K9 Security Dogs | Fully Trained Protection Dogs

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Security Dogs | Fully Trained Protection Dogs

If you need security at your home, business or by your side—K9 security dogs can help. Similar to the dogs you see in the police and military, these dogs can give you your safety and control back in a dangerous world.

They’re fearless. They’re loyal. And they provide 24/7 protection at a fraction of the cost you’d pay for a bodyguard. Plus, they’re intricately trained to respond in a variety of scenarios under your complete control.

In this article, you’re going to get an in-depth look at what makes these dogs so special. You’ll learn the details of their training and how it can apply in the real world.

But prepare yourself! Because we’ll be asking you to imagine some scenarios as if you had your own security dog. It’s going to be fun! We’ll walk through them so you can get a real taste of what it’s like to have one of these world-class canines of your own.

Are you ready? Let’s dive into K9 security dogs!

Note! If you’re looking for a fully trained K9 security dog, we can help. At Prestige Protection Dogs, we deliver world-class security dogs to your doorstep, anywhere in the US. Plus, we spend 3–5 days with you, in person, to make the transition a dream!

Want to talk to us? Click below to contact us now!


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What Is A Security Dog?

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A security dog is a trained sentry or bodyguard in the form of a furry canine. These K9 units can be accompanied either by security personnel (for businesses) or by their owners (for personal use) and have been trained to guard their handlers and property at the bare minimum. However, they’re often trained at a higher level to provide special protection services for their owners and family as well. 

More than any other factor, the amount of training a K9 security dog receives will determine its protection capabilities and the level of security it can provide. Trained security dogs have proven their use in dangerous scenarios, and you’ve probably seen them fulfilling roles in both the police and military. 

But their skills aren’t reserved for ‘government use’ only. Common citizens and businesses can also wield these furry weapons to protect themselves and their property. For example:

Executive protection dogs are security dogs that have reached the maximum training level for protection dogs. They get their name because they’re often used to protect high-profile individuals like: celebrities, investors, executives and other people with wealth, fame or influence.

So, what differentiates these dogs from your standard watchdog? Let’s find out...

What Does A Security Dog Do?

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Security dogs are NOT your standard watchdogs. Rather, they’re a heat-seeking missile when you need to protect your property and a machine gun when you need safety from attackers. When you need help, these dogs are trained to take action. 

Interesting Fact! Security dogs are a powerful weapon under complete control of their handler!

And (depending on their level of training) they may be able to respond to a variety of situations. Security dogs may know how to perform roles as:

  • Property guard dogs,
  • Personal protection dogs,
  • And family protection dogs…

Elite class security dogs (while more pricey), can be trained to respond in scenarios, such as:

  • Small child protection,
  • Perimeter searches,
  • Property guarding,
  • Seeking out intruders,
  • Home invasions,
  • Parking lot protection,
  • Carjacking,
  • Tracking,
  • Kidnapping,
  • And more…

So, how do security dogs get their skill sets? 

It’s no easy task. And to better understand the value of these dogs, it’s important to learn about the hard work and effort that handlers (and canines) put into their training. Ready to find out what makes these fierce K9s tick? Let’s get started!

K9 Security Dog Training

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The K9 security dogs you see in the police and military go through much of the same training as the security dogs you might own yourself. All security dogs are first trained in the practice of Schutzhund (also called “IPO” or “IGP”).

Their training must be performed by a professional in a safe environment, and the certification they must obtain requires a sanctioned platform, judges, helpers and gear. All three phases of the trial must be completed in a single attempt to gain the title of ‘Level 3 protection dog’.

So, what are the different levels of their training? Let’s take a brief exploration of each one—and also discover some real-life scenarios YOU might experience where their training is used!

Schutzhund Training Level 1: Tracking

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First, K9 security dogs will have to pass the tracking phase of Schutzhund. During this phase, their ability to track a scent over increasing distances will be tested. They must navigate corners while identifying (and communicating) the discovery of tiny articles that a “helper” has dropped over the distance of the course.

Interesting Fact! During Schutzhund (protection & attack dog) trials, a “helper” is a person with protective gear who plays the role of a threat!

Wondering why security dogs must be trained to track?

