At Valor Protection Dogs, we get a lot of great questions from prospective clients. Here are answers to the most common protection dog FAQs we receive.
1. Do you currently have any dogs available?
Right now, we do not have any protection dogs available. We’re heading in the direction of offering custom protection dogs—dogs trained specifically to fit your lifestyle, needs, and preferences. We’re currently accepting new orders for custom dogs.
We’re also excited to announce that we plan to have our first litter of puppies in 2026, from exceptional working-line German Shepherd parents, Freya and Bear. We already have a small waiting list started.
Important Update: As of August 1, 2024, the CDC has banned the import of dogs under 6 months old from Europe and many other countries. This means importing high-quality puppies is no longer an option. Our breeding program will help fill that gap with world-class dogs raised and trained right here in the U.S.
2. Is continued training included after purchase?
Yes. We offer annual Maintenance Training for all our clients. This includes on- and off-leash obedience refreshers, public practice, and protection drills. Training can happen at our Idaho facility or wherever you’re located. It’s all about keeping your dog sharp and confident.
3. How does the reservation process work?
Once we’ve talked and you decide to move forward, we require a non-refundable deposit to reserve your custom dog. We’ll outline your goals, living situation, and preferences so we can match you with the right puppy or young dog in training.
We also provide a detailed buyer agreement with a written health and temperament guarantee.
4. Can I visit the dog before training is complete?
Yes, and we encourage it! Visits are a great way to start building a bond with your dog before they officially come home. You’ll also participate in Handover Training, which teaches you how to handle, command, and confidently lead your new protection dog.
5. Can I have other dogs in my home?
Yes—many of our clients have other dogs. It helps if your current dog is well-trained and socially neutral. We also recommend that you maintain obedience with all your dogs to keep leadership clear and prevent issues.
6. Are your protection dogs good with kids?
Absolutely. That’s one of our top priorities. Our dogs are hand-selected for stable, gentle, clear-headed temperaments. They’re raised around children and know how to be gentle and watchful, but still playful and loving. Most become the ultimate “nanny dog” and love their role.
7. What kind of health testing do you do?
Every dog we place is thoroughly health tested:
- Embark DNA panel (200+ genetic markers, including Degenerative Myelopathy)
- PennHIP, OFA, and/or SV X-rays for hips and elbows
You’ll receive full health records and clearances for your dog.
8. How do you raise puppies to protect their developing joints?
We’re incredibly mindful of early development. Puppies are raised on high-quality raw diets, kept lean but strong, and exercised in age-appropriate ways. We also work on strength, coordination, body awareness, and confidence-building activities as they grow.
9. Are your dogs trained in sports or just protection?
Many of our dogs are versatile athletes. In addition to personal protection, we’ve trained dogs in dock diving, nose work, barn hunt, rally, and herding. These sports build confidence, obedience, and deepen the bond between dog and handler.
10. How are Valor Protection Dogs different?
We are not a large kennel or broker. We keep things small on purpose. Every dog we raise or train is part of our family. We focus on elite working-line German Shepherds with excellent health, nerve, and temperament. We’re building something rare: a breeding and training program with integrity, heart, and purpose.
11. Can a protection dog also be a service dog?
Yes. While rare, we have successfully placed dogs that fill both roles—serving as a mobility or PTSD service dog while also providing protection. We discuss this carefully with each client to ensure it’s a good fit.
Read more: Can protection dogs also be service dogs?
12. Is a protection dog like owning a weapon?
No. A protection dog is not a weapon—they’re a partner. Unlike a gun, your dog can assess, respond appropriately, and de-escalate before ever needing to engage. They are living beings with discernment and loyalty—not tools.
Read more: A protection dog is not a gun
Ready to Reserve?
If you’re interested in a custom protection dog or joining the puppy waitlist, we’d love to talk. Have other protection dog FAQs not answered here? Contact us through our website form or email valorprotectiondogs@gmail.com.
Protection dog FAQs are always welcome. Here at Valor Protection Dogs, we are an open book.
