Dogs as protection?

[malta blue]

Okay, so since I am flying solo now, I had a security system installed. But I am also thinking of adding a canine security system as well. I currently have two great "alarm" rat terriers topping out at 13 pounds, however I am thinking a large dog might be a nice addition to the mix.

Any ideas on breeds? And flvegan - please please please don't hate me, but I can't have a pitbull. It would raise my homeowners insurance too much, and one of my best friends was mauled by one, so it just can't be.

[Haole Girl]

1. German Shepherd. nt

[malta blue]

5. good call....

I forgot I have the monks of new skete about 30 minutes away

http://www.newsketemonks.com/dogs.htm

[old mark]

2. malta blue:

I have a 115 pound Doberman/Great Dane mix, who looks fierce, but is just a pup at heart.
He is my alarm system.
If you are really concerned about being secure in your home, maybe you should think about buying and learning to properly use a gun.

mark

[malta blue]

3. oh....I don't think I can do that.

I am just too scared of guns and I have a kid. I know they can be safely stored, but then what point is it if I can't get to it quickly.

I have two tiny dogs, one at 11 lbs, the other is 13. They are terrific alarms, but I want a dog who would bark like mad and intimidate if a stranger broke in.

[old mark]

38. I got that idea, and hesitated to recommend it, but

the only other thing is - get a great set of locks, and keep a charged cell phone handy at all times. Just hope you have a fast police response.

Dogs are great alarms, but unless you have a specially trained guard dog, are not reliable for your purpose and could even get you sued.

mark

[malta blue]

39. Thanks for understanding - it really isn't anything

against guns per se, just can't do it in my case.

Amusingly enough, my mom posts in the GDP forum and she sent me an email this morning advising me against getting another pet.

:rofl:

[old mark]

42. Malta Blue, guns are not for everybody.

IT is not like TV, where everyone will do what you demand because you are holding a handgun.
If you are trained and confident with them,that is one thing, but just to buy a gun and lock it away does no good.

You might be better served with a very good cell phone that's alwary in your pocket.

Good luck.

mark

[malta blue]

43. I know - thank you so much

I will be just fine. :pals:

[dgibby]

50. remote control car lock

keep your key chain with the remote on your bedside table, hit the alarm button if you're in trouble. I've lived alone all my adult life, and I've always had dogs (and cats). Great Pyrenees are wonderful guard dogs. They are bred to guard their "flocks",so if you get one as a puppy, it will bond with you, the kids, and the other animals. I worked at a primate sanctuary, and they were used for protection there. I have 3 dogs now, but my next one is probably going to be a Great Pyr. Do a google search-there's a Great Pyr society, and they list all the pros and cons of the breed. Also, Am. Kennel Club. Pet Finders can hook you up with pet rescue groups in your area-that's how I got my golden retriever. I love goldens, but they tend to just want to lick the intruder to death! Good luck!:hi:

[LisaM]

4. German shepherd

they're nice, trainable dogs who can really protect you.

[Left Is Write]

6. My dog is a Border Collie/Shepherd mix.

He is wonderful. He's great with my kids, and very protective of all of us. He considers himself my bodyguard, and when I am at home, he's never more than a few feet away. We have an alarm system too, but I always still felt nervous when my husband had to be out of town until we got the dog.

[malta blue]

8. hmmmm

I am definitely looking at rescue, and that sounds like a good mix.

[ceile]

46. Mine too.

Female. Highly protective. But sweet as she can be around other dogs and people that want to play with her.

[NMDemDist2]

63. probably an excellent mix for intelligence and guarding IMO n/t

[Symarip]

7. My german shepherd is the best alarm system money can buy

He has my neighbors terrified, and that's how I like it. He is a supreme watchdog and a super great pet.

