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Decoder

Decoding "trained" in family protection dog ads

Treat the phrase as a question, not an answer.

German Shepherd sitting up in the grass

Three things to see

  1. The dog comes when called near distractions.
  2. It holds a stay while people move around.
  3. It releases attention immediately when told.

Questions behind the phrase

Who did the training? How long did it take? What exactly was taught? Which parts have you seen, and which have you only heard about?

Titles and certificates

Treat them as one data point. They show a result on a day, not behavior at your dinner table.

Promises to distrust

Anyone who guarantees a flawless dog is overselling. Look for honest talk about limits and ongoing support.

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