I'm going to say something that might surprise you, coming from me. Not everybody needs a K1K9 dog. Matching the dog to the threat is a professional responsibility. Sell someone too much dog and you've wasted their money. Sell them too little and you've put them at risk. Either way, it's a failure. Here's how to buy honestly.
Before you look at a single dog, answer these about your real life, not the movie version: If your threat profile is limited (home defense, family deterrence, a low chance of a targeted threat, situations where a barking dog and a visible presence end most encounters), a well-selected sport- foundation protection dog in the $10,000 to $15,000 range is enough. Presence, alarm and a compliance bite handle what you'll most likely face.
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THE READING RECORD
Supporting References & Further Reading
This article records my findings, observations and professional standards. No external references are cited in this edition.
From my operational record
I have worked as an operational K9 handler since 2009 and have seen more than 44 dogs go through our unit's program. These articles draw on that work and the feedback I bring to our K9 specialists.
References support the specific subjects for which they are cited. My operational findings are presented in my own voice. Individual medical and legal questions require the appropriate professional.
