Guthrie Security Dogs

Guthrie’s offers dog training in obedience, personal protection, and service animal training and certification. Each dog receives an individual evaluation to determine the best program fit. Training options include in-kennel programs or one-on-one lessons. They provide private or group lessons, puppy training for family companions or competition dogs, and foundation training for puppies. Their Kindergarten classes cover care, housing, proper diet, grooming, correct equipment, leash training, heeling, sit, down, stays, recalls, and standing for examination. They also offer specialized lessons and training in tracking, protection, drug detection, and school searches. The business addresses various behavioral problems such as bolting, fence running, destructive chewing, excessive barking, biting, resource guarding, jumping, housebreaking issues, dog fighting, digging, car sickness, poison proofing, and snake avoidance.

Pricing Summary

Evaluations are $175 per session. Lessons range from $90-$150. Basic Obedience programs cost $650-$800 weekly with a 2-week minimum. Advanced Obedience or behavior modification programs start at $850+ weekly.

Guthrie Security Dogs, also known as Guthrie’s International, is a globally recognized business specializing in German Shepherds, offering comprehensive training, breeding, and related services. They are known for their quality customer care and fine German Shepherds, serving families, law enforcement, and celebrities. The business has been training and breeding high-quality protection and companion dogs for over 50 years and is owned and operated by three generations.

Located on the Eastside of Tucson, their 18-acre property features state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor kenneling facilities, providing 24/7 care for K-9 guests. Guthrie’s offers a range of dog training services including obedience, personal protection, and service animal training and certification. Each dog undergoes an individual evaluation to determine the best program fit, with options for in-kennel training or one-on-one lessons.

Beyond training, Guthrie’s International provides dog boarding and grooming services for dogs that have completed their training programs. They also operate a breeding program, offering German Shepherd puppies and trained young adults from high-quality European bloodlines. The business emphasizes producing dogs that are tough enough for security, gentle around children and the elderly, and versatile enough for various jobs in any climate. They also sell equipment and supplies for training and grooming and are an authorized Nulo Challenger Distributor.

Accomplishments

Melanie Guthrie, the founder and head trainer, began training dogs of all breeds for obedience and tricks in 1972. In 1974, she started teaching dogs for protection. From 1974-1979, Guthrie Dogs and Melanie performed in numerous movies and T.V. commercials, including “High Chaparral” and “Little House on the Prairie.” She started breeding working dogs in 1977. In 1998, Melanie selected and imported all seven German Shepherds for the K-9 Cop “Jerry Lee.”

Since 1981, Melanie has imported over 300 European working dogs. She is a winner of countless awards with the American Kennel Club. Several of their dogs have saved lives, and they have had great success in many search and rescue missions. Melanie’s personal dog, “Spur,” saved her life in a home invasion incident. Melanie continues to research and pursue ongoing education from top experts in Europe. The business itself has been breeding and training high-quality protection and companion dogs for over 50 years and is owned and operated by three generations.

How to Get Started!

To get started, each dog is individually evaluated to determine the best program fit. Evaluations are available for a fee. Prospective clients can contact Guthrie’s International for questions or more information about their German Shepherds or training and breeding services.