Eight things to settle before you buy a protection dog in Connecticut

1. Read § 22-357Know that owners and keepers answer for damage the dog does.
2. Call your town clerkAsk about the license and rabies paperwork.
3. Phone your insurerDescribe the dog and get the answer in writing.
4. Read the lease or condo rulesWeight and breed limits are common.
5. Plan the yardA fence and a gate that latches every time.
6. Meet the dog twiceOnce calm, once somewhere busy.
7. Test recallA dog that comes back is worth more than one that looks fierce.
8. Read the contractHealth terms, training claims and returns belong on paper.

If you do not know a protection-dog professional near you, the K9PN form can introduce one. You decide whether to talk to them.

Pressure to wire money, no in-person meeting, behavior guarantees or a vague training history are all reasons to step back.