Personal Protection Archives

More Than Protection: How A Well-Trained Protection Dog Can Become A Family Pet & Best Friend

Posted on June 17, 2021 | by Chris Hubbard | Leave a Comment

There are many reasons to want a protection dog – personal protection, protection of property, or simply knowing when a visitor is at the door. But what about when you’re not experiencing a threat? What happens to your protection dog on a regular day?

Sadly, canines as protectors get placed in an awful light sometimes, when in actuality, the characteristics that make them furious defenders are also the ones that make them wonderful pets. We’ll show you how you can get a lovable pet for the family, and a protector, all in one.

The best protection canines are attentive, courageous, and recognize when to ward off a trespasser. Still, that doesn’t mean they live a ferocious day-by-day life. Give them the preparation they need, and they will do all that they can to ensure you’re protected. In any case, dogs cause you to have a sense of security and offer you a long period of adoration and fondness.

Some canines even perform amazing feats of agility to entertain us. In contrast, others assist people with disabilities, help those who struggle with anxiety and depression, or offer support to children with special needs.

However, the ones we’re referring to are protection dogs.

These canines have an unparalleled love for their people, and they will do pretty much anything to keep them safe while protecting their homes as well.

Do You Need a Protection Dog?

Protection occurs on several different levels, so breeders and trainers use various terms to describe the variable levels of protection a given dog is expected and willing to provide.

For example, most dogs will bark when someone knocks at the door; but that isn’t enough to ward off an intruder or criminal. On the other hand, protection dogs also keep an eye out for danger, but they’re ready to get physical and defend their home or family from threats. In other words, they will bark as most dogs will, but they will also defend their territory if the situation calls for it. For this reason, they must receive specific training to excel in such roles. At Golden State K9, we pride ourselves in our comprehensive training programs that leave your pet ready to protect! We focus on making sure our dogs leave with safe and healthy boundaries. We offer three levels of training packages to make sure your loved ones will be safe and well protected!

Protection Dogs and Families – Are They Safe to Mix?

No matter what size dog you choose, we promise that our trained protection dogs are safe and loving around your children and families.

Protection dogs are trained to:

Protect (individuals or families). They’re not police dogs used to attack criminals. Instead, they are loving family dogs and loyal pets that faithfully protect when the situation calls for it.
Calm and obedient to commands. The trained dog will bond well with the entire family while protecting their home.

Qualities to Look for in a Good Family Friendly Protection Dog

Some of the most important qualities a good protection dog possesses include the following:

Intelligence – Good protection dogs must be obedient and respond to the most basic commands, such as sit, lay down, stay, and heel. It also helps them determine what is considered a threat or what is non-significant.

Loyalty – Your canine should be loyal to your family.

Courage – Your dog must be brave.

Territorial Instincts – Dogs that strongly identify with their home and are willing to protect it against intruders are better suited for protection work than those who do not mind trespassers.

Warm Nature – All great protection canines are bold despite any threats that come about. Still, they can also be a tail-wiggling heap of face-licking love to their human families.

Protection Dogs

Our dogs are trained to protect, but they will always be your lovable pet! Our desire is always that your protection dog is a strong member of the family, and never like a liability.

Our needs for security, companionship, and loyalty haven’t changed much since the time of Plato and Aristotle, making dogs a popular choice to protect our loved ones and our property.

Protection dogs will bark or, in any case, alert their kin to trespassers and will defend against threats when needed.

Sometimes the best protection dog breeds have an intimidating size and appearance and display intelligence, fearlessness, and loyalty. In contrast, the best owners will begin training when their dog is still a puppy. Here are a few examples of protective dogs that make great family-friendly pets:

Belgian Malinois
Cane Corso
Doberman
German Shepherd
Akita

The Benefits of a Protection Dog

Protection dogs are still pets and are just as playful and full of affection as any dog. The difference is that they possess certain skills, which can add to you feeling safe and secure. Plus, they like learning. So, the more you train them, the better they are at protecting you and your family and your property.

They adapt well to your family life (they can go with your family on vacations, short trips, and errands).
Great companions for walking or hiking and great protectors.
Can be professionally trained to obey commands.
Can be taught to remain calm in the midst of danger.
Obey on command (rather than attacking at will).

We Us Help

Personal protection dogs should be completely social and impeccably trained to blend into your family and lifestyle. We understand that this can feel like an overwhelming task to know what do his right for you. That’s why we’re happy to step in.

Our ultimate goal at Golden State K9 is to help families acquire the best personal protection dogs. We are committed to training our dogs not just with personal protection but also advanced obedience training options. All of our trainers have over 30 years of experience with protection or guard dogs.

We can assure you that they won’t bite nor bark at their owners. We’ve never had an issue or accidents with our dogs. This is because we prioritize your safety over anything else.

