What Is a Protection Dog? A Quick Overview
A protection dog is a highly trained dog that is bred and trained specifically with your safety in mind. These dogs are carefully selected for their naturally protective instincts and devotion to their handlers and their work. With training focused on threat detection and protection, they excel at identifying a threat, alerting you to it, and acting to keep you safe. If a protection dog sounds like the right security solution for you, what is the best dog for protection and how do you know what’s right for you?
Determining the Right Protection Level for Your Situation
What is a good protective dog for your security needs? First, you have to assess the right protection level for you. Consider the following before moving forward with securing a protection dog.
- Protecting property or yourself? Guard dogs are trained to protect property by detecting a threat and alerting people to it. They may be trained to attack when necessary. A protection dog is trained to detect danger and protect their people 24/7, no matter where they are.
- Protecting your family? Many protection dogs are specially trained as family protection dogs, so you can trust them with your entire family, children included.
- Level of protection needed? Are you primarily looking for a deterrent, concerned about break-ins, or do you anticipate experiencing threats to your safety or your family’s? Asking these questions can help answer “What is the best dog for the protection you need?”
Exploring Different Types of Protection Dogs
So, what is the best dog for protection? That depends on your lifestyle, family, and security requirements. They are perfect dogs for intimidation and deterring danger, and they are ideal dogs for protection and family companions. In some cases, they overlap, but not always. As you’re researching types of protection dogs, consider your:
- Required protection level
- Family size and dynamic
- Lifestyle and home size
- Security needs
- Availability to train and exercise
Which Protection Dog Breed is Right for You?
The best guard dog breeds are naturally protective and prepared to guard property and people, even with their lives. You’ll be spending a lot of time with this dog and asking a lot of them, so make sure you choose a breed who is loyal and devoted to their people and their job. What is a good protective dog for you?
The following breeds are typically considered the best guard dog breeds. However, you should do your own research, including looking carefully into the breeders, before selecting your dog.
German Shepherd
When you ask, “What is the best dog for protection?” German Shepherds top the list because they’re highly intelligent, strong, energetic, courageous, and love to work. They’re also loyal, loving family dogs—an excellent choice for family protection.
Malinois
A confident, strong, smart breed, the Malinois is a frequent pick for military and police dogs. They learn fast and love having a job but are also very social, so they’re fantastic protection dogs for families, too.
Doberman Pinscher
Dobermans are intimidating-looking, and their athleticism and fearlessness make them fearsome opponents. They’re affectionate with family but often need significant training and exercise so they don’t misbehave.
Rottweiler
These large, powerful, menacing-looking dogs make a great deterrent, but they’re also surprisingly adaptable and smart. They love kids but can be territorial, so they require early training to ensure they only act when necessary.
Understanding Protection Dog Training and Certification
There are slightly different training requirements and certifications depending on where you get your protection dog. At Scott’s K9, all our protection dogs for sale go through police K9 training, in addition to the master training method Steve Scott has developed. Because a protection dog needs to be mature and obedient, our dogs for protection and family are 2-3 years old and fully trained when they come to you.
Look for trainers who have received training and certification from the National Association of Professional Canine Handlers or the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. In some areas, your trainer will need a protection dog operator permit, and you’ll need one, too, once you take ownership.
Finding a Trusted Trainer for Your Protection Dog
There’s no license required to be a protection dog trainer, so do your research before choosing a trainer. Look for someone with the training and certification mentioned above, and then look at their methods, history, and reviews. Ideally, you want a trainer who’s been training protection dogs for a long time. Find evidence of their background and education training dogs, along with proof that their dogs are consistently reliable and safe to work with.
At Scott’s K9, Steve Scott has over 20 years of experience as a Master Trainer and consistently receives excellent reviews and referrals. His extensive knowledge and military and police background give him the expertise you want in a protection dog trainer.
Key Health Checks When Buying a Protection Dog
What is the best dog for protection? A dog that’s well-trained, healthy, and fit. There are several health checks to do before purchasing a protection dog, including:
- Healthy teeth and coat to demonstrate overall health
- Joint check, especially the hips
- Healthy eyes and ears
- Heart, lung, and gut health
- Complete vaccinations
- Proof of regular exercise
You can check a potential dog’s health by requesting complete health records from your breeder or trainer, or by taking them to a vet yourself for a full checkup. Health guarantees are preferred.
Ongoing Care and Training
What is a good protective dog going to need to maintain their health and fitness? You’ll need to bring your dog to the veterinarian for regular checkups and vaccinations, along with dental care, to maintain their overall health. You’ll also need to continue exercising and training your dog regularly so they can maintain the level of fitness and skill required to do their job effectively.
Ongoing Costs of Owning a Protection Dog
While a protection dog comes at a significant price, there are also ongoing costs to anticipate. From vet care to quality dog food to treats, licensing, and insurance, owning a protection dog is not inexpensive. That said, the value you get for your money is more than worth the costs.
Protection Dogs and the Law: What’s Allowed in Your Area
There are many laws regarding dogs classified as:
- Vicious
- Dangerous
- Potentially dangerous
- A nuisance
However, a protection dog will be well-trained and won’t attack unless a crime or trespass is taking place, and they’re performing duties as expected. This prevents them from being classified as a dangerous dog. In some areas, protection dogs may be under additional requirements, such as being restrained on a leash of a specific length or wearing a muzzle. These requirements may impede your dog’s ability to do their job to the best of their ability, but it’s still important to follow the law to protect yourself and your dog. Review the laws in your area before purchasing a protection dog.
https://www.animallaw.info/article/brief-overview-dangerous-dog-laws
https://scottsk9.com/cost-of-owning-a-trained-german-shepherd-protection-dog/
https://scottsk9.com/how-can-you-become-a-protection-dog-trainer/