Don’t assume
all dogs can be
trained for pro-
tection. Working
with experienced
breeders and
trainers is the
best way to find a
dog who has
genetics condu-
cive to this kind
of work.ways to deter or neutralize a threat. The downside is they
can be exposed very quickly and are often under-qualified
if the threat has a weapon. They’re typically not close to the
handler for protection and at risk for potential poisoning from
those wishing to penetrate the area they’re guarding. They’re
rarely great personal protection dogs because they’re trained
to protect an area, not an individual.
Some scenarios require a perimeter
K9 and a personal protection K9,
meaning two dogs trained for each
purpose — not one that does both. A
perimeter dog is typically more ag-
gressive and less social, would primar-
ily live outside (with adequate shelter),
and has a main objective to stop a
threat before it enters the house. A
personal protection dog has a ton of obedience, has to be
more social, and is comfortable with home environments
as well as traveling. People with a great deal of discretionary
income, VIPs who are easy targets, and celebrities who have
stalkers may want a perimeter/security dog because they
require additional layers of security. Ask yourself how much
security you want and what’s worth the effort.High Risk/Elite Protection K9: These dogs are best
suited for individuals with known stalkers, those who have
been victims of crimes, high-profile business people, and
celebrities. This is a social, highly skilled, naturally protective,
and highly trainable dog that’s very clearheaded and trains
to all levels easily. These dogs alert to threats with or without
commands, attack with or without a
bite (making a biting motion without
actually biting the threat), and perform
on and off-lead attacks and control of
the threat. They’re highly alert in the
home, at work, and in public areas.
These dogs are also protective in ve-
hicles and confined areas, and capable
of keeping multiple threats at bay. An
elite protection dog can fight for a time
and return to the handler to provide security. They’re trained
to clear areas and structures off-leash to secure the location
prior to entry from the handler or VIP being protected. Often,
but not always, dogs at this level are part of a security pack-
age, and the VIP isn’t the handler.
Perimeter/Security Dogs: These dogs have the high-
est level of alerting to a threat and are one of the quickest“One must have the
time as well as the
energy level to
devote to keeping
these dogs fit.
They’re not lap dogs.”038 OFFGRIDWEB.COM
ISSUE 32