In this episode of "Best Damn Dog Show", we're joined by our buddies Henry, Chris Knapp from
Von Wolfenfels K9, and Smoke as we dive deep into the world of professional protection dog training. Chris shares his humbling experience working with other trainers for the first time, and we discuss the significance of training dogs for real-life protection scenarios. We emphasize the importance of understanding dog behavior, the role of decoys, and the nuances of teaching dogs to destroy human anatomy correctly in self-defense situations.
From real-life training scenarios to the art of being a decoy, we explore the grit, dedication, and technique required to train dogs for police work, personal protection, and beyond. Discover the importance of reading a dog’s body language, the science of training with realism, and the passion that drives the working dog community. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to raise a dog that can save lives, this episode is for you.
Topics covered:
Real-world protection dog training
The role of decoys in dog development
The art and science of bite work
Advice for entering the working dog space
Follow the journey and learn how the bond between handler and dog can make all the difference.
🔗 Stay connected with our guests:
Smoke (IG: @doggonedecoy_aka_daboogieman )
Chris Knapp (IG: @VonWolfenfelsK9)
🎥 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more in-depth dog training stories on the Best Damn Dog Show Podcast!
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to the Best Damn Dog Show
00:57 Meet the Trainers: Henry and Chris
01:45 Real-Life Dog Training Scenarios
03:52 The Importance of Realism in Training
08:54 Decoy Techniques and Fundamentals
13:08 Training Philosophy and Fundamentals
16:11 Alertness and Threat Assessment
17:00 The Art of Being a Decoy
17:13 Importance of Reading Body Language
17:36 Proficiency with Equipment
18:27 Handling Unexpected Situations
19:32 Building a Dog's Foundation
20:19 Genetics and Breeding Ethics
20:38 Getting into the Working Dog Space
21:56 Ethical Breeding Practices
23:19 Shelter Dogs in the Working Space
24:28 The Rush of Working with Dogs
27:12 Connecting with the Trainers