Even the bravest people worry about home invaders, especially people with families. Naturally, most people choose to take precautions to keep themselves and their families safe in case such an event occurs.
There are several precautions that people typically choose from, ranging from firearms to alarm systems. The problem with firearms is that they can be unsafe, especially if you have curious kids around. Alarm systems can be problematic because they require you to arm and disarm them. We’re not saying that alarm systems and firearms aren’t precautions worth taking, but there’s another option that many people fail to consider: the family protection dog.
If you’re interested in getting a protection dog, you’re probably wondering, “How much does a protection dog cost?” There are several factors to consider when determining the cost of a dog, and protection dogs require special consideration in certain areas. So, how much is a guard dog, then?
What Exactly Is a Family Protection Dog?
Protection dogs are bred and trained with your safety in mind. These amazing dogs are extremely well-trained and excel at guarding and protecting their owners. They’ll guard your home while you sleep, alert you to danger, and even attack on command. Home guard dogs are trained to neutralize the intruder until law enforcement arrives on the scene.
Since they protect their owners, these dogs must have both natural protective instincts and excellent protection training. This ensures that they’re neither overly aggressive nor timid and that they know when and how to act in all situations, especially when protection is necessary.
Why Get a Protection Dog?
You have several potential options when it comes to home security. Many people choose to purchase firearms for self-defense. Responsible gun owners keep their guns in a safe place, as they should, to keep them away from children and safe from anyone who might enter the home. However, when a gun is secure and out of reach, it’s not easily accessible in the event of a sudden emergency. But how much is a guard dog going to offer you in terms of immediate protection? A home protection dog is a deterrent all on their own. They’ll often scare an intruder away before he can cause any harm. And, unlike a firearm, a well-trained home protection dog will only harm those who intend to harm you or your loved ones.
Installing an alarm system is another great preventative measure. However, a home protection dog’s heightened senses can detect an intruder long before your alarm system can. Plus, a protection dog is always on duty. An alarm system needs to be armed and disarmed, which you might not do when you’re home, and you might forget to do at all. It also requires power, and could even be hacked.
The mere presence of a protection dog greatly discourages break-ins, as these dogs are trained specifically to deal with intruders. Additionally, a protection dog will provide you with protection, while an alarm will only warn you of the presence of an intruder once they’re actively breaking in. It’s also important to remember that a family protection dog isn’t just a means of protection. These dogs are living, breathing companions that can improve your everyday life! You can sleep more soundly knowing that someone is looking out for you and your family.
Is It Safe to Own a Protection Dog?
Owning a well-trained security dog is generally considered to be very safe. When a guard dog becomes part of your family, your safety and your family’s safety becomes its primary concern. Most people aren’t comfortable with the idea of having a violent attack dog, which is understandable. However, a family protection dog is very different from an attack dog or a watchdog.
While a properly trained guard dog can attack on command, they can also return to a calm and docile state on command. These dogs aren’t inherently violent; they’re inherently protective. These are loving animals that will make a great addition to any family.
Do Family Protection Dogs Come with Any Drawbacks?
Because a family protection dog’s price is significant, you should know everything there is to know about protection dogs before investing in one, including a few drawbacks. These drawbacks might not be deal-breakers for some, but because they require a serious commitment, they’re worth mentioning.
Let’s look at the pros and cons that come with owning a trained security dog:
Pros
- Trained to deal with break-ins and other threats
- Excellent companions
- Trained to alert you to danger
- Deter break-ins and other criminal activity
- Safer to own than a gun.
- Neutralize intruders until law enforcement arrives
- Can protect you outside the home
- Trained to conduct property searches
- Can attack or stand down on command
- Calmly assess threats to their owners
- Help you and your family feel safer
Cons
- Require continual training to keep their protective skills sharp
- K9 dog prices can exceed budgetary limitations as they cost a lot to purchase, train, and keep healthy and happy.
How Much Does a Protection Dog Cost?
How Much Does a Protection Dog Cost?When looking at a family protection dog’s price, it’s important to remember that a protection dog offers a lot of value. One of the biggest downsides to buying and training a protection dog is the steep price tag. So, how much is a guard dog? The cost of a highly skilled protection dog can vary, but generally, they start at $100,000 and can go much higher.
A protection dog’s effectiveness depends entirely on the skill of its trainer, so keep that in mind when you’re asking, “How much does a protection dog cost?” Excellently trained dogs from acclaimed trainers will typically be more expensive than those from lesser-known trainers. Well-trained protection dogs have been purchased for up to $230,000. While this isn’t usually the case, particularly exceptional protection dogs like this one are well worth the price to some people.
A lower price can be tempting, but keep in mind that you usually get what you pay for. The more expensive protection dogs are usually the safest and most effective option.
Breeds, Training, and Reputation: What Determines Protection Dog Prices?
What do you need to consider when asking, how much does a guard dog cost? There are generally three different factors to consider:
- The dog’s breed and lineage: Certain breeds make the best guard dogs, and you’ll want to look for a dog with a reliable lineage. Purebred dogs are obviously more expensive, and dogs with a desirable lineage fetch higher prices.
- The breeder’s reputation: You want to work with a trustworthy breeder who reliably breeds healthy dogs with excellent protection traits. Breeders with excellent reputations receive higher prices for their puppies, but you’ll be getting a high-caliber dog in return.
- Protection training: A protection dog requires excellent training, and that’s a significant factor when asking: how much is a guard dog? If you want specialized or customized training, that will increase your costs as well.
Ongoing Costs of Owning a Protection Dog
Owning a dog requires ongoing costs to maintain your dog’s health and well-being. Consider the following yearly costs before deciding whether you can afford a protection dog. How much is a guard dog going to cost per year?
-
- Dog food: A high-quality dog food will cost you between $700 and $1,200 per year, depending on the type.
- Dog treats: Treats are often an important part of training, so factor these in, too. They could cost up to $500 per year.
- Veterinarian fees: Keeping your dog healthy requires regular veterinary care, including check-ups, vaccinations, and other prevention. If your dog becomes ill or injured, more care will be required. Longer-haired breeds may need grooming, too. Altogether, this may cost $600 to $1,000 per year.
- Licensing: You’ll need a license for your dog no matter what. The cost varies by city but is typically between $15 and $60 per year.
The cost of living varies depending on where you live, which will impact the cost of any goods and services you need to provide for your dog. Also, take into account how far you need to travel to get them what they need.
Do You Need Insurance for a Protection Dog? Here’s What to Know
While insurance for your protection dog isn’t required by law, it is a good idea. These dogs are expensive, and because their job is protecting you, they’re at a higher risk of injury. So, how much does a guard dog cost in insurance? Adequate pet insurance, which can cost anywhere from $360 to $1,000 per year, can help cover unexpected medical costs for your protection dog.
Protection Dogs: A Great Home Security Option
Family protection dogs are a hot topic right now with the surge in public crimes and terrorism. Many families are considering adding a family protection dog to their home and life. We hope this has helped you get one step closer to deciding if a protection dog is right for you.