Can Protection Dogs also be Service Dogs?

One of the more common questions we receive is whether or not protection dogs can double up and act as a service dog too. Before answering, we must first define what a service dog is. Here, we understand the term as referring to a dog which has been specially trained to help disabled people live more easily. Guide and medical alert dogs would both fit this description.

Fundamentally, we do not believe that a protection dog can be a service dog. These are two very different and distinct lines of work which should never be combined. By their nature, protection dogs have a high prey drive whereas a service dog should be restrained, measured, and unfailingly gentle. Although German and Belgian Shepherds are highly capable breeds, there is a reason why they are most commonly used for military, police, and civilian protect work whereas Labradors and Golden Retrievers are found supporting disabled people.

If you would be interested in continuing this conversation offline, we can be contacted on [email protected].