It’s a rare day when I don’t receive an email asking what the differences between security, guard and protection dogs are.  This being my favorite topic, I’m always happy to explain no matter how many times I repeat myself.

Security Dogs:

Security dogs work with their handlers at concerts, events and anywhere else where security and crowd control is needed.  You’ll often find these dogs working to find explosives or narcotics.  They have to have a strong relationship with their handler in order to work as a team.  The best security dogs possess a sharp guard drive and are able to respond to a threat if called upon.  Semi-social, they are not as highly trained as protection dogs are but have better social manners than a guard dog.  In North America, they are not required to have a certificate such as a K.N.P.V. PH I, which is necessary in Holland.

Guard Dogs:

Guard dogs’ primary focus is to guard an area such as an enclosed estate, compound or business. CCK9 provides many guard dogs to businesses, which use them to patrol an enclosed outdoor area or to guard the inside of a building closed during the night time.  Anyone that attempts to enter their territory while they are on duty will be greatly dissuaded from doing so (through barking, snarling and/or the visual deterrent of the dog itself)and will be bitten if  they make the mistake of entering anyway. Guard dogs are not social, except with their handler(s), and do not possess the intelligence, talents and abilities necessary to train to be protection dogs.  This isn’t to say that they don’t serve an important purpose.  Your average dog is not equipped with the drive necessary to guard. In the world of dogs, guard dogs can best be described as ‘street smart’. It is a good idea to ensure they are trained for food refusal.

Protection Dogs:

Referred to as personal protection dogs or executive protection dogs,  those chosen for this special training can do it all.  Strong nerved, highly obedient and balanced, they defend their handlers on command and in situations where a credible threat  is determined.  Great with children and other animals, they are on and off leash trained.  Looking over our website, you’ll see that we feel the best breeds for protection work are German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois or  Dutch Shepherds.  Protection dogs may be trained to do guard or security work as well.  However, it is important to evaluate your security needs since guard dogs and most security dogs  are less expensive than quality trained protection dogs.