place him in a our training program.
We can also assist in locating a suitable candidate.
However the client has the final decision in selecting a suitable dog.
Programs are designed around the client requirements, and incorporate family, home conditions and potential problem areas.
Training takes place while the candidate stays at Partners, and includes obedience, control, bitework and scenarios practice.
Training programs last a minimum of 6 weeks, and can last 18 weeks or more.
Actual time and cost depend on the dogs capabilities, and the requirements of the client.

3. PURCHASE A PROTECTION DOG FROM US
We occasionally have protection dogs for sale.
If you are interested in purchasing a trained dog, consider you need to be matched with the right candidate, and need to learn how to handle your new dog.
We would be happy to help with this.
Trained Personal Protection Dogs cost from $3,000 upwards, depending on the breed and training requirements.

For most people, the primary reason for having a personal protection dog is SECURITY.
At Partners we believe perfection, training and practice create an educated and well informed client.
Therefore, we require TRANSITION training, where the client, family and staff are properly trained in the use of the protection dog.
We also require CONTINUING education of everyone involved. Dogs and people alike become complacent, and forget the basics. Initially monthly, and then annual, training sessions are needed to keep everyone sharp.
Anything less would be false security!

Training costs are dependant on:

a. What are your training expectations?
b. Are you providing a suitable dog to be trained?
c. How much experience do you have?

Now that you have seen what is involved in owning a protection dog, you will have a better understanding of how awesome it is to know your family is safe.

We welcome your contacting us to arrange an appointment.

Contact us at 480-595-6700,
or email leighton@animaltraining.com