Check our dog training packages or contact us if you have additional questions. We offer nationwide delivery of our protection dogs.

At Golden State K9, we never compromise your safety. Ever. We ensure that all of our protection dogs are trained well to protect you and your entire family in times of trouble. Check out our available dogs page to find the newest member of your family.

Are Female Protection Dogs Better Than Male Protection Dogs?

Posted on January 27, 2021 | by Chris Hubbard | Leave a Comment

(by Stephen Weru)

So, you’ve decided you want a protection dog. However, you’re not sure of the best dog to get.

So much to consider.

What dog breed should you get?
What dog temperament and personality type best suits your lifestyle?
Where do you get the best dog breeds from?

Besides these questions, you also have to consider intelligence, obedience, strength levels, and adaptability… gender… which begs the question:

Are female protection dogs better than male protection dogs?

In this article, we’ll discuss differences between male and female dogs, and help you to figure out which option is best for you and your family.

Let’s get into it.

Anatomical Differences

The most apparent and most noticeable difference between male and female dogs is size. Male dogs stand taller and are heavier than females. If you’re looking for a personal protection dog with an imposing appearance, a male dog will make a better choice.

However, that’s not the only anatomical difference between male and female dogs.

Another difference between male and female dogs is that females reach maturity faster than males. This difference in maturity levels makes female protection dogs easier to train than males of the same age.

The fact that females mature faster than males means that female protection dogs are likely to take up their role earlier than male protection dogs.

Behavioral Differences

Male and female dogs also tend to have specific behavioral differences that may determine their effectiveness as protection dogs.

One of the most prominent differences is that male dogs have higher aggression levels than female dogs. Researchers studying dog aggression levels found that male dogs are six times more likely to bite than female dogs.

Males are also more territorial and are likely to be quicker to act against intruders. Male dogs also have less controllable aggression levels than females.

While males may act aggressively due to territorial instincts, female protection dogs act aggressively due to their maternal instincts, making them naturally protective. Thanks to these maternal instincts, female dogs will have no problem protecting you and your family if threatened. Female protection dogs are also more likely to be affectionate.

However, adult male dogs are calmer and are more trainable… on the other hand, females may be overly aggressive when they have a litter of puppies…

The debate can go on, but ultimately, from the standpoint of aggression levels: female protection dogs tend to handle their aggression better than male protection dogs, especially in highly populated areas.

It’s important to note that training and upbringing play a crucial role in influencing a protection dog’s aggression levels.

Reproductive and Hormonal Differences

Reproductive and hormonal differences are usually a point of consideration when you’re looking to adopt an intact dog (one that hasn’t been spayed or neutered). This is because the ability to reproduce influences the development of sex-associated behaviors.

Intact male dogs are more likely to be territorial and will have higher aggression levels than neutered males.

That’s not all!

Intact males are also more prone to:

roaming
have lower obedience levels
are likely to be distracted, especially when they sense a nearby female is in heat

Intact females are also more likely to roam and will be less obedient during their heat cycle.

To reduce the chances of your personal protection dog developing these sex-associated behaviors, consider having him or her spayed or neutered.

Obedience Levels

A dog’s obedience levels play an essential role in determining its effectiveness in protecting you. Without the proper training, it’s tough to control your protection dog, whether male or female.

That being said, female protection dogs are more likely to be obedient than male protection dogs. This is because female dogs have better attention spans when compared to males. They also mature faster and have an innate need to please their owner.

Our Advice on What to Look for When Choosing a Protection Dog:

The answer to whether a female protection dog is better than a male protection dog is subjective.

As demonstrated, on some occasions, female protection dogs perform better than males, but male protection dogs may be better than female protection dogs in other scenarios.

This is why the real answer is that gender shouldn’t be a major consideration.

Rather than considering a dog’s gender, consider the dog’s level of training.

Has your protection dog received professional dog training?

With the correct training, your dog’s gender will have very little influence on its protective abilities. A professionally trained protection dog is obedient, has an even temperament, is excellent with kids and other animals, and is adequately aggressive.

Why Cane Corsos Make Great Protection Dogs

Posted on December 28, 2020 | by Chris Hubbard | Leave a Comment

(By Louis Toffoli)

Strong, noble, and intelligent—the Cane Corso is a breed that has been skyrocketing in popularity as a protection dog, and for a good reason. They have all of the characteristics you want in both a protection dog and a family dog.

With fierce loyalty and an independent attitude, this personal protection dog has become the ideal companion. However, there is more to why Cane Corsos make great protection dogs—beginning with their unique history.

The Cane Corso Bloodline

The Cane Corso breed has a long history that dates back thousands of years. Its name originates from the Italian word cane, which means dog, and the Latin word cohors, which loosely translates to “guardian” or “protector.”

