I've recently discovered that there are two SchH clubs in my area, but only one allows mixes. THe other is purely for GSD's.
From what I understand SchH training can only be done with a mentally stable dog. I guess the trainers have to evaluate your dog before any training can begin...
Roxy nor Hades is dog aggressive (despite the fact that Hades is a pitbull, I suppose months ago he could've been labelled fearful agressive although he never attacked another dog) but they did have "focus" issues around other dogs.
Going to group lessons curbed that behaviour very quickly.
I find what it teaches the dog is: Yes, there are other dogs around, but that doesn't mean that I don't have to focus on mommy. I'm safe here. The other dogs aren't a threat, now it's time to work.
Desensitizing them I think is the first step. If your dog is never around other dogs, EVER, than how are you going to be able to teach and reward good behaviours when he never gets the chance to show them?
Edit: Sorry the other posts sidetracked me
Teaching protection... Hmmm... Of course SchH is protection work, but I truly believe that if you have a strong bond with your dog they'll protect you no matter what. Roxy is very protective and territorial, that's just her personality, as Hades is very calm and submissive. There is no way, that I could make Hades bark at someone walking by the house, and there's no way for me to stop Roxy from barking!!! I think most of the "show protection" aka barking at people around the house, being wary of strangers etc. has a lot to do with breed and personality.
But when it boils down to it, if you have a strong bond with your dog and your in trouble, any breed, any personality will protect their mommy