Protection Dogs

Checkout the link taking you to The Guardian Newspaper article on ‘Protection Dogs’:

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/feb/04/demand-has-increased-without-a-doubt-the-shocking-rise-of-personal-protection-dogs

We were very privileged to be selected to assist ‘The Guardian’ Newspaper regarding  their thought provoking investigation into ‘Protection Dogs’

Hopefully you will have read the article which was published on 4th February 2026 or you may have even heard us on the BBC Radio network regarding our dogs, services and Protection Dogs. The following adds a little more meat to the bone for those interested in the subject.

If you haven’t read any of the other pages and blogs on this site, this blog is a little bit about me to give you some grounding:

I have been involved with training dogs since I was thirteen, so that’s well over fifty years. During this time, I’ve run various obedience and sports dog training clubs, as well as a small, but successful dog training school (part-time).

An achievement that I am very proud of is that, ‘Norwich Dog Training School’ has been ‘Best Three Rated’ in Norwich for 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026. It’s quite amazing, especially when you remember that the business is part-time, and we don’t employ any sub-contractors or third party trainers. Neither do we advertise on Facebook or other portals or use any ‘pay for views’ or even the very dubious ‘pay for reviews’ to generate business. The business generated is down to solely word of mouth and this website.

Unlike many of our competitors, we believe in offering a personal service and have no ambition to expand, as we enjoy training dogs and delivering the services we offer – We simply do not want to get bogged down with employing others just to make more money – as this is after all, just greed.

Previously I was a committee member and obedience section leader for the Schnauzer Club of Great Britain, a security dog assessor and judge to boot. I’ve competed in obedience, top level security trials, Schutzhund Surveys and beauty Shows both in the UK and overseas. My dog ‘Unit’ was the first ever non-German Shepherd dog to represent the UK in the International dog sport of Schutzhund (IPO / IGP) overseas. All of this, when juxtaposed alongside a long career within Corporate Security Management (Guard dogs employed in high risk areas), Retail Security management; Security Surveying (NACOSS / SSIAB companies). Besides being a Police Trained and Qualified Crime Prevention Design Advisor, while holding both Academic and Professional qualifications – a Masters’ Degree in Security Management (having researched security dogs) – as well as being a Fellow of the Security Institute, a member of the National Association of Security Dog Users and before retirement a Fellow of the International Institute of Security and Member of the Institute of Security Managers. Helps to provide me with a holistic perspective on both the advantages and disadvantages of using dogs for security in all its forms.

Protection Dogs

It has long been established that the vast majority of humans are herd animals – they’re followers not leaders. What one person does another simply copies – and so often with very little thought to the possible consequences. This has no doubt has contributed to the development of the phrase “monkey sees, monkey do”.

This propensity to copy has contributed towards ‘homo sapiens’ desire to develop a symbiotic relationship with canines. If we go back to the days, when primitive man lived in caves or on the Plaines, then no doubt one cave (or plaine) dweller, simply witnessed another using a dog in some way, and simply copied it. Thus ‘man’ soon came to realise that he could control and exploit this newfound beast of burden – that when domesticated asked for no more than food and shelter. Dogs were in effect – a cheap ‘employee’.

Even to this day, our relationship with canines is grounded upon this principle, and it has been well documented that over the centuries, dogs have been used as a source of food, and a ‘willing helper’ to assist man with innumerable tasks – whether hunting for food, controlling larger and much smaller animals. Most of which are faster and more agile, than us cumbersome humans, that move around awkwardly on two legs. It became apparent that canines were naturally useful, whether offering a warning (an ‘alarm’) or offering protection against the approach of predators or enemies. With the passage of time, this ability has resulted in dogs being conceived as an effective, but nonetheless cheap and ‘disposable commodity’ that has been utilised for generations by militaries and others, who could capitalise on their talents an use them both defensively and offensively.

Over thousands of years, humans have selectively bred canines to be faster, fitter, stronger, bigger and even smaller to fulfil multiple roles – where man wanted an easier life. Recognising that these extremely versatile animals, could easily be exploited to help with these tasks. Animals deemed to have not made the grade could be killed, eaten or otherwise disposed of. The luckier ones found themselves being kept as pets or companions.