A security dog’s ability to track is the basis for more advanced training like perimeter searches and tracking down a kidnapped victim. Without proper training in tracking, these dogs won’t be able to achieve the more sophisticated skills required of them.

Next up is the obedience phase...

Schutzhund Training Level 2: Obedience

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During the obedience phase, the handler must establish that the dog is fully under control. They’ll perform exercises such as:

  • Heel on/off leash, 
  • Sit (while in motion), 
  • Down (while in motion), 
  • Various retrieves,
  • Hurdles,
  • Send away (also called “send out”),
  • Call in,
  • Report in,
  • And a list of other obedience tasks...

The dogs must respond immediately and may even be faced with the distraction of a gun firing during obedience training to ensure complete focus. Security dogs must remain under control of their handler during the trial.
Ready for the exciting stuff? Up next, it’s the protection phase!

Schutzhund Training Level 3: Protection

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The protection phase is the most intricate and difficult leg of the trial. Security dogs are required to perform a number of protection tasks before the judges. The performance of each task will be measured using stringent criteria as indicated by the USCA Trial Rules, Variances, and Guidelines.

(Criteria for the trial is as follows):

  • Well-balanced drives.
  • Self-confidence.
  • Ability to work under pressure; toughness; resilience.
  • Steadfast, sound nerves.
  • Willingness to take direction (commands), responsiveness to the handler.

The dogs must also remain fully under control of their handlers

during the entire phase. If any security dog is deemed “out of control,” the entire trial is a failure, and the dog must return (at a later date after a cool-down period) to try again.
So, what does this protection training entail? That’s what we’ll explore next...

K9 Training Protection

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In this phase, security dogs must display their abilities in protection and attack dog work. A helper will play the role of a threat in different scenarios. And the security dog will need to be poised and ready for every command of their owner, looking to them for constant guidance.

The spectrum of skills security dogs must display fall into two categories:

  • Offensive (attack dog) maneuvers...

And...

  • Defensive (defense dog) maneuvers…

Note! It’s time to imagine you have your very own security dog! What’s your dog’s name? Name your dog and place him/her into all the following scenarios. Now, let’s have some fun!

Here are the attack dog skills a level three security dog must master:

Hold and Bark

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During “hold and bark,” security dogs must (under the control of the handler) enter a guarding state and keep the helper (threat) from moving toward the handler (owner). The dog must not use force, but stay near the handler, attentively barking and waiting for further instruction. Security dogs must prove they can remain in control and not lash out while performing the “hold and bark” exercise.

How would this work for your security dog? Essentially, just like the training. The hold and bark exercise can be both an offensive and defensive maneuver. It’s offensive in the case of tracking down and preventing escape of an intruder or attacker.

But it’s defensive if there’s a threat near you. In that case, the hold and bark can be used to ensure an unsafe individual doesn’t get any closer—while making sure the dog won’t attack unnecessarily or get out of your control.

Wondering if your security dog will attack if the threat approaches or takes certain actions? Don’t worry, we’ll cover that in a second in the defensive section. But first...

...it’s time to find out why we call these dogs a “heat-seeking missile.”

Search for the Helper (attacker/intruder)

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During the “Search for Helper” test, security dogs become a homing missile for possible dangers. They must search out multiple areas (called blinds), zig-zagging tightly between them. It’s considered faulty if the dogs miss a blind and have to return to it.

According to the USCA rulebook, security dogs must be in front of their handler the entire time and enter each area with “intensity and single mindedness.” In real-world situations, this ensures the handler’s safety as they move through an area and flush out threats.

What would the “search for helper” skill look like? Much the same. But instead of performing during the trial with a helper, imagine your security dog as it searches the areas in your home and property. Let’s use an example:

It’s three o’clock in the morning. Your spouse/child awakes from a deep sleep to a rustling sound on the other side of your house. He/she is not sure exactly where or which room the sound came from, but no one else should be home right now.

You’re out of town. So, is the rest of your family. And your family member is home alone. What should he/she do?

If you have a security dog, all your spouse or child must do is give a command and your dog will get into position. Sliding into ranks, protecting with it’s life, it will search out the house in front of your family member.

Like a Navy Seal, full of “intensity and single mindedness,” your K9 security dog will clear each room. If there is an intruder lurking in the shadows, they will be found. 

