or implement as anything that can or nearly causes death or serious bodily injury to a person. There is a court ruling stating that a dog falls under this definition. It states: “If an inanimate object, such as, for example, a pillow, a razor blade, or a needle hidden in an apple, can be considered a deadly weapon or tool, then, according to the definition, a dog that has been trained ruthlessly pounce on a person at the command of his master.

The Court, however, pointed out that particular circumstances must be taken into account in each individual case. However, the court's conclusion is unequivocal: "A dog specially trained to pounce on people on command, or performing this command without special training and having sufficient capabilities to bring its victim to death or cause serious bodily injury, must regarded as a deadly weapon."

All this proves the depth of responsibility that lies with the owner of a guard dog. It must be firmly understood that such a dog can only be used for defensive purposes.

According to tradition, the law assigns a certain place to the police dog on the scale of power means. First, a dog descends on the criminal, after which the policeman can use a baton, and then a revolver. That is why police dog bite wounds are usually harmless and easy to treat, while the consequences of a blow from a baton or from a bullet are much more serious and sometimes cause death.

Dog owner's rights

As a dog owner, you have certain rights. You have the right to defend yourself and your family from attack. You can reduce your liability if your dog was on a leash or in a fenced area during the accident. If you are aware of your responsibility to others, it will help you avoid responsibility. before the law.

If this world were perfect and inhabited by ideal representatives of the human race, we would have no need to worry about our safety. But we all know that, alas, this is not the case. The high crime rate leads many to resort to the following remedies:

- firearms;

— alarm systems;

— personal protection from K-9[2].

The more defenses, the better, but only on condition that you have mastered each of them well. You can, of course, try both, but if you love dogs and are sure that you can withstand the burden of responsibility that falls on the owner of the K-9. this option will give you the greatest guarantee of security.

Lawyer's view
Robert Pristojkovich is a lawyer who has worked with many famous dog breeders, trainers and police officers. Here are some of his statements:

“Even a well-trained dog needs constant supervision. Otherwise, the curiosity and inexhaustible energy inherent in service breeds can lead to accidents.

As a lawyer, I am well aware that all laws, including those relating to dogs, allow for various interpretations. Nevertheless, in most cases, it is the owners of dogs that are liable, and service dogs even more so.

In fact, you should always use common sense. The dog must be in the house or outside the fence. Signs or inscriptions should be installed warning of its presence in the territory that is your property. Moreover, the possibility of access to the location of the dog should be minimized, if not eliminated.

You must remember that the law treats the dog as a deadly weapon. In principle, the law says that you have the right to respond with force to the use of force, but if you use a dog in the process without considering all the circumstances, you will be in trouble. Remember the general rule: you have the right to use a dog to protect yourself and your family, but not property. In other words, the judge will treat you more favorably if you saved yourself and your loved ones, and less favorably if you unleashed your sheepdog on a person who tried to break your fence or damage a television antenna.

Before using the dog, consider whether it is necessary. For example, if a house climbed a thirteen-year-old teenager weighing fifty kilograms, and you yourself are a thirty-year-old man weighing one hundred kilograms and, in addition, you own martial arts, in which case the use of a dog can be recognized as exceeding the necessary limits of self-defense.

Owning a service dog is more of a liability than owning any other breed of dog. You must be strict with her in the same way that a sergeant is with his platoon, and at the same time show love and care to seal your mutual affection. In addition, you should never forget that without control your pet is dangerous. When you look a dog in the eyes, once again making sure that you are friends, and your friendship is wonderful, do not forget that the same dog, which now drools tenderly, licking your face, can be completely different - ferocious, powerful and ruthless. Remember, if you have tamed it, you must be responsible for it, because it is not enough to say that now you are connected with the dog. She is your extension. Refusing responsibility for it is like putting the blame for the incident on your own hand.

Chapter Three
Choosing a trainer and training program
Before choosing your puppy or dog, it would be wise to choose a trainer who will become your pet's teacher, mentor and friend over the coming months. It will be quite logical if he will recommend you breeders or importers to whom you could contact. The best trainer is one who is both a breeder and/or an importer.

If you managed to find a worthy trainer, consider that you have overcome the most important and, perhaps, the most difficult part of the journey, at the end of which you will get what you want - a loving and well-mannered family member. It is very important that you take the time to do the trainer's "homework" with your pet. Remember: having a bad trainer is worse than not having one at all. Such a person can make your dog cowardly or awaken uncontrollable aggressiveness in it.

What Qualities Does a Good Trainer Need?
A good trainer is not necessarily the one with the poshest office, the biggest or most impressive dog kennels, or the latest car. These symbols of prosperity associated neither with honesty nor with knowledge of one's business. Keep in mind, there is a huge difference between a good trainer and a successful businessman.

It is not easy for a beginner to figure out what qualities a trainer should have first of all. You will have to face the fact that dog breeders and trainers each have their own philosophy and often look at the same things differently. But, in any case, you don’t have to pay much for a conversation, and a conversation with a trainer is not training itself. The best way to understand what a trainer is is to observe the dogs he works with and those whose training has already been completed. You will not spend anything but time, but you cannot do without these costs. In addition, the process of observation itself will be of great benefit to you.

Ask questions
The trainer will never refuse you to look at his dogs (all, not just one) and be present during the training. At the same time, feel free and ask about everything that comes to mind.

When the trainer shows you his pupils, you should ask:

- Has this dog been acquired by anyone, and if so, at what age?

- Did the dog go through a training course before it got to this trainer?

- Does this dog need further training, from the point of view of the trainer?

Unfortunately, being present during training, you can never be completely sure that you see the results of the work of this particular trainer. After all, it is possible that before you get to him, the dog has already passed some kind of training course. Let's give a simple analogy: the trainer controls the machine, which was not created by him. Often there are trainers who are simply not able to "create" a good dog. If you decide to start with a puppy, in this case, when choosing a trainer for yourself, you need to know the past of those dogs that he shows you.

Trainers often have busy schedules, so don't overuse their time. One hour is quite enough to understand everything more or less necessary (unless, of course, you are invited to stay longer).

During this time, you should have time to pay attention to the following:

- whether the training area, equipment and shells are kept clean;

Is the area large enough for the dogs to walk on it? move freely or stay away if they are not busy;

Are there shelters from rain and snow?

- how dogs relate to what is happening on the site;

- what food is offered to dogs and how the feeding schedule is drawn up (in cold weather, dogs need to be fed before dark. You can not feed them immediately before training and immediately after it).

When you are on the court, try to understand what attitude to training dogs have. Sometimes you will notice that they are learning fun, with pleasure. Of course, dogs differ in character and temperament, but if it seems to you that fear and timidity dominate in their behavior, it is hardly worth bringing your future pet here. It is better to stay away from such places.

Take a closer look at both obedience training (general course) and guard (special) training techniques. But keep in mind that perfection should not be expected from a young dog. Even as a beginner, if you