Demand for Personal Protection Dogs Rises in Britain 0 11

Previously, bodyguard dogs were mainly available to wealthy individuals and professional security services. Now, they are increasingly of interest to ordinary citizens. Suppliers and trainers report a noticeable increase in requests, especially over the past year.

At the high end of the market, specially bred and trained dogs are sold for tens of thousands of pounds. These are typically German and Belgian shepherds, Dobermans, Rottweilers, and Cane Corsos. They are taught to attack, hold, and release a person on command. Such animals are marketed as pets that also serve a protective function.

At the same time, a more accessible segment of the market is expanding. Trainers offer "personal protection" courses for regular pet dogs. However, there are no unified standards for training, control, or assessment of the animals' suitability.

Legally, bodyguard dogs do not have a special status. The law treats them the same as any other dogs. Liability depends not on how the animal is marketed, but on its behavior and the owner's control. Lawyers warn that specialized security training could even increase the owner's criminal liability, as the dog may be considered a weapon.

The number of dog attacks in the country is rising, but official statistics do not differentiate security dogs. Insurance companies generally do not cover risks associated with animals trained to bite, leaving owners without financial protection.

Animal advocates are noting an increase in complaints. Most of these are related to harsh training methods. Organizations fear that dogs are increasingly seen as security tools rather than living beings with their own needs and limitations.

Professional dog trainers also warn of the risks. They say many owners do not understand how much responsibility and skill such a dog requires. Even a well-trained animal can react incorrectly in a stressful situation, and after security training, a dog effectively stops being an ordinary pet.