Protection Dog Training
Elite Security. Unwavering Loyalty. Total Control.
Protection Dog Training
At Runchkin Hill Farm and Kennel, we don’t just train protection dogs—we build reliable guardians. With over 30 years of experience in Personal, Family, Sport, and Police Protection, founder Robin Desmond and her team of professional decoys provide a level of expertise that is unmatched in the Northeast.
We specialize in developing dogs that possess the “off-switch”—animals that are fierce protectors when called upon, but gentle, stable companions at the family dinner table.
The Runchkin Hill Standard: “The Off-Switch”
The most dangerous dog is an unstable one. At RHF, we prioritize stability above all else. A dog trained by us understands that protection is a job, not an emotional reaction.
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Discrimination: Teaching the dog to identify legitimate threats.
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Clarity: Ensuring the dog can be called off (the “Out”) instantly, every time.
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Socialization: Maintaining the dog’s ability to be a functional member of your household and community.
Our Specialized Programs
Family & Personal Protection
A true family protection dog is a balanced dog. We focus on “Soundness of Mind,” ensuring your guardian is social, safe around children, and capable of discerning a real threat from a neutral stranger.
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Focus: Defensive driving, threat detection, and controlled apprehension.
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Real-World Ready: We train in varied environments so your dog remains focused regardless of distractions.
Police & K9 Services
We provide high-level training for law enforcement agencies and professional handlers. Our facility is equipped to handle the rigorous demands of patrol and apprehension work.
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Services: Patrol foundations, building searches, and tracking.
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Detection: Specialized training for narcotics, explosives, and evidence recovery.
Protection Sports (IPO, PSA, & Ring Sports)
For the enthusiast looking to compete at the highest levels, we offer the precision and drive building required for modern protection sports.
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Skills: High-drive obedience, “flashy” heeling, and clean, powerful bite work.
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Decoy Work: Our staff includes professional decoys experienced in multiple sport disciplines.
Elite Breeding for Protection
To have a world-class protection dog, you must start with world-class genetics. As an AKC Breeder of Merit, Robin Desmond breeds Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds specifically for:
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Health & Longevity: Orthopedic clearances and genetic testing.
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Temperament: High environmental confidence and natural protective instincts.
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Workability: The drive to perform and the intelligence to learn.
Important Note: Not every dog is suitable for protection work. Protection training requires a specific temperament and a high level of foundational obedience.
How to Get Started
All protection training begins with a comprehensive Temperament Evaluation. We will assess your dog’s drive, nerves, and stability to determine if they are a candidate for our protection programs.
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Evaluation Fee: $100
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Training Format: Available via Private Lessons or Intensive Board & Train.