Training Dogs for Protection Work (Hardcover)

~ Fred Mandilk (Author), Marv Gangloff (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

In Training Dogs for Protection Work, experts Fred Mandilk and Marv Gangloff emphasize the importance of attitude and commitment on the part of the owner/handler in creating an effective partnership with their dog. In clear, conversational language, they guide the reader through the selection and early training of the puppy; they then explain obedience, protection, and tracking, which combine to produce the working protection dog. Pulling no punches in their condemnation of abusive techniques, they also tackle popular training misconceptions. An invaluable guide for both amateur and professional handlers and trainers of all working breeds, as well for dog owners who wish to better understand the basics of correct handling and training.

About the Author

The authors train German Shepherds and Mallnoi for 35 police departments in the U.S.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: J. A. Allen; illustrated edition edition (March 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0851317367
• ISBN-13: 978-0851317366
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #292,261 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Overall good book, November 5, 1999

By	Gustavo Gonzalez ([e-mail]) (Miami, Florida) - See all my reviews

When reading this book's title, one believes they are buying a book solely on protection. Negative. This book also covers tracking and obedience training. This is fine, however, much of the techniques of the training are just an overview and are not really detailed. Many questions that may arise during training are left unanswered in this very brief book. It basically is a book on the Schutzhund sport, without it coming out and saying it outright. Overall, the book is a worthy addition for Schutzhund enthusiasts though would probably not provide any new information to the experienced Schutzhund trainer or those people well read on any of the three phases of Schutzhund.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's about the working dog's mind and your relationship with the dog, December 3, 2008

By	Cassus Belli "débat" (Asia) - See all my reviews

I found this book insightful because it does not talk about how to mindlessly train dogs. Most other books list the step-by-step process but miss the logic or thinking about the relationship with working dogs. This book explains what this relationship is about.

Mandilk and Gangloff has written a short, but not simple, book on handling working dogs. The focus is on the emotional and intelligence aspect of the working dog owner/handler relationship.

This is as it should be because most failures of 'sport' or working dog during trials or even day-to-day living is here. No amount of good genetics, expensive equipment or vet fees will create a bond between working dog and handler, unless this relationship is understood.

The book cover says as much: "... stress the importance of correct attitude and commitment on the part of the owner/handler and explain the role in forming a working partnership between handler and dog."

Earlier reviews must have missed this because they, probably, were looking for the mechanics or step-by-step instructions on schuzthund or other sports. This is not the book for that. Instead, if after reading Balabanov, Barwig and Hilliard, etc, you want a coherent philosophy or technique with working dogs, this is the book for it.

My only complain is that Mandilk and Gangloff are terse, concise and to the point. I liked it so much, I wish there was a Chapter 6!

17 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the working dog, October 21, 2000

By	fred mandilk (Moss Landing, CA USA) - See all my reviews

We wrote this brief and to the point book for one reason: to quickly provide information for both the inexperienced and wrongfully taught handler of the working dog. There are three additional sub-themes. The working dog is a family member; however, it is not a "sport" dog. Defense of a family, or handler, must never be considered sport, even in training. Secondly, the working dog is a full-time two-year-old child in the sense of time commitment. The handler must not only care for physical needs, but must maintain training routines, (obedience, tracking and grip work). The goal is not robotic responses, but team interaction that incorporates work, fun and mutual respect. To repeat, this is also a goal of protection work. The work shows how to incorporate positive training aspects, and points out abusive "techniques" and their results: a dog that can't be depended upon in the multiple settings of family life. The work is an easy read and useful for owners of non-protection breeds as well.