Over time the popularity of breeds has been inextricably linked to the tasks man wanted help with. Leading to the development of dogs being selectively bred as guards, gun dogs, herding breeds etc. However, perhaps not surprising is that in today’s society, countless dogs are being bred not for purpose, but simply profit. People are purchasing and breeding dogs that are far from suitable for their own personal needs or even their own environment. What we are witnessing is that the media (TV, films and internet), and irresponsible influencers are raising the aspirations of simple householders, to seek and acquire all manner of breeds (types), despite having no real need for such animals.

Whether these animals had originally been developed for a specific purpose, such as the now outlawed fighting breeds – it just doesn’t seem to matter. People are seeking animals for ‘status’ and Ego, rather than any specific need. This illogical ambition has encouraged a desire to acquire animals that are not always ‘fit for purpose’. To clarify, why on earth, would any logical, intelligent person – purchase as a ‘pet’ or something to play with their children – an animal that has been specifically bred to kill or maim other creatures, whether human or animal? It simply just doesn’t make any sense – It’s totally stupid. Then there’s the ‘surprise, surprise’ and everyone is ‘shocked’ when something ‘appears to go wrong’ and their ‘pet’ attacks and maims or kills a family member.

In recent times, the term of ‘status animal’ has risen its ugly head. Where many individuals go out and purchase animals they feel raises their status within their peer group. Despite having no real need for such animals. Except may be – the possibility or even the desire to psychologically ‘impress’ or intimidate others with. Why else, would they have such animals?

Media history clearly shows that the popularity of the German Shepherd was massively influenced following appearances of the canine movie star Rin Tin Tin in the 1920-30s (followed by a TV series in 1954-9). The vogue of the Dobermann was stimulated following the film ‘The Doberman Gang’ (1972) with the Rottweiler following suit after ‘The Omen’ film was launched (1976). The Dogue de Bordeaux similarly suffered mammoth popularity in the aftermath of ‘Turner and Hooch’ (1989) and more recently, films, TV series, and YouTube influencers have unwittingly roused the demand for people to rush out and purchase Pit Bulls, XL Bullies, American Bull Dogs, Bandogs, Belgian Shepherds (Malinois), Dutch Herders, Cane Corsos, Leonbergers, Anatolian Shepherds, Tibetan Mastiffs, Caucasian Shepherds, Neapolitan mastiff, Turkish Mastiff, Perro de Presa Canario, Kangal, Boerboel to name just a few.

Notably, none of these types were ever developed to be ‘pets’ and neither where many seen in the UK in any great numbers – just a few decades ago. And yet, people have rushed out and imported these breeds into the country, to make some hard fast cash, as cunningly their importers know humans are ‘status driven herd animals’ that will be drawn to desire and purchase animals, that  they think are bigger, stronger or more intimidating. This is clearly demonstrated with countless Youtube influencers promoting breeds that supposedly bite harder than others. Much of which can be taken with a ‘pinch of salt’, since as we all know, if we think about it for a moment – the old ‘nature versus nurture’ debate will always rule supreme. Dogs within any given breed are different – just like ourselves, they’re ‘not all the same’. As  empirically, very few of us can ‘punch as hard as Mike Tyson!’

Not surprisingly, unscrupulous producers of puppies will happily jump at every opportunity to fulfil a demand, when they realise they can make some quick cash with little effort. Worryingly there are those that will purposely and ‘accidently’ cross this ‘scary breed with that’ in an attempt to create a demand for something that they hope will be the next big thing in ‘designer status breeds’. Endeavouring to create something that they believe will be even bigger, stronger or more menacing. But alas these types, so often have very little concern about breeding for quality and soundness – whether mental or physical. Very few of these unfortunate animals will have had any health checks, DNA tests or character assessments carried out. In effect, many are breeding little more than unsound genetic Frankenstein’s that have little purpose in the real modern  world. And the breeders often try to sell these unfortunately animals for more cash, than well bred, health tested animals. It’s all nuts. But perhaps the most sinister aspect is that so many of these unlucky animals will end up in pet homes, where the animals will be frustrated through lack of exercise, mental stimulation, space, training and care. Many will go on to undoubtedly cause their owners so much heartbreak, while keeping vets busy, treating hereditary diseases and putting animals to sleep. And that’s without even considering the harm they may cause to other people or their animals – as many owners neither have the skill sets or strength to manage and control these powerful animals.