But what will your security dog do if it finds a threat? That’s what this next skill is for...

Prevention of an Attempted Escape

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In the “prevention of an attempted escape” test, the dog will do exactly that: prevent an escape. But it will do so in a way that is highly controlled by the handler. The trial requires the dog to stay close by the handler, in a guarding state, until given a command.

The helper will slowly move toward the “escape” area. And at the judges command, the helper will try to make a run for it. At that moment, the handler gives an ‘out’ command and the dog sprints to stop the intruder with a strong, gripping bite.

If the handler gives the release command, the security dog will let go. Otherwise, when the helper fully relaxes, stops struggling and quits trying to escape, the dog will release and return to a guarding state—preventing the person from leaving.

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So, what’s this look like? Let’s go back to the prior example. Your family member is in your home, alone, with an intruder. In this case, let’s say the intruder is found.

Realizing there’s a large and dangerous K9 security dog watching the house, the intruder makes a run for the window they broke through. It’s now up to your family member to make a decision on whether or not to let the person go or stop and hold them till police arrive.

You can (and should) make sure each family member is informed and trained to work with the dog in emergency situations. And depending on what you’ve decided, your family member will give a command.

Your security dog will either hold position and guard—or make the intruder pay till the cops arrive. But no matter what, one thing’s for certain: with security dogs at your side, the outcome isn’t up to the criminal—it’s up to you.

And that takes us to our next skill: the “transport...”

Back or Side Transport

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During the back or side transport tests, K9 security dogs must slowly transport the helper (threat) to a desired location under the command of the handler. The handler will command the helper (threat) to turn away from the dog and move in the desired direction.

The dog will bark and follow closely behind the helper and ensure they keep moving in the right direction. The dog may not attack unless commanded to do so (or under specific defensive circumstances, which we’ll cover momentarily).

How can your security dog use this training to protect you?

Back to the break in scenario, let’s imagine the threatening person is trapped in the house with no way of escape. Now that they’re discovered, your family member wants to force them outside of your home. 

All they need to do is give a command and place your security dog in “back transport” mode. Then, tell the intruder to turn away and move down the hall toward the door. The dog will bark and “assist” them on their way out the door.

Once they’re outside, your security dog can either let them go or keep them from escaping until police arrive. You or your family member has full control. Which brings us to our next skill...

Attack on Command From Different States

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One of the biggest differences between an untrained dog that’s naturally protective—and a dog that’s trained for protection work—is the handler’s pinpoint control of their K9 security dogs’ actions. At any point you can command your dog to attack.

It doesn’t matter if they are in guarding state, back transport, in motion or defending. Security dogs will attack on your gentle command, unleashing the fury of their teeth and strong body. Similarly, they’ll also release without hesitation when they’re told.

But will security dogs attack without a command when it’s necessary? Next up, let’s cover how security dogs react defensively...

Dog Defense Training

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There may be times when you or your family member isn’t quick enough to give a command. Also, someone might try to attack your security dog instead of you. So, what happens in those situations? 

Will your security dog react and protect you even without a command? Will it protect itself? That’s what these next skills are designed for...

Defense Against Attack While Guarding

For the “defense against attack while guarding” test, security dogs must automatically attack if the helper (threat) begins to attack either dog or owner. This time, the handler is NOT allowed to give any command when the threat attacks.

The dog must attack violently, biting the arm of the helper (threat) and subduing them until they calm down. At this point, the dog must release the helper and return to guarding mode without command.

Defense Against Attack From Back/Side Transport

When transporting a threat to a desired location (i.e., outside the home or business), security dogs must always be ready to use force to stop an attack. In some scenarios, the threat could decide to attempt a surprise attack on your K9 security dog or you.

But security dogs are trained to respond and have lightning fast reaction times. They will grip the threat and subdue them before they can cause damage to you (or your dog).

Now, you might be wondering where more advanced skills like carjacking and kidnapping response come in. And that’s what this next section is all about...

Advanced Security Training For Dogs

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With protection training complete, these level three protection dogs are outfitted with an array of powerful skills. But for the most elite security dogs—training isn’t over.

From here, they’ll embark on a journey to learn a list of advanced skills (which we listed in the “what does a security dog do?” section). These include parking lot, carjacking, home invasion, and kidnapping scenarios, among others.

