What Are The Best Dog Breeds To Train As Bodyguards?

When looking for a good bodyguard that will be on call twenty four hours a day and devote their life to your protection, often a human is not the direction you want to go. Throughout history, dogs have been bred and trained to protect humans against many different kinds of threats. Most dogs are instinctively bodyguards that will protect their family and territory. When you become a dog owner, whether you want to or not, you become that dog's family, or a part of his pack. As a part of the pack, many dogs will take it upon themselves to become a bodyguard for you and your home. However, if you are specifically looking for a dog to train as a bodyguard, some will be more successful than others.

It is easy to think that size is the most important factor when choosing a dog for bodyguard purposes. This is not necessarily accurate. While you would not usually want a rat terrier protecting you and your family from danger, a large dog doesn't always make the best protector either. One of the largest dogs, the Great Dane, is also among the most docile and friendly dogs. They don't always make the best bodyguard dogs because they may lack the aggression necessary. If you are looking for a great family dog with a charming disposition, the Great Dane is a good choice, but a bodyguard he is not.

Doberman Pinschers have been given a bad reputation because of their common use as bodyguard dogs. Dobermans have the capabilities of being aggressive and protective, but are also able to tolerate strangers and children well enough to be a good family dog. They make good bodyguards because they become so close to their owners that it is a natural instinct to protect those that they care about most. Dobermans are good with children, but very protective of the kids that are "theirs", or a member of their family. Other children or adults playing rough with a Doberman's children should be cautious.

Rottweilers and Pit bulls, like the Doberman, have developed a reputation throughout the years as aggressive dogs. Unfortunately, poor training and control over these breeds have led to tragic attacks, causing people to label them as "bad breeds". However, the same attributes that instill fear into people about these dogs make them excellent bodyguards. Under the proper training and supervision, Rottweilers or Pit Bulls will protect and attack on command. They are very smart dogs but have aggressive natures, so they should only be trained as bodyguards if you know what you are doing and can keep them under control.

Perhaps the most popular dogs for bodyguard training and protection purposes are German Shepherds. German Shepherds have the single most important characteristic in a protection dog, trainability. They are instinctively great working animals and live to serve. This is what makes them so popular among police and law enforcement. More than any other dog breed, K-9 Units employ German Shepherds to help carry out tasks that are difficult for humans to do. They can immobilize and detain a suspect or would-be attacker before many officers could draw a weapon.

While German Shepherds are the most popular breeds to be trained as bodyguard dogs, the breed is really not as important as the demeanor of the animal. Regardless of the type of animal, only you will be able to tell if they will successfully protect you, your home, family or business. Most states regulate the licensing of dogs trainers because a well trained bodyguard dog is a lethal weapon. If you are not a licensed trainer, find someone that is to help condition your dog. Without proper training an control on your part and the dog's, your bodyguard could end up a loose cannon that could turn on you and your loved ones. However, with the right training and instruction, your K-9 bodyguard will be a loyal companion and protector.