Guard Dogs

[Kathleen]

What type of dog would make a great family and guard dog?:dog:

[Royce]

If you want a family dog that will function as a guard, you can choose from a number of breeds, such as the German Shepherd, Doberman Pincer, Rottweiler, Standard Poodle,
Giant Schnauzer, to name just a few.

I’m talking about a very serious approach. With a trained dog, there is no doubt about what happens when he goes into an attack mode. It is akin to pulling the trigger on a gun.

The type of training is vitally important. Schutzhund training would be my choice—in fact, my only choice.

But if you aren’t a “dog person”—that is, someone who resonates with dogs—I suggest that you forget the idea.



http://www.amazon.com/Schutzhund-Theory-Training-Methods-reference/dp/0876057318

[Kathleen]

Thanks for the honest response Royce. I agree with you in that they can be like a trigger of a gun.I have never had a guard dog. My experience has been with labs and retrievers. Very lovable dogs . Our dogs had a very long life and have passed on and it is time for another dog or two. Many of my neighbors have German Shepherds. Some are trained to be guard dogs and believe me we don't go near them. We live a great distance from the neighbors. I was thinking more of having a German Shepherd or Rottweilter and taking them to the obedience classes but not training them to be guard dogs. I think these dogs frighten people more than a lab or retriever. I was thinking it would be a deterrent and provide more home security since there have been more robberies and crimes in the neighborhood. I will think long and hard about it . Owning a dog is a big responsibility

Every thing you said made great sense to me
Thanks again
Kottie

[NoBite]

Kottie, are you thinking of having your dog live inside the house with you as a member of your family? Just wondering, because your answer to this question will shape my answer to your question!

[Kathleen]

That is a great question NoBite.

I would like an outdoor large family dog.

[NoBite]

Okay, well that helps me with some advice. I assume that you have a fair amount of property. My first choice is a Great Pyrenees. These are friendly dogs to their family, but are very good at keeping pests away, such as coyotes. They form a good bond with their family and kids, but are cautious around strangers. Many farmers around here have these dogs living outside. They protect livestock, announce visitors, but are loads of fun for their families. That is my opinion of the breed.

I have a Doberman, but absolutely, positively can never recommend this breed as an outside dog. They must be indoors with their family as they bond way too tight to be separated! It is just hard to put into words the bond Dobermans make with their family. There is no need to get formal training as a guard dog, unless you have special needs. This breed has been bred for strong devotion. This can certainly be enhanced with training, but is not necessary for family pets.

Please understand that if you do get a dog from one of the "working" breeds, you have a much different pet than a lab. I love labs. One of my very best pets ever was a lab. However, working dogs are much different. They MUST have something to do or they will get quite bored and their choices to relieve boredom may not delight you! This is not a difficult thing to do, but just realize you will need to be a more active owner than for a lab.

I hope this helps a bit.

[Kathleen]

Great advice NoBite !!

I have had no contact with a Great Pyrenees however I have read about them. My daughter raised and showed angora goats in 4-H. They are common in Texas where most Angora goats are raised in the U.S.A. and they work well with sheep and cattle. Her 4-H competitor had a Maremma Sheepdog and the dog was very good with the kids and family and loved to work with their sheep and goats. They even won awards in the dog show with him. He was a big beautiful wonderful dog. It is true that a working dog needs to work. I have to consider the needs of the dog. It is important to me that the dog is happy and content.

I will explore this option
Thank you

[MikeNY]

I like German Shepards, but any dog that is large enough will do the job. They love us and we love them.