It’s with great pride that we at Evergreen Awards recognize Specialty Dog Training (SDT) as the recipient of the Best Family Protection Dogs in California of 2025. This prestigious honor distinguishes SDT as a leader in the elite dog training space, celebrating their unmatched ability to deliver protection dogs that are both highly capable and family-safe.

With hundreds of nominations evaluated across California, this award reflects a rigorous selection process based on real-world outcomes, client satisfaction, customization, and innovation in canine behavior training. Specialty Dog Training rose to the top—earning its place through excellence, discretion, and an unwavering commitment to safety and trust.

Outstanding Product Evaluation

At the heart of SDT’s recognition is its cornerstone program: custom-trained family protection dogs. Each dog is meticulously selected for temperament, trained in-house, and prepared through real-life scenario exposure—from threat response to family acclimation. Whether clients seek deterrent-level protection or fully bite-trained executive companions, SDT delivers with consistency and control.

These aren’t just working dogs—they are protectors, companions, and loyal family members.

Demonstrated Expertise and Knowledge

Leading SDT is Founder and CEO Graham Bloem, a nationally respected trainer with over 25 years of professional experience. Bloem’s work has earned him multiple national leadership awards, and his expertise in behavior, obedience, and real-world risk mitigation informs every layer of SDT’s approach. The training team’s deep backgrounds in law enforcement K9, behavioral science, and high-stress deployment scenarios further elevate the company’s credibility.

Authenticity and Trust

What truly sets SDT apart is the trust it has earned from high-profile clients. From professional athletes and celebrities to CEOs and law enforcement families, SDT’s discretion and integrity are second to none. Every placement is confidential, every training program is customized, and every relationship is built to last.

Quantitative Performance Excellence

SDT’s hundreds of successful dog placements nationwide are backed by glowing reviews, long-term client loyalty, and features on ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, and national print media. Their 5-star ratings on platforms like Yelp and Google Maps reflect real client satisfaction—proving they consistently exceed expectations in performance and professionalism.

Competitive Differentiation

Unlike standard dog training firms, SDT trains dogs to thrive in the home, vehicle, and public settings—not just sterile environments. The company’s protection dogs are trained to identify threats, stay obedient off-leash, and maintain social and family-safe behavior at all times. This balance of power and gentleness is a rare skillset SDT has perfected.

Additional Criteria for Distinction

• Client-Centric Customization: Every dog and program is tailored to the client’s lifestyle, from young families to high-security professionals.

• Innovative Features: In-person and virtual consultations, refresher training, and travel-based delivery ensure seamless integration.

• Long-Term Support: Clients receive not just a dog—but a trusted, ongoing relationship.

• Sustainable, Ethical Practices: Dogs are hand-selected for temperament and trainability, ensuring ethical placements that prioritize welfare and fit.

A Well-Earned Honor

Earning the title of Best Family Protection Dogs in California of 2025 cements Specialty Dog Training as a gold standard in safety, excellence, and trust. Their work empowers families across the country with the protection, peace of mind, and companionship that only SDT can provide.

Congratulations to Graham Bloem and the entire team at Specialty Dog Training for setting the bar—and then raising it.

👉 Learn more at specialtydogtraining.com
📍 Based in Southern California | Serving clients nationwide