A week with a family protection dog

• Two walks or more, plus time to sniff and decompress.
• Ten to fifteen minutes of obedience practice.
• Mental work such as food puzzles.
• Quiet time in a crate or bed.

Expect a longer outing on weekends, grooming sessions, a check of the fence and a review of house rules with the kids. If the dog has had protection work, keep up whatever refresher the trainer recommends.

Rainy days, sick days and travel days test everyone. Plan a backup walker, keep a crate-trained dog calm and book boarding early if you will be away.

If this sounds like too much, that is useful information. A different dog may suit your life better.