K9 Security Guards: What They Do, When You Need One and What It Costs

Something about a German Shepherd at the gate will alter the plans of people. Thieves see, and trespassers see, and, frankly, even the frequent guests stand erect. That is why K9 security continues expanding throughout the Los Angeles premises and occasions. But a dog team does not suit all sites, and is not inexpensive. You will find out what the dog teams do, when they pay, and their prices.

What Do You Mean by a Canine Security Team?

A dog team is merely a trained dog that has been sent to work with a licensed handler. The handler is the registered guard and the dog is the partner of the handler. They work together, train together and most likely they get home together after each shift. It is also important to bond, as a dog will do what its handler tells it to do, and not what a stranger tells it. That is, you are not only hiring a dog, but a whole team. German Shepherds or Malinois are many patrol dogs, as they have proven to be focused and driven. Labradors are frequently employed in detection work, as they have noses and cute faces that are well adapted to crowds. Nor does training ever stop, since without frequent practice skills are lost. Good teams practice weekly, including obedience, searches, and calmness in the presence of crowds.

What Dog Teams really do at Work.

People envision a snarling dog rushing to attack invaders, yet actual work is less hectic. Frankly, it is mainly walking, watching, sniffing, and just being observed.

Visible Deterrence

Many problems are prevented even before they begin as a uniformed handler and a dog are standing by. Prospective burglars tend to bypass the property where there are barks and find an easier target. We have seen groups of people loitering weeks on end just fade away once a dog patrol has been introduced.

Going on foot patrol in Large or Dark Areas.

Dogs sense and sniff out things that even the keenest guard will never notice. This is why they are best in construction yards, warehouses, parking structures and empty lots. A dog will be able to detect a person hiding behind containers before one notices them.

Attendance at Gatherings.

A dog team maintains the audience at concerts and festivals and keeps tempers down. Children usually desire to touch them and this provides a good family conversation to the handlers. It is generally not until he is working, but the moment accumulates goodwill.

A Night Shift with a Dog Team would be like.

Imagine a black construction site in the Valley, a bit past midnight. The dog is walked around the fence by the handler and wherever the dog becomes curious, the handler stops there. Towards the copper storage, the dog stands still with his ears up looking at a shadow. The handler then yells, flashlight in hand and two individuals run away unarmed. No one is bitten, no one is robbed, the report lasts ten minutes. Well, it is what a good night is, a quiet and somewhat dull one.

What Do You Need: a Dog Team?

Here is our opinion, there are lots of businesses which do not require a dog, and it is all right. However, there are cases when a canine team is one of the most intelligent security investments.

You Have a Large Property and Small Eyes.

Big lots, warehouses, and construction sites cannot be covered by a single guard. One team is able to cover a much greater distance because a dog is an extension of the senses of the handler.

Break-Ins Keep Happening

Deterrence is the missing element, should there be continued recording of thefts and no one will stop them. A visible dog patrol will, in that instance, change behavior in a matter of weeks.

You are holding a big Event.

Detection dogs make their money in big crowds, alcohol, and bag checks. Lots of organizers hire them to perform sweeps prior to gates opening and to screen entrants.

You must have Detection, but not Deterrence.

Other corporations are concerned with the drugs or weapons coming in via bags or cars. To them, a trained detection dog is able to detect what the quick bag checks can often fail to detect.

When a Dog is likely to be the wrong match.

Hospitals, schools, and offices that are quiet tend to require more friendly guards than canine patrols. Similarly, locations that have allergic or fearful clients might get dogs to cause new problems. In such environments, we would suggest a less expensive one that will suit your location.

How Much Does a Dog Team Cost?

K9 security prices are determined by various factors, and the quotes may differ greatly. To put the data into perspective, the average pay of guards in LA on Indeed data is approximately 20.55 USD per hour. Businesses subsequently charge more than that salary in order to pay taxes, health insurance, training and overhead costs. Guidelines to the industry tend to use billing multipliers of about 1.5 to 2 times wages. Guards are cheaper than canine teams since you are buying the dog as well.

What Pushes the Price up.