Since the beginning, the Cane Corso has been bred to be a powerful and intimidating protection dog. Originally bred in Italy during the days of the Roman Empire, the ancestors of the Cane Corso were large and fearless companions used in battle.

As part of the Italian Mastiff family of dogs, the Cane Corso shares close ties to its more wrinkly relative, the Neapolitan Mastiff. However, the modern-day Cane Corso has a more compact size perfect for hunting and protecting property.

With a large-boned frame and muscular build, the Cane Corso has a more athletic body than similar breeds in the Mastiff family. But, these dogs have more than just their physical size.

Here is why Cane Corsos make such excellent protection dogs.

What Makes a Cane Corso Ideal for Protection?

There’s a lot of reasons why a Cane Corso makes an exceptional protection dog. With a balance of both intelligence and physical prowess, a professionally trained Cane Corso will be there to keep you and your family safe.

Appearance

One of the main reasons why a Cane Corso is such an excellent protection dog is its physical appearance. With the help of the sheer intimidation due to their size and athletic build, the Cane Corso will do a great job of deterring any potential threats.

With an average weight of 90-120lbs, these dogs have a stocky build—but can also be quite agile. They have a short coat that is easy to maintain and reduces the amount of excess hair shed throughout your home.

Temperament

Cool, calm, and collected.

That’s the perfect way to describe the natural temperament of a professionally trained Cane Corso. A Cane Corso will typically not show any outward aggression unless it is necessary to protect its owner.

These dogs are loyal and want nothing more than to please their owner. With this attitude, training a Cane Corso is very effective, and any dog can be trained to be an effective protection dog.

A Perfect Fit for a Family

A Cane Corso thrives in a family environment with their trustworthy, loyal, and protective instincts. While these breeds have a strong frame, they can also be very gentle and affectionate to those they know and love.

One of the unique aspects of the breed’s temperament is their uncanny ability to switch between being affectionate and protecting their owners. Cane Corsos are very attuned to their surroundings and are alert if they sense any potential danger.

They get along well with children of all ages and will create an unbreakable bond with their family. However, this bond can sometimes be a little too strong as they may have trouble warming up to strangers.

Additionally, when it comes to building a bond with its human family, Cane Corsos can be very welcoming of other animals in the home when they are properly socialized at a young age and professionally trained.

This unique temperament is what makes the Cane Corso so special as a family protection dog.

Conclusion

A Cane Corso is the ideal breed that you want as a family protection dog. When properly trained, they can be a loving and gentle family dog that switches to a protector when necessary.

Their independent and rather calm attitude makes them a pleasant addition to the family. However, it’s also important that you give a Cane Corso enough space to exercise. They are naturally protective dogs, and they want nothing more than to patrol your property.

How to be a Pack Leader with Your Protection Dog

Posted on December 20, 2020 | by Chris Hubbard | Leave a Comment

(by Louis Toffoli)

Like all dogs, your protection dog is a natural pack animal that responds best to a designated leader. When you are the pack leader, your protection dog will put you in control and follow your lead.

Shepherd Standing at Attention. Credit: Pexels

However, being a leader is an ongoing process that will continue after the initial training sessions. So, to get the highest performance from your protection dog, you must continue to establish yourself as the alpha of the pack each day.

While this may seem daunting, being a pack leader with your protection dog is all about your attitude towards your protection dog in day-to-day life.

In this article, we will be covering what it means to be a pack leader and some simple ways you can establish yourself in that role.

What Does It Mean to be a Pack Leader?

Dog’s operate within a social hierarchy that focuses on having a leader that brings a structure of stability and consistency to the pack. As the pack leader, they call the shots and are the primary authority figure.

While this hierarchy was utilized between dogs before human owners, this is still a hardwired part of any dog’s brain. As a human owner, your protection dog will either view you as the pack leader or the one they need to lead.

The dog bases this assessment on reading your social cues, and they will determine what is best for the “pack.” If the dog is confused about who should be the leader, they will act out and not follow your commands.

This is why you must assert yourself as the clear leader early on with your protection dog. Being the pack leader will allow you to set the boundaries and get the best performance from your personal protection dog.

5 Tips to Establish Yourself as the Pack Leader

Stay Calm and Be Assertive

Dogs are instinctual animals. They can pick up on nervous energy—even if you try to hide behind confident body language.

When asserting yourself as the alpha, you must stay calm when you are with your protection dog. If your protection dog senses fear, the dog will take this as a sign that they need to be the leader instead.

Staying relaxed is also necessary when disciplining your protection dog. Large emotional outbursts will cause the dog to question your leadership ability.

2. Control Your Dog’s Eating Schedule

As the pack leader, you must have control over your protection dog’s food. Their eating schedule should typically be twice a day, but you should never give your dog unlimited access to their food.

If you notice that your personal protection dog is overly protective of food, they do not see you as the pack leader. From the dog’s point of view, they are assuming control over the food supply.

