Eight checks to finish before you pay for a protection dog

1. Read the bite statuteKnow the strict-liability rule in RSMo 273.036 before you commit.
2. Confirm local paperworkAsk your city or county about licensing, rabies proof and leash rules.
3. Phone your insurerDescribe the dog and get the coverage answer in writing.
4. Check housing limitsA lease or association rule can force a sale later.
5. Meet the dog twiceOnce calm and once in a busy, noisy public place.
6. Watch it stop on commandControl matters more than any display of aggression.
7. Read the contractIt should name the dog, spell out training and set out returns.
8. Pay safelyAvoid large deposits for a dog you have not met, and keep receipts.

If you do not know who works with protection dogs near you, the K9PN form is one way to get introduced. K9PN refers requests to professionals, and you can compare as many as you like.

Pressure to pay today, refusal to let you see the dog in person, promises that a dog will never bite and vague answers about who trained it are all reasons to leave.