Keeping your protection dog smart, safe, and strong means practicing often, but also checking how well they’re doing! 💪🐶 That’s where monthly skill evaluations come in. Think of them like a report card 📋 for your pup’s training. With regular checkups, you’ll know what’s going great and what needs a little help, just like school tests but way more fun! 🐾🎯
At https://protectiondogss.com, we specialize in training elite protection dogs. But even after training is complete, we always recommend ongoing Monthly Skill Evaluations so your dog stays sharp, safe, and confident for life! 💼🛡️
Let’s learn everything you need to know! 🚀
Why Monthly Evaluations Matter ❤️
Protection dogs are amazing partners. But just like superheroes need to train, your dog needs refreshers too! 🦸♂️🐕
Here’s why monthly evaluations are important:
| Reason 🧐 | What It Means For Your Dog 🐕 |
|---|---|
| 🧠 Memory Check | Are they still following commands? |
| 🔍 Behavior Watch | Are they too reactive or not alert enough? |
| 🎯 Accuracy | Is their bite precise and on target? |
| 🛡️ Reliability | Will they protect in real-world situations? |
| 💬 Communication | Do they still respond to your hand and voice signals? |
| 🐾 Physical Fitness | Are they in top shape for the job? |
Doing monthly skill checks keeps your dog safe, your family safe, and your home protected.
What To Evaluate Each Month 📆
Let’s learn your monthly protection dog evaluation like a checklist ✅. You can print this and use it each month!
1. Basic Obedience 👂🐾
- Sit ✅
- Down ✅
- Stay ✅
- Come ✅
- Heel ✅
💡 Use treats or toys to make this part fun!
2. Advanced Obedience 🧠
- Recall under distraction (e.g., toys, food, loud noises)
- Off-leash obedience in the yard or at the park
- Long-duration “Place” or “Stay”
👉 Need help? Try our Training Refresh Services
3. Protection Commands 🛡️
- Alert (bark on command)
- Engage (bite on cue)
- Release (let go immediately)
- Stand down (return to neutral quickly)
⚠️ Always use a bite sleeve or trained decoy. Never test these alone unless trained!
Learn more in our Bite Work 101 Guide
4. Environmental Exposure 🌎👃
- Reacts calmly to stairs, elevators, cars, bikes, etc.
- Comfortable in public places
- Ignores friendly strangers unless commanded
Check out Proofing Under Distraction
5. Handler Confidence 🧍♀️🐕
- Does your dog look to YOU for direction?
- Do YOU feel confident leading your dog?
- Are you consistent with commands?
🧠 Pro Tip: Use our Family Handler Training to get everyone on the same page.
How to Do a Monthly Evaluation 🧪📋
🟢 Step 1: Pick a Calm Day
Choose a day when you’re not rushed or stressed. Mornings are great!
🟡 Step 2: Use a Familiar Space
Start in your home or backyard before testing in public.
🔵 Step 3: Print or Use the Checklist
Use our checklist below — write down how your dog scores!
| Skill | Pass ✅ / Retry 🔁 / Needs Work ❗ | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sit | ✅ | Fast response |
| Recall | 🔁 | Needed two calls |
| Bite & Release | ❗ | Didn’t release right away |
🟣 Step 4: Celebrate Wins 🎉
Even small improvements deserve a happy dance! 🥳 Give a treat or play tug!
🔴 Step 5: Mark Next Date 🗓️
Consistency is key. Put it on your calendar!
Monthly Skill Evaluation Template 🎁📄
Here’s a quick template you can copy or print each month:
🗓️ Month: _____________
| Command | ✅ / ❗ / 🔁 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sit | ||
| Down | ||
| Stay | ||
| Recall | ||
| Heel | ||
| Engage (Bite) | ||
| Release | ||
| Alert (Bark) | ||
| Neutral Response | ||
| Confidence With Handler | ||
| Distractions | ||
| Stranger Reactions |
💡 Bonus: Keep each month’s sheet in a binder to track progress!
What If My Dog Fails a Skill? 😬
No worries! Dogs aren’t robots — even the best-trained ones have off days.
