A protection dog is trained to protect you if you are attacked or threatened by another person or animal. Personal protection dogs have undergone extensive training and are sold by the organizations that trained them or by law enforcement agencies.
We will discuss steps you should consider when searching for a suitable protection dog to buy.
1. Do Research
Consider why you require the protection of a dog. Trained protection dogs can be costly and difficult to maintain. They are specifically trained to protect you, your valuables, or your home in the event of a threat and are thus not the same as a typical guard dog.
A personal protection dog is more akin to a police dog or K-9 unit in training and purpose. The main distinction is that they are used defensively rather than offensively. In other words, they are designed to protect you rather than pursue a criminal. Ensure your protection dog is defensively trained, especially if you choose a retired police or military dog.
2. Ensure You Can Afford It
A trained personal protection dog can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. In addition to the initial investment, food, veterinary care, and incidental costs can add up to several hundred dollars per year. Furthermore, like all large dogs, they require a lot of space, regular exercise, and an owner who can play the alpha role. If you can't meet all these responsibilities, purchasing a protection dog or other large dog may not be for you.
3. Select a Breed
When looking for a personal protection dog, you'll most likely come across a variety of breeds for sale. However, two breeds stand out in terms of trainability, dependability, and temperament. As a result, you should think about getting a German Shepherd Dog or a Belgian Malinois as a personal protection dog. These breeds are most commonly used by police and the military as protection dogs or K-9 units. When considering a dog's breed, you should also consider its lineage. Inquire with a trainer or seller if the dog's family line has also been used for protective services. Your protection dog should ideally be bred from a line of dogs used for similar purposes.
4. Be Aware Of Your Responsibilities
Consider whether your homeowner's or other insurance policies will allow you to own a specific breed of dog, particularly one that has been trained for protection. Learn about your legal responsibilities if your dog bites someone, regardless of whether the person is on your property or threatening you. Some insurance policies and legal jurisdictions prohibit "aggressive" breeds. Check both of these and your homeowner's association, apartment complex, or any other governing body that may be applicable.
5. Consider the Level Of Training.
Understand the distinction between a guard dog and a personal protection dog. A guard dog's sole purpose of training is to bark in times of danger. In contrast, a personal protection dog has been trained to attack, bite, and scratch in order to protect you or your valuables. Because of liability concerns, you should probably avoid getting a protection dog if you are an inexperienced dog handler. To handle a dog trained at that level, you must have extensive experience with reward-based obedience training.
6. Speak with Law Enforcement In Your Area.
Ask your local police department and other law enforcement agencies about reputable trainers and sellers. Look for recommendations from a local agency that has K-9 dog units. Also, check with your local law enforcement agency about where their K-9 dogs are purchased or trained. Inquire about local statistics or a professional opinion before purchasing a dog for protection or as a crime deterrent.
7. Look for Trainers or Organizations Online.
Hundreds of private citizens and small businesses train and sell guard dogs, K-9 police dogs, and personal protection dogs. Use keywords like "buy personal protection dog," "personal protection dog for sale," or "retired police or military dogs" to find them.
Then list all the top returns and look for signs of credibility on their websites. Lookout for professionally designed websites and ignore any that have spelling or grammatical errors. Look for trainers or sellers who have testimonials from previous clients on their websites. Before contacting any potential sellers, check with your local law enforcement or a licensed trainer to see if they've heard of them.
8. Look Around and Compare Prices.
Because a personal protection dog is an expensive investment, don't buy from the first seller you come across. Spend a significant amount of time researching different sellers and shopping around for better prices. When considering price differences, consider the seller's level of professionalism and the quality of training.
9. Ensure the Dog is Healthy.
If you buy from a breeder, ensure that the dog's parents have been tested for genetic disorders, parasites, and developmental disorders. Consider the dog's age, and keep in mind that the breeds recommended for protection live an average of 10 to 12 years. It is also vital to request for comprehensive vaccination and veterinary examination records from the seller.
Conclusion After finally getting your canine, you will need training or resources to properly handle the dog if you have never handled a protection dog before. Ask potential sellers about materials or classes they provide to help you become acquainted with caring for and handling the dog. Owning a protection dog can feel like a huge responsibility, so make sure you follow the steps discussed to ensure everything, from getting the dog to raising it, can be as seamless as possible.
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.