So, controlling your dog’s eating habits should be an integral part of the pack leader. Be sure to make this a focal point of your protection dog training.

3. Walk Like a Leader

Taking your protection dog on walks is an excellent way to build a strong bond with the dog. However, this is also crucial in establishing the correct power dynamic between you and the dog.

To lead the pack, you need to walk like a leader. Don’t let your protection dog dictate where you walk and pull you while holding onto their leash. Walk in front of them with strong and confident body language.

4. Stick to a Consistent Routine

Dogs value consistency and having a set routine. Sticking to a consistent routine with your family protection dog will reduce any confusion on the pack leader. If you make exceptions to rules and don’t stick to them each day, your dog will not react appropriately.

If you let your dog eat some of your food at dinner one day and scold them the next day, this can confuse the dog. Stick to enforcing your rules continuously each day and try to cut the amount you sway from your rules.

5. Be a Fair Leader

And lastly, you should be an all-around fair pack leader for your protection dog. If they do something you don’t allow, let them know that it won’t be tolerated and punish them. If they are well-behaved, let the dog know with affection and rewards.

Being a pack leader does not mean you have to be overly-strict at all times with the dog. As the alpha role, you should want to be in control, but this doesn’t have to mean you can’t play with your protection dog.

The Differences Between Protection Dogs and Guard Dogs

Posted on December 18, 2020 | by Chris Hubbard | Leave a Comment

(by Louis Toffoli)

On the subject of security, protection dogs are, on average, the best bet. You may want a dog that protects your property from intruders, or maybe you want a companion that is by your side at all times.

When discussing protection dogs and guard dogs, people sometimes use these terms interchangeably and assume they play the same role. They may also think that the difference is only in the dog’s breed.

But, as you will learn in this post, it’s not just a matter of semantics. The implications behind “guard dog” are more often than not negatively charged, and you should know why. You should also be prepared to be able to distinguish between the usage of each; know whether a trainer’s use of the term “guard dog” is being used interchangeably, or he means the kind of dog you can’t depend on in personal protection.

Practically, it comes down to the dog’s training level that determines the professionally-used difference between the two.

Before you decide on investing in a particular dog, let’s dig a little deeper and prepare you for your purchase.

How the Dog is Raised

The path life of a “guard dog” takes a vastly different path than what you can expect from a personal protection dog. Dogs advertised as “guard dogs”, in many cases, are raised in an unhealthy, and dangerous environment.

Typically misused for cheap protection, and trained using unethical methods like dogfighting, these dogs are trained to show unstable aggression. In some cases, “guard dogs” are even inbred to attain more aggression.

Many owners will purchase a “guard dog” based solely on the dog breed type, not knowing about its background. Without the proper training and pedigree, these “guard dogs” will not provide the protection you need. Their lack of training will make them less predictable, especially in a tense situation.

You need a dog with a pure pedigree, ancestry you can trace, and professional training by a qualified trainer for personal protection. Unlike “guard dogs”, a protection dog will get the necessary and personalized training to be a family dog.

Professionally trained, personal protection dogs are the only option for a reliable dog to protect you and your loved ones.

Training Requirements and Types

“Guard dogs” usually have very little training as they are purchased as a working dog breed and are expected to be naturally protective. When trained, “guard dogs” typically go through informal self-training from the owners or with dog trainers that are unqualified.

Backyard trainers typically utilize a commercial program like IGP dog training as their training resource. These dog trainers then like to offer a low price that seems too good to be true—and unfortunately, it is.

These very enticing price tags offered to train your dog come with a catch.

These commercialized programs take a “one-size-fits-all” approach, and are more for sport or basic obedience training. These dog training programs cannot prepare the dog for personal protection or family protection.

As for personal protection dogs, they require more extensive training to be effective in protection from professional trainers. Each protection dog gets trained differently by master dog trainers to match the needs of the owner specifically.

Trustworthy trainers ensure training includes time at the dog’s worksite.

The Pricing of Protection Dogs vs “Guard Dogs”

Goldenstate K9’s Capone. Credit: SirenPhoto

If you are looking for a dog for personal protection, the prices will differ significantly depending on the breed you decide to choose and its training level. As for protection dogs, the training level is the largest determining factor for the dog’s price.

With professional training, personal protection dogs have an average price tag that starts at $12,000-$15,000. This range rises quickly, based on pedigree + level of training, and training needs.

For example, training a dog for situations like multiple intruders, building searches, and off-premises protection requires more time with a qualified trainer. It also requires a more highly trained, and more diversified trainer, which of course costs more.

Conclusion

For guaranteed protection, no matter the circumstances, a personal protection dog will have your back. Along with being skilled in protection, they have the trained temperament to be able to be a part of the family.

With these differences in mind, you can now confidently find a protection dog you know will get the job done of keeping you and your family safe!