Just to reiterate, the one BIG THING that should jump off this page and capture your attention is that all of these breeds or types were developed with a purpose in mind. Whether guarding mansions, diamond mines, livestock etc. They were never selectively developed to be pets. Indeed, many were never developed to be a modern working ‘security dog’ either. Something that could be trained to hold onto assailant, until a capable guardian could assist in making an arrest. They were created to savage,  disable, even kill an intruder – whether man or beast.

Until quite recently, very few people ever dreamed of owning a security or protection dog. They were seemingly happy with dogs being companions or something that would alert them to a knock at the door. Dogs being trained to bite was left the domain of professionals – the Police or Army who have real jobs to do. As well as a few security dog handlers, operating in high-risk environments – Not civilians or pet dog owners!

The only civilians interested in this type of training were those involved in very high level canine competitions, the Kennel Clubs long established ‘Police Dog stake’ (later renamed ‘Patrol Dog Stake’). Or serious working breed enthusiasts, striving to improve the working ability of their breeding stock by competing in the highly challenging sport of Schutzhund (aka IPO, IGP). A sport with a long history going all the way back to 1901. For those who are not aware, the international sport of ‘Schutzhund’ translated from its native German means ‘Protection Dog’, and comprises of high-level obedience, tracking and protection work. The whole purpose of the survey is to display that successful animals have the both character and temperament that is worthy of breeding from. The goal is to continually ameliorate breeding programs for working breeds. The sport while being considered as one of the most demanding ‘dog sports’ in the World is overseen by bodies in the UK and internationally, that run a strict vetting processes, designed to whittle out as far as reasonably possible – both unsuitable dogs and improper people from partaking in the sport.

Both the Kennel Club working trials and Schutzhund surveys have dogs that are competing at the highest level of their competitions, being taught to hold onto a padded arm, as in real life situations it has been determined, that by holding onto the forearm is likely to cause least damage to any ‘criminal’. A strong dog biting onto the forearm in a real world situation is extremely painful with the ability to cause shock, trauma, loss of blood; damaging the arm by tearing muscle, injuring nerves, blood vessels – even breaking or dislocating the arm. In real world situations, a dog biting someone who is not under the influence of drink or drugs is so painful, that the recipient legs are likely to buckle, causing them to fall.

Nonetheless a dog taught to bite the forearm arm is considered to cause less damage, than a dog biting other parts of the body, such as upper arms, shoulders, legs, groin, back, body etc. Where in essence the dog is taught to savage.

If a criminal was armed with a knife or other such weapon, then it makes good sense to bite the arm carrying the weapon in an attempt to disable the hand carrying the tool. Lessening the opportunity for the attacker to harm the dog or its handler with the device. Besides, if the dogs bite wasn’t sufficiently strong enough to inflict the ‘criminal’ with enough pain to stop them attacking – a dog biting another part of the body, could be exposed to greater danger, as the assailant may have both hands free, whereby they could attempt to injure the dog.

When watching such films as John Wick Three or YouTube, it is important to remember this is fiction. Not an opportunity to go out copy. Civilians should understand that they are not some sort of special forces operative, on a kill or capture mission! A dog that has been taught to bite in the ‘eyes of the law’, is likely to be perceived to be a weapon in much as same way as carrying a knife, baseball bat – even a gun. Dogs should never be seen be a  solution to act on their own, but to be part of an overall strategy. It should be remembered that a strong, ruthless, barehanded man with a certain knowledge of dogs, can defeat it – and one that is armed is even more dangerous. And as everyone knows from the News these days, more and more criminals go out armed with a knife or worse – so any dog vulnerable.

