Protection Dog Training in Sarasota
Personal protection training led by Head Trainer Don Shaw, a decoy and working dog specialist. Pricing after a free phone consultation.
Why the decoy matters
In protection work the decoy is the person in the bite suit, and how the decoy works shapes how the dog learns. Don does that work himself. As an experienced decoy and working dog specialist, he has extensive knowledge of canine behavior, genetics, motivation, and drive development. His training approach combines proven techniques, modern learning theory, and hands-on experience to build confident, well-balanced, and reliable dogs.
Don believes training should be part of everyday life, not just a series of commands. He focuses on clear communication, building confidence, and helping dogs succeed in real-world situations, including around distractions and in public settings.
Don's decoy and working dog credentials
- AK9I, LLC 320 hour Patrol/Detector Handler Course
- AK9I,LLC NAPWADA Certified 520 hour Patrol/Detector Instructor
- DNA K9 Decoy Certification
- Certified Patrol/ Improvised Explosive Dog Detector Trainer
- Certified Patrol/ Improvised Explosive Dog Detector Handler
- High Intensity Tactical Training (Levels 1,2,3)
- Advanced Urban Combat
- NePoPo Silver (2023)
- Gold I (2023)
- Gold II (2023)
- Gold III (2024)
- Demanet Decoy Academy (2025)
- PSA Trial Decoy (2025)
- World Decoy Level 1 WDA (2026)
How to start
Free phone consultation
Tell us about your dog, your home and what you want from protection training.
A plan and a quote
Protection training is not on our pricing page, so you get a quote for your dog after the consultation.
Obedience in real places
Our programs train in public settings around real distractions, the same approach Don uses with family pets and working dogs.
Protection training questions
Do you offer protection dog training in Sarasota?
Yes. Off Leash K9 Training Sarasota FL offers personal protection training led by Head Trainer Don Shaw, a decoy and working dog specialist with over 17 years of experience.
How much does protection dog training cost?
Protection training is not listed on our pricing page. It is quoted after a free phone consultation about your dog and your goals. Call (941) 357-4500.
What qualifies Don to train protection dogs?
Don's decoy and working dog credentials include DNA K9 Decoy Certification, NePoPo Silver (2023) through Gold III (2024), Demanet Decoy Academy (2025), PSA Trial Decoy (2025) and World Decoy Level 1 WDA (2026), along with patrol and detector handler and instructor courses.
Talk to a Sarasota trainer today
Start with a free phone consultation. Tell us what your dog does and we will tell you which program fits.