Dogs perform different purposes in many homes and are loved by many worldwide. Some are strictly for companionship, while others are for protection purposes. If you’re looking for a guard dog, it is vital to consider factors like temperament to ensure you have the right one. A protection dog provides a sense of safety and security. They can also be great companions depending on how they were trained and for what period. With the average sale of these dogs pegged at $50,000, you have every reason to know all that comes with them to make the best choice.

Here is how to choose a protection dog that is right for you.

1. Assess your security requirements

Evaluating your security requirements will help you decide whether having a guard dog is ideal. First, evaluate the specific threats you face and assess your location. Have your neighbors experienced a spate of burglaries that make owning a protection dog for your house mandatory? Have personal safety concerns given rise to take your security measures a notch higher? These questions help you assess your current situation as you broach purchasing a guard dog. At this assessment stage, you should also consider the type of security or protection you require. Is it personal or property protection? With the former, certain breeds like German Shepherds and Doberman Pinschers are excellent personal guard dogs. However, if you plan to enhance security on your estate, then the Rottweiler and Bullmastiff should be first on your list because of their territorial instincts. Some households may need a dog to provide both security purposes, which requires finding the perfect canine. However, a discussion on breeds and temperaments will be explored in the next point.

2. Research breeds and temperaments

As mentioned earlier, every dog breed has unique characteristics and temperaments, greatly influencing their suitability as protection dogs. It would be best to research dog breeds, traits and, most importantly, their temperaments before making a final choice. Some dog breeds are naturally docile and friendly, while others are aggressive. The secret is to find those with both traits and who have received excellent training in providing security. Meanwhile, other factors like energy levels, compatibility with your lifestyle and sociability are important. 

Additionally, some dog breeds require constant exercise because of their energy levels. Certain breeds may become destructive if you cannot meet their daily exercise requirements. Most guard dogs also need regular mental stimulation to influence their alertness.  However, others are naturally independent and do not require mental stimulation to keep them sharp. In planning for a guard dog, learning more about its susceptibility to certain health issues is essential. With a little research, you will notice that most of these breeds are prone to hip dysplasia and cardiac diseases, making it crucial to adopt strategies to ensure their health and well-being.

3. Consider the dog’s training and the handler’s skills

An experienced handler knows how to train any dog breed. These professionals are also good at reading a guard dog’s temperament simply by using specialized actions to elicit a response from the animal. Indeed, a protection dog is only as effective as its handler’s skills. Training can make all the difference in whether your dog will be an effective guard. Some breeds are more challenging to train, so choosing someone with in-depth expertise in handling different dog breeds is important. You also have the choice to enlist the help of protection dog companies like Scott’s K9, who are experienced in handling different dog breeds simultaneously. Remember that you want to be certain about the dog’s socialization, which is crucial in your final decision. If you want to be certain, you can request to be at a safe distance during dog training to see how your preferred canine behaves around others. Having guard dogs also means receiving some training to learn crucial skills to control your protection dog.

4. Evaluate the individual dog’s personality

Like human beings, every dog has an innate personality. No two dogs of the same breed exhibit the same personality. Indeed, you may have two German Shepherds with contradicting personalities; one may have high protective instincts, while the other does not. Dog trainers say this is usually due to early socialization, upbringing, training and genetics. It is crucial to see how your preferred dog acts with different breeds in social settings or when left alone. By observing their innate habits and personality, you can decide whether they are ideal for protection purposes or not. It would help if you also looked for traits like confidence, willingness to obey commands and alertness. Having a guard dog that cannot follow commands can be problematic, as it must recognize you as its owner and master. A dog breed with an ideal personality helps set the foundation for successful security training. As a layperson, evaluating a dog yourself might be a challenge. However, with the help of an experienced trainer, that assessment can easily be done without any difficulty.

5. Assess the dog’s health and longevity

A protection dog’s health and longevity are essential to ensure a lasting partnership. Therefore, thoroughly assess the health records and genetic history of the dog you are considering. Also, inquire about the dog’s parents’ health. It is important to know that certain canine health conditions are hereditary; therefore, the chances of being passed on to offspring are higher. If you are serious about buying the guard dog, no seller would deny you the right to these records. A healthy dog will likely live a long, fulfilling life and optimally perform its protective duties. Also, consider factors like grooming requirements and potential healthcare costs associated with the breed. Your protection dog’s well-being must be a top priority to ensure its ability to protect you while keeping an active lifestyle.

A protection or guard dog can become an integral part of your family. Therefore, choose wisely to safeguard lives and property. The above tips can narrow your search and guide you in making the best choice.