Testing a trained protection dog claim

Few phrases in dog advertising mean less than this one.

Start with control

West Virginia makes an owner strictly liable only when a dog runs at large, and otherwise applies the one bite rule. A dog that releases on command counts for more than a certificate.

Levels of readiness

Household manners and dependable recall.
Public steadiness around traffic and other dogs.
Guided protection work overseen by a professional.
Performance you watched yourself.

Reasonable requests

Ask for a live demonstration, written training records and a customer you can call.

German Shepherd lying in grass looking at the camera — Steady behavior beside the handler is worth more than flash.

Promises to question

If someone guarantees how a dog will act, ask what happens when it does not.

Live in West Virginia and want to ask about a dog?

Send your West Virginia ZIP code and what the dog would protect. A partner company that places protection dogs follows up.

Request a protection dog