Founder's Story: In an Unsafe World – Michael Hussain and the Future of Protection Dogs | S2 Ep. 177

Released on February 25, 2025 by IBH Media

Introduction

In this episode of Founder’s Story, hosted by IBH Media, listeners are introduced to Suede Michael Hussein, the founder and lead trainer at Alpen House Shepherds. Michael shares his inspiring journey into the world of protection dog training, offering deep insights into the challenges and innovations within the industry.

I. Michael Hussein's Journey and the Founding of Alpen House Shepherds

Michael Hussain begins by recounting his initial foray into owning a protection dog, a decision that ultimately led to the creation of Alpen House Shepherds. Approximately six years ago, Michael invested in his first protection dog after nearly a decade of contemplation and research. Drawing from his background in management consulting, he approached the selection and training process methodically:

"It took a long time and I went through a long period of research... O'Connor would have not actually protected me in real life." [02:18]

Despite high expectations, Michael discovered that his first protection dog, O'Connor, did not perform as promised in real-world scenarios. This revelation propelled him to delve deeper into effective dog training, aiming to bridge the gap between marketed protection capabilities and actual performance.

II. The Reality of Protection Dogs vs. Common Perceptions

Addressing the misconceptions surrounding protection dogs, Michael emphasizes the stark difference between the idealized image and reality:

"Protection dogs that are sold and commonplace in the marketplace... do not fit that criteria. They're either going to overprotect you... or they're going to under protect you." [06:30]

He highlights that many protection dogs either exhibit excessive aggression, making them unsuitable for family environments, or lack the necessary protective instincts to be effective when needed.

III. The Choice of Shepherd Breeds and Their Advantages

Michael explains why Alpen House Shepherds specializes in certain shepherd breeds, citing their superior performance and suitability for protection work:

"Shepherds are the highest performance dogs in the world. Belgian Malinois, Dutch Shepherds... are the fastest, the strongest, the quickest." [06:30]

He contrasts these breeds with others like Dobermans and Rottweilers, pointing out that the chosen shepherd breeds possess the speed and intelligence crucial for effective protection, potentially making the difference in critical situations.

IV. Training at Alpen House Shepherds: Methods and Philosophy

At Alpen House Shepherds, Michael adopts a comprehensive and individualized training approach, focusing solely on their own dogs to maintain consistency and quality:

"We only work with our own dogs... We shape their understandings, obedience, and socialization simultaneously." [11:30]

By controlling the genetics, environment, and training processes, Michael ensures that each dog developed meets the high standards required for genuine protection and suitability for real-life applications.

V. Client Matching and Ideal Clientele

Michael underscores the importance of matching the right client with the right dog, emphasizing that not everyone is suited for owning a protection dog:

"The right client for us is going to be a client that is patient, that is open-minded... They're not going to simply have this dog as a status symbol." [14:39]

This selective process ensures that both the client and the dog can form a strong, effective bond, maximizing the dog's potential as a protector while maintaining a harmonious household environment.

VI. Commitment and Bonding: A Mutual Investment

The relationship between the client and the protection dog is highlighted as a mutual commitment requiring dedication and ongoing effort:

"This is a commitment for both the person and the dog. It's going to create an amazing bond for their family, but you have to put in the work." [16:40]

Michael emphasizes that success in this partnership hinges on the client's willingness to engage deeply with the training and maintenance of the dog’s abilities.

VII. How to Connect with Alpen House Shepherds

For those interested in acquiring a protection dog from Alpen House Shepherds, Michael provides guidance on how to initiate contact and begin the process:

"Our website is a great place to start: AlpenHouseShepherds.com. We also have a YouTube channel and an Instagram presence." [21:11]

He notes that Alpen House Shepherds operates as a small, dedicated organization where he personally manages all aspects of client interaction and dog integration, ensuring a personalized and high-quality experience.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with the host praising Michael’s dedication and the transformative impact of Alpen House Shepherds on both clients and their protection dogs. Michael expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to share his story, reinforcing the importance of genuine protection dog training in today’s uncertain world.

"Providing safety, providing protection, providing a bond to somebody. I think we all need all those things in life nowadays." [22:24]

Listeners are left with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in training protection dogs and the meticulous approach necessary to achieve excellence in this field.

Notable Quotes:

• Michael Hussein: "Protection dogs that are sold and commonplace in the marketplace... do not fit that criteria. They're either going to overprotect you... or they're going to under protect you." [06:30]

• Michael Hussein: "Shepherds are the highest performance dogs in the world. Belgian Malinois, Dutch Shepherds... are the fastest, the strongest, the quickest." [06:30]

• Michael Hussein: "We only work with our own dogs... We shape their understandings, obedience, and socialization simultaneously." [11:30]

• Michael Hussein: "The right client for us is going to be a client that is patient, that is open-minded... They're not going to simply have this dog as a status symbol." [14:39]

• Michael Hussein: "Providing safety, providing protection, providing a bond to somebody. I think we all need all those things in life nowadays." [22:24]

Resources:

• Website: AlpenHouseShepherds.com
• YouTube Channel: AlpenHouse Shepherds
• Instagram: AlpenHouseShepherds

For those seeking a true protection dog experience, Michael Hussein and Alpen House Shepherds offer a distinguished path grounded in expertise, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence in protection training.