To begin with, the very dog is an embodiment of months of selection, training, and constant practice. Food, veterinary care, boarding, vehicles and equipment are all included in the hourly rate. Handlers also require additional skills and as such they tend to earn higher than ordinary guards. Insurance is also more expensive, as in California, dog bites are highly liable. Detection dogs are the most expensive, due to the lengthier and specialized training.

What Prices are?

On one hand, a dog team is necessary only rarely 24 hours. Numerous customers reserve dog patrols during the risky periods, such as nights and weekends. Other people combine a dog team and normal guards and cameras to provide balanced coverage. 

Canine Team vs Regular Guard: Which is more sensible?

A patrol guard is less expensive, more adaptable to most environments, and more convenient to plan. A dog team, however, sends more powerful deterrence and feels no human to the same. The correct decision will be based on your risks, layout, and the people, whom you serve.

The Legal Side: Dog Bites and Californian Liability.

Know California strict dog bite regulations and your responsibility before employing K9 security. Civil Code 3342 usually holds the owners responsible for bites even by such kind hearted dogs. This is the reason why responsible businesses have dogs tied up and in the care of the handler. A dog is a deterrent detection tool and not a weapon. All other California guards adhere to the same use-of-force restrictions as do private handlers. Additionally, request any provider to provide evidence that specifically canine operation is covered by their insurance. When they are hesitant or switch the topic, then that is the signal to continue shopping.

Security Dogs Myths.

One myth is that security dogs are ferocious animals and hence they bite anybody whenever they can. The fact of the matter is that trained dogs are stable, gregarious, and exceptionally composed towards common people. Another myth is that any large dog works but the untrained dogs cause enormous liability. A Rottweiler tied in the yard is no security, it is a lawsuit waiting. And no, a dog cannot take the place of good lighting, locks, cameras and common sense.

Caring about Dogs Makes a Difference.

This is one of the questions that people seldom ask, but must know, how are dogs treated? Good handlers bear water, take breaks, and change patrol routes on hot days. And, happier, healthier dogs are more productive and much less likely to bite. Enquiring about animal welfare is an honest thing to do as a smart risk management on your part.

Why businesses seek West Coast Guard in terms of Canine Teams.

The protection of business in Los Angeles by the West Coast Guard has a history of more than 25 years. We have license 120811 to be a Private Patrol Operator and you can check. Our K9 security units combine the use of handlers with patrol and detection trained dogs. That encompasses events, business and high-risk location firearm and drug detection. And we can combine dog teams with normal guards to make the prices bearable. We have over 500 certified guards and are able to fill short-notice requests. And 24/7 we respond to calls, as issues do not stand on business hours. We have been trusted by over 3,000 businesses and wish to earn yours as well.

FAQs 

Do security dogs go out to attack?

Good private security dogs are not trained to attack, but to deter, alert, and detect. Throughout the whole shift, they are kept chained and under the control of the handler.

Is a security dog allowed to search my bag?

Detection dogs can be used to check bags at events during entry screening. But, when you refuse they can deny entry but not force a search by staff.

What is the maximum length of time a security dog can work in a shift?

It is dependent on the dog, the weather and the nature of work. Detection work is particularly exhausting therefore handlers take regular breaks when working a long shift.

Will a canine team be worth it to a small business?

In many cases, the most effective overall value is a part-time canine patrol at high-risk times. Dog teams tend to be full time only with larger or more risky properties.

Who will be liable in case a security dog bites somebody?

The security company is generally the one that is liable, and therefore their insurance cover is of great importance. Nonetheless, contracts may redistribute some of the risk, thus seek legal advice on indemnity.

Do security dogs get along well with people?

Most are, and particularly detection dogs, but patrol dogs are attentive and energetic. Never touch a dog without asking the handler and never pet a dog.

Final Thoughts

A good dog team is a kind of deterrent, a kind of detector and a kind of PR. Considering the K9 security of your premises, the West Coast Guard can assist. We will tell you, the truth, and the truth is not a dog. Contact the West Coast Guard to discuss your location and possibilities. Or leave us a note via our contact page, and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.

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