Understanding the Difference
We are often asked what the difference is between a protection dog and an attack dog. Although to some the differences may seem minute, they are actually incredibly important in terms of overall safety and liability.
A protection dog is trained to protect its family when a threat is presented and always functions in a defensive manner.
A trained attack dog is a dog that is trained to pursue a target indiscriminately, regardless of whether or not the target is a threat. However, training a proper attack dog requires many subtleties, and oftentimes an attack dog is trained with less-than-desirable methods, which makes the dog overly aggressive and difficult to control
At Israel Protection K9, we’re often asked what separates a protection dog from an attack dog. While the distinction may seem subtle to some, it is everything when it comes to legality, ethics, and safety.
Our philosophy has always been clear:
A dog’s purpose is to protect, not to harm. To defend, not to destroy.
Legal Framework: What Every Owner Should Know
1. Civil and Criminal Liability
Owning a protection dog or attack dog can carry the same liability as any other weapon, such as a firearm. Regardless of whether the handler believed that the use of force was appropriate, the law often evaluates based on intent and control. This is important because it makes it very clear
that a dog trained solely for protection will have a better case, while a dog classified as an attack dog will have more liability attached to it. When push comes to shove, it will come down to demonstrating the temperament of the dog, stability of the mind, control, and whether or not the handler is responsible.
2. State and Municipal Regulations
Many states and jurisdictions differentiate between trained protection dogs and attack dogs. Protection dogs are generally acceptable, while attack dogs may be banned depending on temperament and require special permits.
3. Insurance and Liability Coverage
Nearly every insurance company will deny coverage for a dog that is labeled as trained to attack. Even a trained protection dog may be a tough sale for an insurance company and may require specialized insurance from a specific provider, such as X Insurance. Sometimes, it may be possible to include it under renters or home insurance.
Ethical Considerations: The Heart of Responsible Training
1. Purpose and Intent
The goal is never to create uncontrolled aggression in our dogs. It is important that we channel aggression in a controlled setting with intense discipline and mental stability. This allows a true protection dog to be confident in high-pressure scenarios while remaining calm and collected around its family and in everyday life.
2. Stability and Socialization
Every IPK9 dog is raised around young children, various animals, and everyday stimuli. The foundation of our dogs is incredible genetics and incredible socialization, which allows our dogs to be some of the most effective yet stable weapons in existence.
3. Humane and Balanced Training
Protection training that is based solely on fear and pain can create irreversible damage to a dog’s ability to trust and bond with humans. Our training philosophy is military-based to ensure effectiveness and begins by building confidence and trust, high levels of obedience, and controlled aggression and prey drive. This allows us to deliver an incredibly effective weapon that is also 100% safe in everyday life.
Why This Matters
In our current day and age, the need for security has never been greater, which has led to an increased amount of responsibility that comes with the use of specific types of weapons.
A properly trained protection or attack dog is one of the most effective ways to save lives, but a dog trained unethically and based on fear can destroy the very life it should be preserving.
Every Israel Protection K9 dog is a reflection of our principles and is intelligent, obedient, protective, and family-safe. Our training is not about creating out-of-control aggression, but rather creating guardians that are capable of protecting the modern-day family with precision, effectiveness, and the proper amount of force.
