THE PROTECTION HELPER

A Series on Protection Helper Training

Gary Patterson

Those whom the Gods would destroy, they first make protection helpers.

The following series addresses one of the most ignored aspects of protection training. Volumes are written about the development and training of working dogs, but little is advanced about developing the men and women who train them.

This series isn't about teaching how the protection helper should work dogs–that's an entirely different subject. Nor is it an effort to create some universal standard about what's right or wrong about protection helper work: an idea that all helpers should work the same. That would be ludicrous as helpers come in all shapes and forms with differing athletic skills.

Instead, the following series examines the foundation and fundamentals of good helper technique and establishes a base from which all helpers can advance and develop skills that reflect each person's individual style as a protection helper. It isn't easy and you won't get many thanks, except, maybe from the dog.