Should You Get a Protection Dog?
Disclaimer: If you're concerned about the legal ramifications of owning a protection dog or have questions about insurance policies, it's always a good idea to consult with a legal professional and your insurance provider. Laws and coverage can vary, so getting expert advice will ensure you're fully informed.
What Are Protection Dogs, and What Are the Responsibilities of Owning One?
I hear this a lot from new clients:
“I want a protection dog! I think that would just be so cool!”
or
“My dog will naturally protect me, but I’d like them to do better at it.”
These comments are totally understandable, but there are some things to unpack. Let’s start with the first one. Yes, having a protection dog sounds cool. And to be honest, it is cool! But it’s also a huge amount of work. It’s not just about having a dog that looks intimidating or barks at strangers; it’s about consistent training, socialization, and commitment.
Now, for the second comment: It’s true that dogs might protect you, but this doesn’t always come naturally. Like us, dogs have self-preservation instincts. In stressful situations, they’re more likely to protect themselves first, not necessarily you.
To show you what I mean, I’ve run a little experiment during training sessions. I’ll raise my hand, pretending to harm my client (the dog’s owner), and more often than not, the dog just watches. It’s not until I shift my focus to the dog itself that things get interesting—then it’s game on. The dog will present teeth and come for me as soon as they feel directly threatened. Their natural instincts tell them to survive first, and putting themselves in harm’s way for you? That’s usually a last resort.
So, what exactly is a protection dog? A protection dog is trained to defend or guard a person, place, or thing. They aren’t just any dog with a bark—they are specifically trained in defensive behaviors. These dogs are incredibly well-socialized and proficient in both basic and advanced obedience.
What Breeds Make the Best Protection Dogs?
When people think of protection dogs, breeds like German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Rottweilers, Dobermans, English Mastiffs, Cane Corsos, and Irish Wolfhounds often come to mind. However, any breed can potentially become a protection dog if they have the right temperament and instincts.
What truly matters is the training and socialization, not the specific breed. Different breeds may come with unique temperaments and skill sets, but with the right training, they all can become effective guardians. Protection dogs can be trained in a variety of languages, with French, German, Dutch, and English being the most common.
When selecting a breed, the specific breed is less important than the bloodline. Look for a lineage that shows the genetics necessary for protection work. Ideally, both parents should have a proven track record in the field, as their traits will be passed down. Doing some research into the breeder and ensuring that the dog's parents have experience in protection work is crucial. Starting with a puppy allows you to mold and shape them into the perfect protection dog from a young age.
There’s also a significant difference between protection dogs and patrol dogs. Patrol dogs, like those used by police or military, are trained for both offensive and defensive tactics. A protection dog, on the other hand, is trained to act only in defense when there’s a clear threat. The handler is always present, and the dog doesn’t have much autonomy to act on its own.
Legal Liabilities: Can You Be Sued for a Dog Bite?
The short answer is yes. Once you train your dog to bite on command, they become a legal liability. Even if the bite was defensive and justified because you were in danger, you could still face civil consequences.
Here’s the deal: Your homeowner’s insurance in Pennsylvania might cover the damages from a bite, but there’s a risk they could drop you afterward. In the worst-case scenario, they might not cover it at all, leaving you with the bill.
You might think, “But John, the bite was justified! I was in fear for my life!” While that might help with criminal charges, civil lawsuits are a different ball game. The person your dog bit could still sue you, even if they were the aggressor.
It’s also crucial to understand the difference between a Patrol dog and a Protection dog. Protection dogs are trained only for defensive tactics. They don’t perform searches or enter buildings on their own; they wait for a cue and act under strict supervision. If you send your dog after someone who’s running away, you could face legal trouble. Just like with firearms, you need to justify your decisions. If the threat is no longer present and your dog is sent to chase them down, it could lead to serious repercussions.
Keep in mind: You're not law enforcement or military. It's not your job to apprehend suspects who might escape. Be mindful of how you use your protection dog to avoid legal issues.
The Training Commitment: What Does It Take?
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into training. Training a protection dog isn’t a one-time event—it requires ongoing effort. If you’re new to this, aim for at least one training session per week. For those who are dedicated, two or even three times a week is ideal until your dog masters the fundamentals.
Protection dogs need more than just basic obedience—they must excel in advanced commands like off-leash work and precise bite control. During training, your dog will engage with a decoy, and immediate control is crucial if anything goes awry. One essential command is "out," where your dog must release the decoy swiftly. Achieving this requires a blend of drive, speed, and control, which develop over time.
At Sjabo, we emphasize these three core concepts in bite work—drive, speed, and control. It’s even on our shirts.
Drive is about your dog’s commitment to the bite, their dedication to carrying out the action no matter what.
Speed is how quickly your dog responds to your commands, not just how fast they run to the decoy.
Control measures how well your dog obeys commands. Does your dog stop immediately when told, or do you need to repeat yourself?
These elements are critical in both training and real-life situations. Training should be engaging and fun for your dog, helping them understand the when and why of biting while keeping their enthusiasm high. Remember, training is a journey—it’s about making sure your dog is responsive and well-prepared.
How Long Does Training Take?
Honestly? Training a protection dog is a lifelong commitment. Even once they’ve mastered the basics, you’ll always need to maintain and fine-tune their skills. The work never ends, and that’s something you have to be prepared for.
There’s never a time when the training is truly “done.” While there may come a point where your dog's performance has reached its peak, and you might not see much more improvement, the work continues. This ongoing process is part of why many find it so fulfilling. You might even choose to compete in protection dog sports like IGP, PSA, Schutzhund, or French Ring, adding another layer of enjoyment and challenge.
One of the most touching moments in my career was giving a retired Naval K9 his last bite before surgery that left him wheelchair-bound. Despite his body no longer being able to keep up, his spirit was still eager to work. That’s the kind of bond you build with a protection dog—a bond that remains strong even as they age. If you have a dog that loves the work, they will continue to do it until they physically can’t anymore. The bond you create with your protection dog will be one of the most rewarding aspects of your training journey.
Ask Yourself: Is a Protection Dog Right for You?
So, should you get a protection dog? It’s a significant responsibility involving considerable time, money, and legal considerations. The training never really ends, and the liability is real. But if you’re committed and ready to invest, the rewards are unmatched. The bond between you and your dog will be unlike anything else.
Are you ready for that kind of commitment?
If you’re interested in owning and training a personal protection dog, the next step is to schedule a consultation. We can evaluate your needs and discuss a plan of action tailored to you and your future protection dog.
