When it comes to executive protection dogs, a dog with level 3 training is often the top choice for elite customers. But what is a level 3 protection dog, and why might you choose one?
What Are Level 3 Executive Protection Dogs?
Generally speaking, protection dogs are available with three different levels of training. The first level of protection training is typically the least specialized, though still well beyond the training any household pet might receive. The third level of training is usually the top level, offering the most specialized and advanced protection training. So, what is a level 3 protection dog capable of, and how does it compare to levels 2 and 1? The three levels often look something like this.
Level 1
A level 1 protection dog receives thorough obedience training, is excellent at following verbal signals, and confidently follows commands. They’re well-socialized, good with kids, and crate-trained. At this level, protection training is likely to include basic:
- Home invasion scenarios
- Gunfire training (ensuring they know what to do if a gun is fired by you or by a threat)
- Property protection and patrol
- Search and alert procedures
- Bite training
A protection dog at this level will serve as a deterrent, show aggression on command, and protect you and your family in stressful or harmful scenarios.
Level 2
A level 2 protection dog’s training includes and builds on the training of a level 1 protection dog. That could include:
- Silent commands and hand signals
- Off-leash commands
- More complex threat scenarios (featuring intruders, gunfire, multiple attackers, car-jacking, and more)
- Protecting and patrolling larger properties
- More intense protection training for higher-pressure situations
- More advanced bite training
- More advanced ability to identify threats
Level 3
A level 3 protection dog’s skills and abilities will build on the training for levels 1 and 2. Additional skills could include:
- Accessing and neutralizing a threat, no matter what
- Abduction and kidnapping prevention training
- Assessment of passive threats
- Food refusal to prevent poisoning
- Police or military-style training to detect explosives or narcotics
- Silent, stealth action that’s nearly undetectable
- Custom skills
It is important to understand that these levels are not standardized, so each trainer may level their dogs differently. As such, it’s critical you get a clear understanding of what type of protection training is available to you from the trainers you’re interested in, and at what price, so that the dog you bring home has the level of training you expect.
Advanced Skills and Training of Level 3 Dogs
What is a level 3 protection dog trained to do? At this level, a protection dog receives the highest caliber of training and preparation for real-world scenarios. They’re frequently trained as police or military canines, learning how to search, detect, alert, and attack when necessary. These dogs are trained to remain focused even in the highest-stress situations, and they will get to and neutralize a threat, no matter what. Level 3 executive protection dogs will protect you in all situations, prioritizing your safety over their own.
Why Choose a Level 3 Dog Over Traditional Security?
There are many benefits to choosing a level 3 executive protection dog over traditional security, whether that’s a home security system or security personnel. What is a level 3 protection dog going to offer over these other options?
- Deterrent: An investigative report of 86 burglars found that a loud, imposing dog was a major deterrent.
- Better threat detection: A protection dog can smell, hear, and sense a threat well before a human or security system can.
- Immediate response: Protection dogs won’t hesitate to alert you to threats or to act when necessary.
- Travels with you: A protection dog can go wherever you go, without attracting much attention.
- More than security: Beyond offering impeccable security and peace of mind, these dogs are also trained to be loyal and loving companions.
Breeds Best Suited for Executive Protection
While many dog breeds can make very good protection dogs, two breeds rise above the rest. Both of these breeds were originally bred to be herding dogs, and those skills, which include sensing and reacting quickly to danger, as well as loyally protecting their fellow animals and humans, translate incredibly well to protection work.
Belgian Malinois
Malinois are known for their first-class work ethic and drive to succeed. They’re exceptionally fast and agile, highly intelligent and trainable, and have naturally strong protective instincts.
German Shepherd
German Shepherds are frequently used for police and military work because they’re incredibly smart and adaptable, and they love working hard at a job. Despite their strength, they’re gentle, making them excellent family protection dogs.
Living With a Level 3 Executive Protection Dog
Living with any protection dog will require some things from you. These are highly trained and highly energetic dogs that require exercise and stimulation to stay happy and healthy. A level 3 executive protection dog has specialized skills, so you’ll need to practice those skills with your dog regularly. This can be incorporated into exercising them with more complex, specific types of work or play, obstacle courses, and hikes with varied terrain to keep your dog entertained and sharp.
Additionally, while many level 3 dogs are trained as family protection dogs, it’s also essential to remember that they’re protection dogs first. Don’t leave a level 3 protection dog unsupervised with small children, just to be safe. Finally, a protection dog can only offer optimal protection if it’s healthy, so bring them in for regular veterinary and dental maintenance care.
What Makes These Dogs a Smart Choice for Protection
Level 3 executive protection dogs have typically received significant and highly skilled protection training. They will be extremely well-trained with specialized skills so they can detect and stop threats to you, your family, and your property. They can protect you anywhere and anytime, but they also offer loving companionship. You can’t get that from a security system.
Ready to learn more about protection dogs for sale near you? Contact Scott’s K9 today for more information about our top-tier personal protection dogs.
Sources:
https://www.kgw.com/article/news/investigations/we-asked-86-burglars-how-they-broke-into-homes/344213396
https://vocal.media/education/guard-dog-security-vs-traditional-security
https://scottsk9.com/protection-dogs-and-home-invasion-prevention-data-driven-analysis/