For most people, having a dog that has been taught to bite offers a potential liability beyond their wildest imagination. But in my experience, so many people have little imagination or comprehension to think outside the box – the ‘what ifs’. They should realise that hindsight is such a poor excuse in the aftermath of a disastrous incident or accident.

Many dogs simply do not have the character suitable for protection work, many are indeed physically weak and nervous aggressive – which should ring some very loud alarm bells for anyone contemplating protection training, as their dogs are most certainly not suitable – being totally unbalanced. Also dogs just like us are living beings, and we all make mistakes.

Countless people have no doubt have seen individuals who think they look the part, with their out of control dog barking and snarling at anyone and everyone (or their dogs) for no reason at all. These dogs are most likely to be nervous aggressive or have been agitated through poor training. All in all, they are a court case just waiting to happen. Just think about this for a moment – all an innocent person needs to do is pat the handler on the shoulder or to accidentally trip and fall near to the animal; wave a coat or stick or simply shout – and there’s a very good chance they may get bitten. Then in all probability, the owner will find themselves up before the authorities for having a dangerous out of control dog.

It is far safer to have a dog that just barks on command, in essence an animal that has the deterrent value of a trained security dog but has far fewer inherent risks for the dog or its owner. It’s easier to train, requires less effort and is cheaper to train, besides the dog can be a ‘softer’ animal to fulfill such a role. Realistically, if you sit back and think about it for a moment. Very few dogs, even security dogs will ever be called upon to bite a stranger. So, for the overwhelming majority of people who have so-called protection dogs, it is a waste of effort, energy and money. However, the risks they will be exposed to – having manage their dog – simply makes it not worth it. Civilians should remember, they are not the Police. The vast majority will never be expected or even have the opportunity to apprehend a real criminal using force.

It is worth understanding that only a few years ago, many police officers were accompanied by dogs that would only bark on command, as it was deemed that many Police officers simply didn’t have the ability to control their dogs or were not strong enough to manage protection trained dogs. In this vein, it is worth noting that many professional security companies rely purely on the psychological deterrent dogs offer, rather than actually having bite dogs. Simply because, these pose a real threat to the organisation’s reputation, should a security officers dog bite someone ‘accidentally’. Not to mention the impact a civil claim would have on the company’s insurance premium.

Under UK law, dogs should not be taught under any circumstances to savage someone. However, gullible people can so easily be misled by the evidence they see in films, TV or on YouTube. Where there’s often glorification coming from overseas for some so-called dog sports (in countries where the laws aren’t as strict as the UK’s), and yet these are being practiced in the UK. With individuals attempting to copy the training without applying any rationality, as to (1) why and are teaching their dogs to bite and (2) why they are biting other areas of the body other than the forearm, which could potentially cause untold damage in a real world situation – whether accidental or not. People with these dogs, need to be aware of the legal principles of the ‘eggshell skull’ case. Where a defendant is liable for the full extent of a victim’s injuries, even if the victim had a pre-existing, unforeseeable vulnerability like an eggshell skull – weak bones, weak heart or other pre-existing injury or illness.

In the UK and across the World it should come of no surprise that certain breeds are banned or have to be licensed, muzzled or controlled in some way. Some countries even prohibit protection training being carried out by civilians, as it’s becoming more evident that the ‘wrong types’ and for the ‘wrong reasons’, acquire and train potentially dangerous dogs. For as everyone knows, there’s so little control over dogs falling into the wrong hands and for the wrong reasons – whether for status or potentially being used as a weapon.

If you consider that a dog weighing just 25 Kg or so, can hold and detain most criminals. So consequently, a dog weighing in at say 90Kg is designed and destined to do so much more harm. So questionably, why are people acquiring such animals, and is there really a place for these animals in today’s society for individuals without a real need to own one, let alone teaching them to bite? The history of what has happened to the Pitbull and XL bully in the UK is testament as to what can go horribly wrong with any powerful dog. And as trainers, we find there are plenty of people out there, who are actually afraid of their own dogs. Some even resort to making their dogs wear electric collars (often covert) all the time, just to control them. While others are forced to wear muzzles. You may have even seen such dogs in your area.