Here’s what to do:
| If This Happens… | Try This! |
|---|---|
| ❌ Doesn’t recall | Go back to leash recall drills for a week |
| ❌ Won’t release | Practice “Out” command with tug toy |
| ❌ Ignores bark command | Pair verbal cue with a visual signal |
Need help? Ask us about our Remote Training Support or In-Home Integration Services
How We Help at https://protectiondogss.com 🐶🦴
Monthly evaluations are most powerful when done with expert support. That’s where we come in! 😎
We Offer:
✅ Training Refresh Programs
✅ Annual Recertification
✅ In-Home Consultations
✅ Handler Coaching
✅ Upgrade Your Dog’s Skills
Our trained professionals make sure your dog stays at peak performance — no matter the season, setting, or situation. 🏠🌆✈️
Already have a dog from us? Many of our Trained Personal Protection Dogs include built-in skill maintenance support!
Real-Life Examples 🧍♂️🐕
Let’s peek at how monthly skill evaluations help real families!
👨👩👧👦 The Smith Family
They noticed their dog “Juno” wasn’t releasing on cue. After two evaluation sessions and a quick refresh from us, Juno was back to perfect “out” control!
👩⚕️ Nurse Pam & Her Doberman
Pam travels a lot. Her dog “Rex” started ignoring stairs. We coached her through confidence games, and now Rex rides elevators like a champ! 💯
Read more real stories on our Testimonials Page
Evaluation Games for Kids & Families 👨👩👧👦🎲
Make it FUN for everyone! Try these activities each month:
🎯 “Who Gives the Best Sit?” – Everyone tries commanding “Sit.” Dog picks their favorite handler!
🎭 “Distraction Drama” – Act silly while dog stays in “Place.” Can they resist?
🚦 “Traffic Light Drill” – Green = Go, Yellow = Wait, Red = Stay! Teach commands like a game!
👣 Hide & Seek Recall – One person hides and calls the dog. Great for recall + bonding!
Explore more in our Family-Friendly Training Games
Make It a Habit 🧠🔁
Monthly evaluations are like brushing teeth 🪥 — quick, easy, and super important. Here’s how to build the habit:
📆 Put a reminder on your phone
📓 Use a training log or binder
🎉 Treat it like a mini doggy holiday!
🐾 Reward both YOU and your dog!
Additional Tips from Our Experts 💡
🐕 Use high-value rewards only for training (freeze-dried liver = magic!)
🦮 Switch locations each month for better generalization
🗣️ Always use clear, short commands
🤝 Stay patient — your energy affects your dog’s behavior
📲 Film your sessions! You’ll spot little habits you missed
When to Call a Pro 📞🐾
If any of these pop up in multiple evaluations, it’s time to check in with us:
- 🔁 Dog forgets basic commands even after refreshers
- ❗ Increased fear, aggression, or shutdowns
- 💤 Low motivation or sudden fatigue
- 😤 Overreacting to strangers or guests
Our K9 Health & Wellness Program includes both behavioral and health checkups!
Table: Monthly Evaluation Checklist Overview 📊
| Category | Skills to Test | Tools Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Obedience | Sit, Stay, Come, Heel | Leash, Treats |
| Advanced Obedience | Recall, Long Stay, Off-Leash | Training space |
| Protection Work | Bark, Bite, Release | Bite sleeve, decoy |
| Environmental Exposure | Calm in new places | Public outing |
| Handler Leadership | Communication, Bond | Consistent practice |
| Health/Fitness | Energy, body condition | Vet input optional |
Protection dogs are incredible, but only when their skills stay fresh! Monthly skill evaluations are your best tool for a safe, obedient, and confident partner.
And remember, you’re not alone. https://protectiondogss.com is here to support every step of the journey, from first training to lifelong mastery.
✅ Need a refresh?
✅ Want a pro to do the eval with you?
✅ Need to upgrade your dog’s role?
We’ve got your back 🐾🛡️
FAQs About Monthly Skill Evaluations ❓🐕
1. What if I miss a month?
It’s okay! Just get back on track next month. Some families skip holidays or travel weeks — no biggie.
2. Can kids help with evaluations?
Absolutely! It teaches leadership, safety, and builds a strong bond. Just supervise for safety during bite work.
3. Do your dogs come trained for monthly evaluations?
Yes! All our protection dogs for sale are trained with evaluation readiness in mind.
4. How long does a monthly evaluation take?
Just 20–30 minutes! Make it a routine and your dog will love it!
5. Can I get help doing my evaluations?
Yes! Ask us about In-Home Integration or Remote Support.
6. Should senior dogs do this too?
Yes—but we modify for comfort. See our post on Senior Protection Dog Care.
