| One of our recent clients is the owner of a small | | | | difference she happily took delivery of a guard |
| computer shop in a very nice part of California. | | | | dog. In fact, she said her dog cost less than the |
| She called me after having her shop broken into | | | | security alarm system she had installed! |
| afterhours, resulting in the loss of thousands of | | | | It is possible to rent a guard dog though for most |
| dollars of equipment as well as a broken back | | | | home and business owners this is a much costlier |
| door. Her alarm system did not deter the person | | | | way to go. It does provide a good solution if you |
| or persons who broke in. We were happy to help | | | | have a short-term situation but if you want to |
| and after determining her needs and evaluating | | | | protect your business for an extended length of |
| her situation we delivered a balanced, strong | | | | time, buying is definitely the way to go. Most |
| nerved guard dog. | | | | businesses have worked the numbers and are |
| Businesses, especially businesses with valuable | | | | increasingly purchasing dogs rather than |
| inventory, use guard dogs as an alarm system. It | | | | subcontracting with a security company. |
| would take a very stupid burglar to break into | | | | Additionally, rented guard dogs always come with |
| your business after hearing the serious bark of a | | | | a patrol officer. This really drives up the cost. |
| guard dog on the other side of the door. Their | | | | Whenever I'm consulting with a client I'm always |
| most likely response is to skip your business all | | | | upfront about the rental alternative. We do not |
| together and move on to a locality that presents | | | | rent dogs, they are only available for purchase at |
| less obstacles (such as a huge, snarling, barking | | | | CCK9, but I want our clients to know every |
| and possibly hungry German shepherd who has | | | | option. |
| been awoken from a sound sleep). They are also | | | | Another consideration is the environment that the |
| used to protect outdoor assets, such as in a | | | | dog will be guarding. It is important that much |
| fenced construction site. | | | | thought is put into potential dangers for the dog |
| As I have said before, beyond training and | | | | itself. Automotive shops, for example, need to |
| genetics, balance is part of what sets a guard dog | | | | ensure that anti-freeze or other chemicals aren't |
| apart from an elite personal protection dog. Guard | | | | lying in the open. If the dog will live outdoors, a |
| dogs lack the social skills and perfect manners | | | | doghouse needs to be stationed to protect and |
| that a protection dog is genetically equipped and | | | | keep the dog warm. Guard dogs are known for |
| trained to have. They are highly territorial and | | | | their toughness but have needs like any other |
| trained to protect their (really your) space. | | | | dog. |
| Protection dogs specifically protect YOU and your | | | | I specialize in training elite personal protection dogs. |
| family though part of this includes eliminating | | | | However, given the state of the economy and |
| threats in your environment. For instance, if | | | | rising crime, we are increasingly asked to provide |
| someone were to break into your house as you | | | | guard dogs. We put a lot of effort into training or |
| slept, the dog would prevent the opportunity to | | | | locating guard dogs that have balance. After all, |
| harm you. | | | | our clients are paying for dogs that are obedient |
| My client who owned the computer shop was | | | | and present less liability. Otherwise, they would |
| under the impression that a personal protection | | | | just pick up an aggressive dog from the local |
| dog was the best choice for her. However, she | | | | pound. |
| didn't personally feel threatened, it was her | | | | So know the difference and assess your needs. |
| business she was worried about. There is a large | | | | We ask A LOT of questions in order to |
| price difference between a guard and personal | | | | determine what is the best fit for you. Always |
| protection dog. While protection dogs run between | | | | feel free to call us with any questions about this |
| $18K to $35K and above, a guard dog only costs | | | | article or if you would like to discuss purchasing a |
| about $3,500-$5,500. I did not want my client to | | | | personal protection or guard dog. |
| incur the extra expensive so after explaining the | | | | |