It always ‘amazes’ me, why people want certain breeds (or types) then want to teach it to bite. The ‘favourite excuses’ include: it would be good for the dog, an outlet for its drive; it’s what he has been bred for. I want a dog to protect my daughter (offsetting any parental responsibility); my dog is nervous, I want to teach it to bite, so I can control my nervous dog. I need protection.… When in your heart, you know they want to look hard; they think it’s cool or there’s some status credibility they’re after. I often get people wanting to do it for sport, when they clearly haven’t got a clue of what sport or the reasons for doing it.

The following are just a few examples which I have turned away, as they have made my blood run cold. People wanting to weaponise their ‘pet’:

‘I have two Dogue De Bordeauxs that I allow to run round my yard when I’m not there, I want them to attack anyone coming into my yard’

‘A security guard helped me to train my two Cane Corsos as guard dogs. I let these roam around in my industrial unit at night. I want them better trained to attack any intruder who might break-in when the premises are left unoccupied at night and over the week-end’

‘A guy who we discovered to be a drug dealer, wanted his dog, a cross bred Rottweiler, trained as a proper guard dog to protect his home from ‘intruders’ (we understand that the Police had forced entry to his home…)

‘A guy with a nervous Malinois x German Shepherd who had been training his dog with ‘x’ people in protection work, wanted someone else to help him continue the training as he believed it would make his nervous dog more confident. The dog had to wear a muzzle at all times – just in case..’

‘Someone purchased a Malinois to protect his 14 year old daughter, so she could go out walking on her own, and would feel safe’ (this is a common one, would these same people give their child a knife or gun for protection, if they didn’t have a dog?)

‘I have a Neapolitan crossed with a Cane Corso and some other breeds, that is nervous but protective, I’d like to train her to bite a man in a suit, as I’m sure she would enjoy it’

‘I want to teach my dog protection work, as a sport, not to compete, but I think it would be fun’ (when asked which sport, didn’t have a clue, but said like those on the internet)

‘I want to teach my XL bullies to attack anyone who breaks into my home’

‘I have a pit bull, and I would love to teach it protection work to protect me and I think it would be good for my dog’ (a common request with lots of breeds)

One irresponsible owner, who not long after became a reckless breeder of Belgian Shepherds/Cross Belgian Shepherd/Dutch herders contacted me a few years ago, as he wanted to teach his dog to bite people. Which I refused, as he was clearly deluded, then went to another trainer to satisfy his ego. Then more recently asked his mother to contact me for help with a poorly bred reactive dog, they had produced – since they were having problems selling it on. I simply re-directed them to contact the original trainer, who had taught him protection work – as it was not my problem.

All scary stuff, from people who just haven’t got a clue about the law or the risks of having trained protection dogs. But have all been influenced by what they had heard in the pub, seen on the net and in films.

While there is always the argument that many people purchase dogs for protection, as they are losing faith in the Police to respond quickly to incidents. They haven’t carried out a proper risk assessment, as there are countless more cost-effective options out there to consider, whether physical security, electronic security, response services etc. Worryingly, countless people are purchasing these animals who live in flats, small houses with tiny or no gardens. The media has to be responsible for this, as many people seem to be devoid of any independent thought and just follow the herd.

Within the Daily Newspapers, there are always countless articles with examples of where celebrity football players and the alike have spent literally thousands, buying what they believe to be the latest fashionable commodity, a trained protection dog to protect them and their home. Commercially driven ‘dog trainers’ are buying numerous failed sports dogs from overseas, relatively cheaply to meet this demand, and attempting to get rich quick in the process. Selling dogs from anything to £100,000 plus, if they can get it. Many of the dogs are grossly over-priced, but there are many people out there with deep pockets, and as the as the old proverb goes ‘A fool and his money are soon parted’. What most people fail to appreciate is that ‘if you have a good dog’ you will not want to part with it. Poor examples are more readily available.

