Mike McGowan’s dogs are a family’s best friend

Mike McGowan and a client with the client's dog Kuma. Photos by Stephanie lp Photography

Mike McGowan’s dogs won’t chew the couch or have ‘accidents’ in the house. But they will protect their families

 

by Stephanie Cartozian

After 30 years in the family protection dog business, in January of this year, Mike McGowan began an elite family protection service he named Palos Verdes K9.

“These are working dogs from breeders whose families have been breeding these types of dogs for generations and who understand bloodlines,” he said.

The dogs come from Germany, Belgium and France. 

“One of the breeders we regularly work with began with the owner’s grandfather breeding German Shepherds,” he said. “German Shepherds and the Belgium Malinois are the two breeds we most often work with.”

 

Mike McGowan with a client’s dog Indy and wearing the perfect “uniform” shirt.

 

He trains the dogs, saving families the substantial time required to train their pets. The pups are bred for superior temperament and are trained on average 3,000 hours before being delivered to their families’ homes. 

“These dogs have an innate survival adaptation to bond with humans. There are more breeds of the dog species than any other animal in the world. Our dogs are not prone to the ailments common to their breed, and their play drive and food drive is high,” he said “which makes them more trainable.” 

The dogs are two- to three-years old when they are are given to their families. By then, they have been made familiar with their families’ lifestyles, and are capable to defend them should the necessity ever arise.

McGowan compares his training to “finishing school.” 

“These dogs won’t be chewing the couch, having accidents on the floor, or barking incessantly. They are like a fine tuned race car,” he said.

“Most of the families I work with have small kids. Not all dogs are bred to be comfortable around kids and actually like kids,” he said. 

McGowan’s work doesn’t end with the delivery of the dog to its new home. He offers ongoing  support, and for a couple of years, free veterinarian care. He also offers premium boarding at his home with attention, play time and walks with someone they already know and love. 

For more information visit PalosVerdesK9.com. Pen

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