Michael Ellis 2-Week Protection Class - Part 2

433 Videos | 25 Hours of Content

Over the past 16 years, we have produced a number of excellent training videos with our friend Michael Ellis. Up to now, we have never released a comprehensive course on protection dog training.

Some years ago, I went to The Michael Ellis School for Dog Training and filmed his 2-week protection class. I came back with 50 hours of excellent video. We are releasing this class in a 2-part series. There are a total of 733 videos totaling 43 hours of training in part one and part two.  This is the most extensive course on training protection work anywhere. Leerburg has close to 300 hours of work in filming, editing, and building out this course. 

In 2023, Michael retired from running his school for dog trainers in California. While he continues to do occasional seminars, he no longer runs his immersion program, his intern program, or his school. This course allows trainers to take advantage of what used to be offered at the school.

About This Course

This program offers an in-depth exploration of essential terminology, the role of the decoy, and the intricate mechanics of bite work. Students will begin with a foundational part 1 overview, progressing to advanced concepts such as understanding the decoy's various roles, teaching practical skills without a decoy, advanced sport skills, and bite work mechanics.

This course not only equips you with theoretical knowledge but also provides practical insights that can be practiced without a dog, making it accessible for all skill levels.

Whether you aim to refine your skills as a handler or deepen your understanding of decoy work, this course offers a holistic approach to protection training.

This course is ideal for dog owners who wish to compete in various biting dog sports, professional dog trainers, new law enforcement personnel, and dedicated dog owners looking to enhance their knowledge and skills in protection work.

Course Topics:

Terminology Mastery: Begin with an overview of essential terms, progressing into nuanced discussions to deepen your understanding of the field.

The Decoy’s Role: Explore the critical job of the decoy, including techniques for handling stress in dogs and how to effectively present bite equipment.

Understanding Dog Behavior: Learn about genetic bite styles and the stages of canine development to tailor your training approach.

Skills Training without a Decoy: Master critical behaviors like teaching out, tug play, targeting, guarding, heeling, recall, and secondary control skills, all essential for a well-rounded protection training program.

Advanced Sport Skills: Delve into specialized techniques like searching, side transport, object guarding, and bark and hold, tailored for protection sports.

Bite Work Mechanics: Learn the essentials of decoy work using specialized equipment like bite wedges, arm and leg sleeves, and bite suits. Focus on footwork and mechanics to ensure effective training.

Stress Management: Engage in discussions about cumulative stress, stress signals, and strategies for handling stress in dogs. Understand the importance of raising thresholds and allowing dogs to "win" to relieve stress.

Student Bite Work Demonstrations: Watch students learn various mechanics of using bite wedges, arm sleeves, leg sleeves, and bite suits.