What is arguably quite surprising is that these businesses show off their dogs for sale in videos on their websites, setting up pseudo scenarios, such as the house being targeted by criminals usually wearing a padded suit, so that when they break in, their brave security dog quickly takes hold of the man in the suit, who then theatrically attempts to throw the animal around. The important things to remember here are (1) you never see the criminals attempting to harm the dog which can happen in real situations, as bona fide criminals are not actors (2) Inadvertently the organisation trying to sell these dogs on, has just informed everyone as to one of the many methods they can use to defeat a dog – Just go out and buy a padded suit!

In the UK the law is so complex, and well beyond the scope of this blog, you can’t simply let your dog bite someone, if you feel worried or hear ‘hurty words’. The areas you need to consider are far too complex to give it justice here. But wrong doers must be committing an arrestable offence, and the dog is just there to protect you, if attacked. Proportionality has to be considered. So it should ideally be on a lead, so you have some control. Since there are real risks of using excessive force where dogs are involved, and you could find yourself being prosecuted. Being sued, receiving custodial sentences and being banned from dog ownership – and in most cases the animal – ‘the innocent victim’ will be put to sleep. It’s all very easy for a good lawyer to argue “Grossly disproportionate” use of force for instances where dogs are involved, especially if the dog ‘savages’ someone rather than just holding them by the forearm. 

Owners of dogs, whether trained in protection or not, should have a very clear understanding of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1992 and should remember this doesn’t just apply to banned breeds. The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 makes it an offence, if a dog causes a person to have ‘reasonable apprehension’ of injury, even if no actual injury occurs. So people who think it is ‘big and clever’ or shows what a ‘tough guy’ they are, when their dog barks and snarls at an innocent bystander, should really think again!

Those whose dogs fulfil a security function within a commercial context, need to be fully conversant with the Guard Dog Act 1975, and it should be remembered that most insurance policies will not provide indemnity where dogs have been trained in protection work. Many insurance policies specifically exclude certain breeds, types or their crosses with more being added all the time e.g. Cane Corso, Boerboel, Alpha Blue Blood Bulldogs, Bandog etc. Many of these breeds are not even recognised as pedigrees by the Royal Kennel Club (the new name for the Kennel Club). Many of the dogs purchased are not even what the owners think they are, and they’re so often surprised with the outcomes of a DNA test. If you have any doubts, then please speak to your insurance broker for clarity.

Everyone showing off with their dogs doing tricks or biting people in padded suits these days, seem to have social media accounts (Facebook, TikTok and YouTube and others) where they ‘proudly’ showing off what they have been doing with their dogs (many even trying to get subscribers, rather than getting a proper job). All this evidence, makes it so very easy for the Police or any Insurance Investigator to find out exactly what they have been doing with their dogs in their spare time – should something go wrong and their pseudo pet bites someone….

While arguably there should be legislation to stop just anyone from breeding, owning or training protection dogs to try and reduce the number of incidents, where dogs are clearly being used as weapons (or accidentally biting innocent people). For despite every effort the authorities make, there will always be people who will have ‘protection dogs’ for all the wrong reasons or simply having dogs they cannot manage. Notably, councils have an obligation under Section 17 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to do all they reasonably can to reduce crime and disorder. So arguably Councils, should do more to control this; by inquiring more with regards to who, why, where and what dogs are being trained for (are the persons ‘qualified’ and upstanding members of society). Since the Council should be aware, and may even require planning permission for the activity.

Commerce has long understood that following an ACPO statement made many years ago, that industry needs to take more responsibility for their own security, rather than relying on the Police. However, rightly or wrongly, many people have the perception that crime is out of control. So rather than taking the law into their own hands, civilians should speak to their local police for crime prevention advice, which is normally provided free of charge and should be delivered by a trained professional – If they’re not happy, they should lobby their MP to make our whole country safer for everyone. Risks can be reduced by using environmental, physical and psychological strategies. Not forgetting the ‘way you live your life’, and those you associate with. All of which are likely to be far cheaper and less risky than owning a ‘protection dog’. Just as many people are turning to dogs for protection, similarly criminals are using them to intimidate. Just take a long hard look at the people you may have seen in the media or walking down your local high street with certain ‘types’ of dog and make up your own mind.

