Although there is no formal definition, a “home invasion” is considered to be different than a breaking and entering. This is due to the fact that there is a premeditated confrontation with the victim as well as the intent to rob or violently act upon the occupants of the home. Home invasion involves different methods used to gain entry that all home owners should be aware of. For example, one method is when the perpetrator may use deception as their way to gain access into a home. This type of invasion typically occurs during the day or early evening and involves the invader pretending to be someone they are not. Another method of home invasion is the use of force to gain entry. In this scenario, the invader may approach the entrance of the home and proceed to break in, possibly through picking a lock or prying open a window. If people do not understand the critical importance of protecting the safety of their home, home invasions could happen even more often than not. Therefore, actions need to be taken by every homeowner to ensure the safety of their loved ones as well as their own. Protection dogs are without question provide a much needed solution to the issue of home invasion.

Protection dogs (guard dogs) are owned by many throughout the world for a reason. For those who are searching for a way to protect yourself from the threat of crime, guard dogs provide a very unique solution. If there was ever a home invasion that occurred, which put you and your family in danger, it would be vital for you to have some form of protection, security dogs would do just that. Say the intruder forced his way into your home, your trained protection dog would be there to respond instantly and prevent any harm to you, your family or your property. Overall, having a protection dog that would always be there on guard protecting you and if need be, serve as your savior in your time of need.

Throughout the world, police forces in each region and country rely on their own localized certification programs. No international standard exists for the certification of police dogs, so it is up to the police department and the local government to determine if a certain certification is up to par with their own expectations for a police dog. For example, police dogs in the U.S.A often obtain certification from the United States Police Canine Association, while the Royal Mounted Police offers their own certifications for canine units working in Canada. However, the majority of organizations offering official certifications for police protection work follow a similar set of criteria. Typically, police dog certification programs will test dogs for general obedience and agility, tracking, criminal apprehension, searches, narcotics detection and explosives detection.

It is important to note that the certifications given for dog sport events, such as Schutzhund or French Ring, are not equivalent to those offered by official police dog certification programs. Police protection dogs should always be trained for real-life scenarios, as the danger they will face on the field is very real. Never expect a dog trained in sport to handle real protection work in the real world.

Unlike protection work and tracking, which take advantage of the natural tendencies in canine behavior, obedience training is very unnatural for a dog to learn. Because of this, training obedience can be very stressful on a dog if not done correctly. When we deliver our personal protection dogs, we tell all of our clients to perform quick ten-minute obedience exercises with their dog each day. This not only improves the dog’s obedience, but also helps build a strong bond and sense of leadership between the handler and the canine. In a ten-minute training session, the dog should be able to complete a sit, down, come heel and stay, about 20 times each. Keeping the sessions short and quick helps reduce the stress on your dog. Remember to use a strong and commanding voice during these exercises. Done five times a week, this becomes 100 repetitions of each command; over a month, it becomes 400. Keep doing the math, and you will find that this leads to a happier, more balanced dog with very strong obedience.

I am very fortunate to have the luxury of walking my dogs each and every day on the street. I walk my dogs at least five miles a day, and not a day goes by that I won’t someone won’t pass us with their own dog. Although my dogs don’t pose as a threat to those who walk past us, people always react the same: they immediately stop, and tighten the lead.  This reaction is the exact opposite of what one should do. By doing this, one only builds suspicion in their dog. One must use common sense when walking their dog. This means having a loose lead and to have movement, not to stop.  Remember: a loose lead shows control, a tight lead shows no control. To some, this is common sense, but common sense is often not so common.

The importance of protecting ones self from harm is often overlooked. People tell themselves “I live in a safe area,” or “it could never happen to me,” but the unfortunate reality is that crime can happen to anyone. Many people looking to purchase protection dogs for themselves do so because they have already been victims of violent crime. For these people, recovering from the trauma of the experience they endured is a long and painful process. For some, the extent of the psychological trauma is so extreme that they have trouble even leaving their own homes for fear of being victimized again. To own a protection dog is to know that you can safely leave your house at night with your dog at your side to protect you. For victims of violent crime, this sense of security is a life-changing experience, and a crucial milestone along the path to once again living a life free of fear.

Of course, not everyone looking to purchase a protection dog does so solely for themselves. Any father or mother will agree that protecting their family comes above all else in their lives. Owning a personal protection dog is like having a loyal companion who will not hesitate to risk its own life in order to protect you and your family at all times. A family with a protection dog is a family that is able to sleep soundly at night knowing that their German Shepherd, Belgian Malinois or Dutch Shepherd will always be there to protect them and their home.

Many people, possibly even yourself, may be shocked or confused by the level of grief that one can experience over the loss of a canine. Many people have the unfortunate mindset that if the loss was not that of a human, there is no reason to grieve. However, the emotional attachments one can feel towards their canine companions can be very strong. Often, the very things that make your dog different from a human are what make them so endearing. Dog owners are blessed with the unwavering loyalty and dedication of their canines. Owners of protection dogs, guard dogs or security dogs may also dread the thought of losing the sense of security that their canine offers themselves and their family. The most important thing to remember is that grieving over the loss of a canine is both normal and appropriate.

Considering the emotional attachments you feel towards your canine may not be much different than what you feel towards human members of your family, healthy grief over the loss of a canine may not be much different than grieving over a human. However, there are still a number of factors unique to the loss of a canine that must be considered. First and foremost is the idea of having a pet “put down”. No one would ever want to make the decision to have the plug pulled on a human being, but many dog owners are forced to make this decision with their canine. To make the decision to end a life to relieve suffering is no easy task, but once the decision is made, no amount of guilt or regret can undo what has been done. Another difficulty is choosing whether or not to hold a memorial or funeral for your canine. This is made especially difficult by those who may undervalue your loss due to the perception that canine life is not as important or as worthwhile as human life. The most important thing is to do what you feel is right. If a funeral will help you mourn the loss of your canine, then one should be held. Likewise, a funeral or memorial may be a good opportunity for your children to say goodbye, and may help them with their own mourning. Finally, one must decide when and if they will get a new dog. After the loss of a canine, it is usually best to allow yourself time to grieve before getting a new dog. Canines are unique in their personalities and abilities, and cannot simply be replaced. However, if your canine happened to be a working dog, such as a guide dog or protection dog, it may be in your best interests to purchase a new one sooner rather than later. While it may be difficult to accept a new canine so soon after your loss, the benefits of canine protection may not be something you want you and your family to be without.