What is a family protection dog, and is one right for you?
A family protection dog is first a family dog. It lives in the house, sleeps by the sofa, is safe with your children and your visitors, and only switches on when it is told to. If a dog is not safe first, it is not a protection dog, it is a liability.
A properly produced family protection dog has complete obedience under distraction, controlled bite work with a clean out on command, and a temperament that has been tested around children, visitors and other dogs before it is ever placed. It is suited to families and business owners who want genuine peace of mind and are prepared to maintain the training.
What separates a real one from a sold one
- ●Off lead obedience that holds in a car park, not just in a field.
- ●Bite work that stops on command, every time, with no argument.
- ●Neutral around children, joggers, cyclists and other dogs.
- ●A stable dog that sleeps in the house, not a kennel dog with a bite.
- ●Handover training for you, plus ongoing support afterwards.
Who it suits
Families in isolated properties, people who travel and leave family at home, and business owners who want a dog that lives at home and can attend the yard. It suits owners who will keep the training alive, because a protection dog is a commitment, not a purchase.
Who it does not suit
Anyone who wants a deterrent they never have to handle. If the honest answer is that nobody at home will maintain obedience, a well trained family dog and a good alarm system is a better decision, and we will say so.
Living with one
Day to day, it is unremarkable, which is the point. Walks, sofas, school runs, the same as any dog. The difference is a level of control that most dogs never reach.
Need hands on help?
Talk to us about availability and what would genuinely suit your household.
Three generations of the same family, over 8,000 dogs trained.
Common questions
The ones we place are temperament tested with children before they leave us. Safety around the family is the first requirement, not an extra.
Typically German Shepherds, Malinois, Dobermans and Cane Corsos, but the individual dog matters far more than the breed.
Yes, we deliver to your home and run the handover on site so the dog works for you in your own environment.
Related guides
Looking for training near you? See our dog training areas, our protection dog areas, or all services.