Remember that once a dog has been trained to bite, there is no going back. The dog is no longer a pet in the true sense of the word (sadly so many end up in rescue centers) which is one of the reasons why so many military dogs are put to sleep once retired. The risks are considered too high.

Final Thoughts

In 2024 there were reportedly almost 32,000 dog attacks in England and Wales, quite how many of these dogs had some degree of protection training is unknown, but I know quite a few protection trained dogs that have bitten others by accident or negligence. Likewise, several have severely bitten their owners! However, the dark figure of unreported and unrecorded incidents is considerably higher. To typify, a friend of mine and fellow dog walker was walking his two dogs in a nearby woods, when his dogs were attacked by a guy walking two out of control, black coated, tan feet, German Shepherds. One of the GSD’s bit him on the leg, causing an injury. Being the sort of guy who doesn’t want to make a fuss, he treated the injury at home, rather than rushing off to A & E. After a couple of weeks or so, his conscious got the better of him, thinking what could have happened, had he been a small child walking their pet. So he decided to report the matter to Norfolk Police, who said ‘they wouldn’t record the incident, as he didn’t go to hospital’. So regarding this 32,000 figure, unquestionably the real figure will be so much higher, and it doesn’t include ‘near misses’.

To reiterate much of the above – hardly a day goes past without dog attacks being reported in the News and when you dig deeper, most of these breeds or types were hardly heard of in the UK prior to the 1970’s, and yet TV, films and the internet has drawn people to desire types of animals which were never selectively bred to be pets, and yet this is where the vast majority of them will end up. Pet homes with small gardens (many in flats) where they will not receive enough physical exercise or mental stimulation, and this is just part of where it all goes horribly wrong. Countless dog owners don’t live in balanced households, and are completely oblivious to the potential risks.

One such person contacted me for advice and said: ‘I have an XL bully, and a family member has an XL bully plus an additional two further dogs, a staffie cross and a terrier, and then went onto explain that when their one year old child drops food on the floor, the dogs fight, what should they do?’

Such stories send shivers down my spine, and yet at least, this person had the sense and took the time to reach out ask for some advice, but alas countless don’t. Untold people are irresponsible when it comes to breeding dogs. They give little thought to the types of dogs they are producing or indeed the people they are selling them to. It’s often done for profit and ego. And because humans are so easily led (without little thought), they rush out and buy these animals. A story we hear time and time again is that ‘we’ve done the research’ and yet you know they haven’t, they have simply been ‘influenced’ by what they have seen or heard in the media, as they look for something that fulfills their ego through ‘Rose-tinted glasses’.

This same desire has all the same drivers as to why many people perceive that they require ‘protection dogs’, while others are losing faith in the Police and criminal justice system to keep them safe, and turn to dogs as a knee jerk reaction as to the way they are feeling at the time. So it’s hardly surprising that the number of dog attacks is increasing, year upon year. Amongst all of this, sadly ‘dogs are the innocent victims’ and will often pay for our human frailties (and egos) with their lives.

For me, Protection Training should only be undertaken based on a real need or to benefit the breed, thereby helping to improve the working ability (genetics) of real working dogs. Not to fulfill some owners’ ambition to have an ‘attack trained dog’ to show off to their friends or to boost their ego by providing them with a ‘status weapon’. Just think about some of the videos you may have seen with dogs jumping over cars, through car windows, climbing up steep walls, attacking someone with a gun – and savaging them by biting someone in a padded suit? – Where on earth in the real world, do you think that a civilian’s dog would be expected to perform such a role – it’s fiction, not real life, so why even train a dog to do it! Like I said in The Guardian regarding people wanting to train their dogs to protect them “Most of them are idiots” and “They’ve just got no clue as to the work involved. And why would you want one in the first place?” as simply this Country doesn’t need more more irresponsible dog owners with thoughtlessly trained dogs.  

I hope this blog has made you think, not once but many times, regarding the prospect of having a ‘protection dog’. It’s risky for you, your dog and possibly an innocent victim! But if you genuinely and honestly you have a real need for either (1) a Dog that looks the part (2) Barks on command or (3) The potential to become physically protective, the discuss your requirements with us, after reading our blog ‘Norwich Protection Dogs’.