When it comes to keeping your family, property and possessions safe, you have several options available. For each option, there are a range of benefits and drawbacks that you must take into careful consideration – after all, you can’t put a price on the safety of your family.
One option that has become increasingly popular in recent decades for security is personal protection dogs. These dogs can be trained to patrol the perimeter of homes at night or when they are unoccupied, or be used to apprehend intruders. They are a useful tool to have in your arsenal, and in this article, we’ll run through some of the benefits that a personal protection dog can offer.
But first - one caveat about personal protection dogs
At this point, it is vital to clarify one important detail – in this article, the benefits we are describing apply to fully-trained personal protection dogs. By fully-trained, we mean that the dog has been temperament tested and been through a complete training program to learn how to harness their natural tendencies to deter, and in some cases apprehend, unwanted visitors.
We must mention this caveat in advance because there is definitely a tendency for certain breeds to be viewed as protection dogs, even if they have had zero training in this discipline. Just because someone owns a German Shepherd with a deep, intimidating bark, does not make that GSD a protection dog. Sure, that bark can be a deterrent, but that is more by accident than design. In a situation where that German Shepherd was forced to spring into action to protect, its owner would have little understanding of how the dog would react. Predictability is everything with establishing an effective deterrent, and if a dog has not had the requisite training, there is no level of predictability.
How can a protection dog help your family?
Personal security
Of course, perhaps the primary benefit of a personal protection dog is the security they can provide in a worst-case scenario. A fully-trained protection dog harnesses all the attributes that canines have developed over thousands of years, utilizing their incredible sense of hearing and smell to detect any unwanted visitors. In addition, their speed, size and reliability when faced with a dire situation where you or your family could be in danger is unparalleled.
Peace of mind
If you spend a lot of time away from home on work travel, it can be reassuring to know that the rest of your family has a personal protection dog on hand to prevent any catastrophic situations. This also holds true for scenarios where you may have extremely valuable or sentimental possessions in your home that you want to ensure are kept safe.
Deterrent
Remember that intimidating bark we mentioned earlier in this article? Well, it certainly does act as a deterrent when channeled correctly. This can deter even the most determined individual before they even set foot on the property itself. In addition, if a burglar is assessing potential locations for a robbery, knowing that a personal protection dog is there will definitely make them think twice.
Versatility
A personal protection dog can be taught to protect their handler in a variety of situations. For example, the protection dog can accompany the family on vacations and provide extra peace of mind when you are staying in unfamiliar places. The great thing about a fully-trained protection dog is that their versatility and adaptability means they can be utilized in a number of different ways.
Companionship
Personal protection dogs are not only a security enhancement – they can easily integrate and become cherished members of the family. Part of why it is important for protection dogs to be trained correctly is that they need to be able to distinguish those who are potential threats and those who are not. Family members, including younger children, obviously fall into the latter category and protection dogs can build a great bond with them, offering the benefits of companionship for the entire family.
Are there any drawbacks to a personal protection dog?
If you’re analyzing the benefit of a personal protection dog from the sole viewpoint of security, then there are very few coherent arguments that can be made against their suitability to do the job they are trained for.
But, for balance, there are other factors you should consider before acquiring a protection dog. For example, you may need to take extra precautions when new guests come to visit, and their high-drive nature means that they typically need an outlet for all that extra energy. If you live a sedentary lifestyle, it can be a big adjustment to provide a high-energy breed with the exercise they require. There is also a cost component that should be considered with ongoing expenditure for tune-up training, veterinary care, and food/treats – but these are costs that you could incur with almost any dog, including a pet dog.
Perhaps one significant drawback of a personal protection dog is that it can be difficult to imagine putting them directly into dangerous situations – even if it is the job they have been trained to do. As families build up a close bond with their dog, the thought of anything happening to them can be a scary one. Ultimately, every family is different, but if you are getting a personal protection dog then it is imperative to understand that they could be putting themselves at risk in order to protect you – it is simply the nature of their work.
In conclusion
There is little that is more effective in the pursuit of personal security than a personal protection dog. To reiterate the point we made at the beginning of this article, it is absolutely essential that a protection dog undergoes a comprehensive training program; failing to do this jeopardizes your family’s safety with a false sense of security.
If you’re interested in acquiring a trained protection dog, or have a candidate who you think would be a good fit for protection work, reach out to us at train@greensidecanine.com or call (317) 558-9145 to speak with our team.