Here’s a warning for those who still seek to purchase their form of canine security: BEWARE OF THE DOG.

First, although any breed of dog can potentially become a biter, the protective breeds raise concerns of safety because they are generally larger and more powerful dogs. When it comes to fatal dog attacks, the protective breeds, or dogs mixed with them, are undoubtedly the most dangerous.

Second, protection dogs have a somewhat different mentality than other breeds of dogs. Protection dogs can be very independent, which makes them appear to be stubborn or hard to train. The truth is, this quality is very important to an animal who may find himself in a position where he must rely on his own judgment in dangerous situations, such as police work or rescue work.

This is why it is imperative to obedience train protection dogs. If you do not learn how to control your independent canine, he will quickly learn how to control you. Obedience training teaches your dog to trust and respect you, and it also nourishes your dog's will to please you. Reputable breeders will require, in writing, that the puppies they sell receive a specified amount of disciplined obedience training. They realize that without it, these large, strong-willed and powerful animals may become unmanageable or even dangerous.

In keeping with his independent nature, a protection dog also has a strong self-preservation instinct. Unlike other types of dogs who may become shy or timid if abused, protection dogs will more likely become aggressive and mean. When put in a physical confrontation, they may attempt to defend themselves rather than tolerate abuse.

How These Characteristics Affect You
These traits are responsible for a number of inconveniences you may not have considered. If you need to leave your dog at home when you travel, you may not be able to hire a pet sitter to care for your dog in your own home. A protection dog may not take well to having a stranger enter his territory--your home--to take care of him, and you may have to consider boarding your dog at a kennel or finding someone to care for your dog in their home.

If friends and relatives are accustomed to stopping by unannounced or entering your home at will, you may have to warn them this can no longer be allowed. Unless your dog becomes familiar and comfortable with certain people entering your home, you will have to be the one to open the door when someone comes to visit. Repairmen and other strangers will have to be introduced to your dog cautiously and with supervision.

You will have to assume the liability of owning a potentially dangerous animal and take precautions to prevent any innocent people from being hurt. This includes keeping your dog confined when necessary and under control at all times. Unfortunately, not all people--especially children--know how to behave around dogs, especially protection dogs. They should not be teased or antagonized. A hand should not be raised above their heads, even to pet them, unless they have had the opportunity to meet and feel comfortable with the person. Sudden or threatening gestures should not be made toward them or their owners. Newcomers to your home may have to be instructed in these things in order to avoid any accidents, and children should be strictly supervised.

In accordance with the risk of owning a potentially dangerous animal, you must also consider the insurance restrictions you may encounter. Many home owners insurers will not provide liability insurance for those who keep pit bulls, wolves or wolf-hybrids, Rottweilers, Chow Chows or mixed breeds involving these dogs. The restrictions vary among insurers, and each insurer may have different restrictions depending on your state of residence.

How to Avoid Problems
If you want a protection dog with a stable, manageable temperament, you need to be very particular about the breeding. Backyard breeders everywhere have jumped on the bandwagon to produce these types of dogs to capitalize on the demand. You will undoubtedly find a better quality dog from a serious breeder, who is concerned with producing fine physical traits as well as good temperaments. Ask to see both the sire and dam so you can determine if they are standoffish toward strangers or curious and friendly.

Although the strength of a protective nature varies among individual dogs, it is crucially important to socialize your dog at an early age. Your dog should be exposed to as many people, children, other animals and places as possible while young, so he can learn to be trusting. An isolated dog may view any stranger as a potential threat.

Unless you are serious about showing and breeding, you should have your dog neutered or spayed. This helps to reduce aggressive tendencies and provides other benefits for your dog’s health and well-being.

Do not attempt to guard train your dog without professional help. These dogs can become extremely dangerous when incorrectly trained to use their aggression. A partially or poorly trained guard dog can be a menace to its owner and anyone else who comes in contact with him, more so than a dog who has not been trained at all.

Still want to own a protection dog? Protection dogs are not for everybody. Unless you are willing to heed the warnings in this article and take the necessary precautions in owning one, you might be better off with a different breed of dog.

Keep in mind that one of the best ways to provide home security is to own a dog. It doesn’t have to be a protection dog. If it barks, it will be a crime deterrent. A criminal won’t know if your dog will attack him or try to lick him, and most criminals won’t take their chances burglarizing a home that has a barking alarm.

However, if you do decide to take the responsibility of owning a protective dog and are willing to train and socialize your dog properly, you will have a loyal, friendly, and trustworthy dog who will be an asset to your family and community.