What a trained protection dog claim should prove

The word is everywhere and the standard behind it is nowhere.

German Shepherd in a blue harness panting happily

Start with control

New Mexico has no dog bite statute, so an owner's exposure rests on what the owner knew and how well the dog was controlled. 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

A fair seller will show the dog working, hand over training records and give you a reference.

German Shepherd sitting up in the grass — Calm contact with the handler says more than a show.

Promises to question

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

Live in New Mexico and want to ask about a dog?

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

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