We hear more and more in the news about the rise of crime and the need for vigilance to remain safe. The world can be scary, and it's not realistic for us as humans to be 'on' all of the time, looking for threats and assessing our environments. Fortunately, there are many options available today to help keep us safe. Many of us nowadays have home security systems and cameras and keep our doors locked. While these are great deterrents, they won't actively stop someone who breaks a window or forces their way through the door. In these home invasion situations, a security system can alert the authorities, but only if it is activated. Locks and cameras are useless. But what if there was another way to proactively protect your home, family, and what you value most? That's where a personal protection dog comes into play. A protection dog is your 'always on' eyes and ears, assessing the environment and looking for threats to protect those they care about most. Usually, when people think of protection dogs, they think of vicious and dangerous animals, but that can't be further from the truth.
A professionally trained protection dog, like one you would get from Priority 1 Canine, is a part of the family. Our protection dogs are great with kids and are some of the most loving and caring pets you can find. Our goal at Priority 1 Canine is to provide a professionally trained canine guard dog that can spring into action at a moment's notice, but with the hope that they never need to call on this training. Our favorite breeds to work with are the Belgian Malinois and the German Shepherd. Both breeds are incredibly loyal, have an exceptional work ethic, and can assimilate into your family seamlessly. But which one is right for you? Keep reading to learn more!
Choosing the right breed of protection dog for your situation can be stressful and nerve-wracking. Fortunately, when you work with P1K9, we help take that stress away by evaluating your situation and recommending the right fit for personal protection dog. As part of our process, we will work to place the right dog for you. Since your canine bodyguard will live in your home with you and your children, travel in your car, and lie at your son or daughter's feet at night when they sleep, that is the type of environment in which to train each one of the canines we sell. Without this in-home, family environment training, the preparation of a canine bodyguard isn't complete.
When considering getting a personal protection dog, it's important to think about your lifestyle and living situation. Do you have a large home with a large yard for the dog to run around in? Is someone home most of the time to take care of the dog? Do you have any other pets or children in the home? If you live in an apartment or small space, certain breeds may not be the best fit.
Training a personal protection dog requires a lot of time, patience, and experience. There are many different professional protection dog companies out there who will train and sell you an exceptional canine, but when you choose Priority 1, we do more than just sell you a protection dog. You become part of the family. This focus on quality over quantity allows us to provide you the best possible customer service after your canine has been delivered, ensuring that no question ever goes unanswered.
The cost of a personal protection dog can vary depending on the breed, age, and training level. It's essential to consider your budget when deciding which breed to choose. Keep in mind that the cost of food, vet appointments, grooming, and training should also be factored into your budget. Here at Priority 1 Canine, our protection dogs often start at $85,000, and the price increases from there.
Consider why you want a personal protection dog and what your goals are. Are you looking for a dog to protect your home and family? Do you want a dog for personal protection when walking or traveling? Different breeds may be better suited for different purposes. When you reach out to us, we evaluate your situation and recommend the best canine for your need.
It's important to research and understand the characteristics and temperaments of different breeds before making a decision on which dog is right for you. For example, Belgian Malinois are known for their high energy levels and need for exercise, while German Shepherds are known for their loyalty and intelligence.
Choosing a personal protection dog is a big decision that requires careful consideration and research. By thinking about these factors and consulting with a professional, you can find the perfect breed for your needs and lifestyle.
Belgian Malinois are known for their strong protection abilities. They are highly alert and responsive, making them excellent guard dogs. Belgian Malinois have a strong bond with their owners and are protective, making them good guard dogs. They are also fast, agile, and can quickly respond to threats, making them well-suited for personal protection tasks. The Belgian Malinois has extremely sharp senses, specifically their olfactory (sense of smell) and auditory senses, which make them excellent at detecting danger.
Due to their high energy levels and strong prey drive, Belgian Malinois can be distant or even aggressive towards strangers if not properly trained and socialized. They also require a significant amount of training to channel their protective instincts safely and productively. Their high energy levels also require regular exercise to keep them satisfied and to help reduce anxiety and potentially destructive behavior.
One example of a trained Belgian Malinois in actions is Cairo, a member of the US Navy SEAL Team 6 that took down Osama bin Laden.
German Shepherds are also known for their protection abilities. They are intelligent and obedient, making them easy to train for personal protection tasks. German Shepherds have a natural instinct to protect their owners and are loyal and obedient, which makes them well-suited for personal protection. They are known for being wary of strangers, but they are easily trainable to distinguish between a threat and a non-threat. German Shepherds are also larger than Belgian Malinois, and their size allows them to be more intimidating to would-be attackers.
Due to their size, German Shepherds can be less agile than Belgian Malinois, meaning they may be slower to react and respond to perceived threats. The breed is also prone to separation anxiety if left alone for extended periods, and they require regular exercise and mental stimulation to destructive behavior.
Recently in the news, a German Shepherd named Tank was reported as protecting a six-year-old child from being attacked by a charging dog that had escaped his owner.
Overall, both Belgian Malinois and German Shepherds are capable of protecting their owners. Belgian Malinois are known for their agility and quick response time, while German Shepherds are known for their loyalty and obedience. It's important to carefully consider each breed's characteristics and temperament to determine which breed best suits your specific needs and lifestyle. Additionally, proper training and socialization is key to effectively channeling the protective instincts of any breed of dog.
Belgian Malinois is a medium-sized breed, typically weighing between 60-80 pounds. They have a short, sleek coat that is usually fawn or mahogany in color. They are known for their high energy levels and require a lot of exercises and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Belgian Malinois are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and work ethic. They are often used in law enforcement, military, and search and rescue operations due to their keen senses and fast reactions. They tend to be protective of their owners and have a strong prey drive, which means they may be less tolerant of other pets however, they can adapt in certain scenarios.
One potential downside of Belgian Malinois is that they can be more challenging to train and require an experienced handler. They also tend to become high-strung or anxious if they don't receive enough exercise or attention.
The Belgian Malinois is one of our favorite breeds to work with based on their energy levels and work ethic. Originally bred as herding dogs, their instinctive nature to protect the flock translates well to work as a protection dog guarding their family.
German Shepherds are a large breed that typically weighs between 50-90 pounds. They have a long, thick coat that can be black, tan, or sable in color. They are also known for their loyalty, intelligence, and work ethic.
German Shepherds are often used in law enforcement, military work, and search and rescue operations. They are protective of their owners and tend to bond closely with their family members. They are also typically good with children and are popular for families. German Shepherds are generally easier to train than Belgian Malinois and are more adaptable to different living situations. They require moderate exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. However, they can be prone to hip dysplasia and other health issues later in life, which should be considered when choosing the breed.
Similar to the Belgian Malinois, the German Shepherd was also bred as a working herd dog, with their purpose being to protect their flock.
Overall, both breeds have their strengths and weaknesses when it comes to personal protection. It's important to carefully research and consider each breed's characteristics and temperament to ensure the dog's personality and energy level fit your lifestyle, needs, and home well. Our professional handlers will help guide you to the right breed based on your needs and lifestyle.
Adding a personal protection dog to your family is a highly effective way to increase your security, safety, and peace of mind. The German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois breeds make effective protection dogs when properly trained by professionals like us here at Priority 1 Canine. Every need for a security dog is different, so it's advised that you reach out and talk to us about your situation and need so we can help find and place the right canine for you. Get in touch when you're ready to take the next step and elevate your personal security.
CEO/Owner of Priority 1 Canine. We specialize in personal and family security protection dogs.
