I don't think the concern here is the properly trained ones.
I also think Azz asks a valid question really, why do PP work? I don't think it can be compared to agility and HTM to be honest. Nor does 'because they enjoy it' cover it, what motivates you to find that out? What is the appeal.

We have a couple of local ish training clubs that do this stuff, mainly frquented by men in black with dogs on a short lead and check or half
Check chain, with GSDs or Rottis.

I think the fashion was set by certain Z-list celeb numpties. And because they cost a lot, they must be desirable - in certain circles.
Poor dogs.

I don't think personal protection training should be banned. ALL dogs can bite, the PP or Schutzhund dogs that are correctly trained have a "controlled" bite - emphasis on the word "controlled".

It is no secret on here that if I could afford it I would love one of the highly trained personal protection dogs that A1K9 sell. They have an exemplary record and reputation and are leaders in the PP field.

I couldn't find one incident online of a properly and responsibly trained PP dog biting anyone they shouldn't have

I had to read 13 posts until I found out what PP was
Gee I hate abbreviations

For me (when I considered it with Gabe) it was the fact that it was something different to try with my dog.
I started HtM for the same reason - and obedience for exactly the same reason - someone suggested to me that the dogs would be good at it. In both cases it was people who had competed and/or trained dogs to a high level in each discipline.

So for me - I could very easily compare it to the other dog sports.

I have done loads of different things with my guys to find out what they enjoy and what I enjoy. This would be no different.

As Moobli has done research about problems with it, and found none, it must be rare to happen.

Again, it's the numpties who haven't got a clue about anything that would ruin it for the other ones. There is no way a dog can be trained to do that, and not have a steady temperement. I imagine the trainers absolutely require it as they could end up being bitten themselves, if the stead temp wasn't there.

Helen

I think I would trust a well-trained PP dog more than a bog standard pet dog who lacked in socialisation - the first knows to only bite on command, the second is an unpredictable entity!

Totally agree!! ^.^ and the first should be more reliable at letting go too.....

I had to read a few posts. Thread title isnt clear. Got it though after a few.

I don't see why the average person needs a personal protection dog at all.

Are protection sports and actual protection dogs (such as police dogs) considered one and the same? would a dog trained for bitework for sport, do the same in a real situation (bite someone minus the sleeve/bodysuit) if it was commanded? I was always under the impression that they would not because the dogs think of it as a game?

I suppose I can see why protection based dog sports might be appealing if you had the right type of dog for it. I think it could only become a problem if you get amateur trainer who doesn't really know what they are doing with the wrong type of dog.