Protection Dog Training Frequently Asked Questions

Writen by Tyler Brown

Is a protection dog mean?

A well trained protection dog is social with everyone. A well trained protection dog does not interpret situations to show aggression, but rather waits for his owners command before using force.

Will a protection dog also be a watchdog and bark at everyone who comes to my door?

This depends on the training. A good trainer can develop a dog's natural tendencies to customize the training to your situation.

Is a protection dog good to live in the house?

Dogs trained for protection such as German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and Rottweilers are very adaptable and are just as capable living in an apartment as they are on a ranch. Regardless of where they live they should get adequate exercise.

Will a protection dog be good with my kids?

Some dogs are better than others with kids. Work with a qualified trainer to make sure that your dog will be fine with your kids. It is also important to note that children should be taught proper dog etiquette and should be supervised when around any dog.

Will a protection dog bite someone without my command?

A well trained protection dog will bite only on command. Unfortunately, there are many dog trainers who do a sub-par training job with protection dogs. Make sure you are getting your protection dog from a reputable trainer

How much does a protection dog cost?

If you buy a trained dog the cost will vary greatly. Factors will be age of dog, titles the dog has earned, look of the dog, amount of training, etc. A young dog with basic training can be bought for a few thousand while a dog with working titles and extensive additional training may cost $20,000 and up.

I don't have any particular threats. Should I get a protection dog?

Many people that purchase protection dogs haven't had break-ins or stalkers or previous violent attacks. They value the benefits of a great pet who would be able to handle a violent situation were it to ever arise. People that shouldn't get a protection dog are people that want to use them as an offensive weapon. These dogs should only be owned by responsible, mature people who want the dogs as a crime deterrent and last line of defense.

Are there specific laws that deal with protection dogs?

Yes. Certain cities require a special registration for protection dogs. Certain areas also have breed specific legislation which deals with restrictions for certain breeds. Check with your city and county offices for specific laws and ordinances.

Author Ty Brown is a renowned dog trainer whose training adventures and clients have taken him to 18 states and 5 countries to teach others how to properly train their dogs. Go to dogbehavioronline.com for more dog training articles, advice, tips, and answers from a professional dog trainer.