What a trained protection dog claim should prove

No licensing body defines it, so buyers have to test it.

German Shepherd lying in grass looking at the camera

Start with control

Idaho has no dog bite statute, so an owner's exposure rests on what the owner knew and how carefully the dog was kept. Dependable obedience beats any title.

Levels of readiness

Good house manners with a recall that holds.
Calm in public beside traffic and strange dogs.
Protection work guided by a qualified trainer.
A demonstration you attended in person.

Reasonable requests

Look for a demonstration, paperwork on the dog's training and a customer who will talk to you.

German Shepherd resting its chin on a smooth floor — Relaxed contact with the handler tells you more than a display.

Promises to question

Nobody can guarantee how a living animal will behave. Treat a flat promise as a reason to ask more.

Live in Idaho and want to ask about a dog?

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

Request a protection dog