Dogs that have achieved these higher levels of training earn the prestigious title of “executive protection dogs” and are at the deep end of the price range, with some dogs selling for over $250,000 (equivalent to a small house).

If that price seems too high—don’t worry. At Prestige Protection Dogs, our K9 security dogs won’t cost you that much. If you’re interested in having one of your own, we’ll get to the price a little later in this article.

But what about breed? Which breeds are best for security work? The key to answering this question is in identifying the use case of your security dog. Let’s explore...

Best Security Dogs (breeds)

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Each breed of security dog is different and has their own strengths and weaknesses. For instance, female Doberman security dogs may be better suited for personal protection work while males may be better for property or business guarding. 

Belgian Malinois security dogs may be better if you’re looking for a family security dog and have other pets. And a Cane Corso may be the right dog if you need ultra-powerful security with one of the top bite strengths in the canine world.

Here’s a list of the best security dog breeds in the world:

Note! You can learn more about each breed by clicking on the links. BUT if you find one you like and we don’t currently have it in our available protection dogs for sale—be sure to reach out to us so we can find and train up the exact dog you desire!

You should now have a deep understanding of security dogs. But what about purchasing one? How much are they, and where can you get one? That’s what we’ll cover next...

Defense Dogs For Sale

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So, if you decide you want one of these dogs, how much will they cost? Can you afford one? And where can you get one that’s fully trained?

As we mentioned earlier, some of these dogs sell for upwards of $250,000. But if that seems high, don’t worry. Most security dogs won’t cost you that much.

In fact, you can obtain a fully trained security dog for a fraction of that price. That’s right, even world-class trained security dogs won’t cost you the price of a Lambo. So, what’s the price?

Despite the fact that security dogs take years to train—you can usually pay between 15,000 and 85,000 for one. Higher priced dogs often have customizable skill sets and training to fit with the owner. And, of course, new abilities can be ordered and stacked into these dogs’ repertoire.

Still seem a bit pricey? Well, think of it this way:

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According to Thumbtack, the average price to hire a bodyguard in the US is $20 to $30 an hour. Bodyguards generally have their own lives, so they only work around 8 hours a day. But if you wanted 24 hour protection (like a security dog can provide), what would you have to spend?

You’d need to hire three bodyguards to cover all 24 hours (8 hours a piece). And at the hourly rate of $25, it would cost you about $600 a day to pay them.

That’s $219,000 per year!

With a trained security dog, you get 24/7 protection. Plus, your dog has an average lifespan of 10+ years. To ask that of your three bodyguards (not including pay raises) would cost you approximately $2.2 million dollars.

With a trained security dog at your side 24/7, you could be getting powerful protection (all day and all night) for as much as 146X less.
Instead of paying $600 per day…

...you could have security and peace of mind for as low as 4 bucks per day.

That’s safety at the price of a trip to Dutch Brothers.

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Not to mention, you’re also getting a best friend and life-long companion who might save your life one day. Would you pay 4 dollars for your own life and safety today? What about for your family’s?

And let’s not forget the peace of mind and reduced stress a trained security dog can offer you when you’re away from your family or home… Or the security you may need in the day-to-day of your business.

So, where can you get one of our security dogs for sale?

Trained Security Dogs For Sale Near Me?


At Prestige Protection Dogs, we deliver fully trained security dogs to your doorstep, anywhere in the United States. With over 10+ years experience in protection dog training and international acclaim in protection dog sports, we deliver best-in-class canine security solutions.

Plus, when you order one of our fully trained protection dogs, we spend 3–5 days with you and the dog, in person, to make sure the transition goes smoothly. You’ll be empowered with all the commands and given control over your cuddly, fun-loving nuclear warhead.

How can you get your dog?

Just click the button below to get in contact with us now. Or look through our available security dogs for sale. But remember, if we don’t have the dog you currently want (or if you want customized training)—just contact us!

Click below and let’s get you secure!

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About Prestige Protection Dogs

We strive to deliver the highest quality personal protection dogs for sale in the industry. With our protection dog trainers' knowledge of breeds, obedience training, and protection training, we can provide you with a dog that will make you feel safe and secure in any circumstance.

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