Just a word to the wise. If this is your real intent for getting another dog, go to a German bloodline breeder and make an investment. Find a breeder of police dogs. I know, I know, puppies are put down at the pound all the time and it's horrible. I have another adopted shepherd from a rescue. She's a wonderful pet and the worst watchdog ever. She'd probably lay at a thief's feet while they robbed me blind. In your situation, if you go to the pound you're risking getting a dog that is not going to fit your security needs.

[malta blue]

9. have you ever heard of the monks of new skete

http://www.newsketemonks.com/dogs.htm

[Symarip]

12. Actually, I have.

I obtained my dog, Haydes, on the West Coast where I lived at the time. He comes from a breeder of police and show dogs. If you google 'Bellington Shepherds', you can see where Haydes, Master of Destruction, came from. Here's some pics:


Haydes on the left. Odessa, the guard rug, on the right

Another one of Haydes.

Most German bloodline dogs will have their ears go up automatically. Unfortunately, Haydes' has a recessive gene which makes him 'blue' (notice he's grey instead of black) and his ears never fully stood up. I could have taped them up when he was a pup, but I feel it's somewhat torturous to do so to dogs. And besides, he's fucking adorable with the flopness.

[dixiegrrrrl]

45. first pic with glowing eyes

and I immediately thought of "Hound of the Baskervilles"

[flvegan]

10. This will be an indoor dog that will also be a companion?

Any allergies?

Honestly, any good sized mutt at the shelter will do just fine. Bearing in mind that the barking is what acts as the best security system. You'll also want a dog that is NOT a sighthound, what with two rat terriers.

If you insist on a purebreed (which is unnecessary) I always go with the great dane. They're incredibly gentle and forgiving, but they scare the shit out of people. They also have a bark that will break windows from the sound pressure.

[malta blue]

11. yes it will be an indoor companion as well.

I am allergic to my current dogs, but if I keep up with vaccuuming I seem to be okay most of the time. My friend had a Malamute and that dog just about killed me, but I loved it so that I let it sleep with me.

I don't insist on purebred at all - I DO insist on rescue. Hmmm...I will have to research the sighthound thing. I hadn't thought of it from that perspective with my little ones. Any ideas?

[flvegan]

13. If the malamute was really rough on your allergies

you'll want to stay away from long haired dogs (sorry GSD lovers). Honestly, I'd go to Petfinder.com, type in your Zip Code and just peruse the rescues and shelters near you. A rescue group will also likely already have housetrained the dog and will know the quirks with the animal (if he/she gets along with small dogs, kids, etc).

[Left Is Write]

14. The best part about Frankie is that he's NOT a barker -

unless he perceives a threat of some type. He is quiet when all is well, but he barks up a storm if he thinks there is danger.

[Oeditpus Rex]

15. Where am I supposed to find a lubricated, reservoir-tipped chihuahua?

[bluedigger]

16. Chihuahua?

You poor thing. I'm told size doesn't matter...

Well, not to everyone...

[Xipe Totec]

17. Size matters to some

[bluedigger]

20. Oy!

Now that is some risk-taking behavior right there, sure 'nuff!

[Mutley]

18. I think any mutt will do.

My dog is not very big -- about 60 lbs -- but her bark makes her sound much bigger. She's the biggest lover on the planet and would probably never hurt anyone, but if someone was trying to break in, they wouldn't know that.

[femmocrat]

19. A well-trained Rottweiler.

They are super dogs, but you would have to take the time to train it, of course.

[RebelOne]

32. I agree. Super-duper dogs. At least mine is.

Doesn't take any time to train them. They are fast learners.

[LibertyLover]

21. Either a German Shepherd, a Belgian Terverian (sp), a Malinois

or a mix of one of those. For years my family had GSDs (German Shepherd Dogs)two of whom protected the house against people who tried to break in. Now we have 2 greyhounds, one of whom was trained as a guard dog by a GSD, 2 whippets and a Siberian Husky. Together they keep our home safe. My stepdaughter has a Belgian Terverian who is wonderfully intelligent and protective. Whatever you decide, please try to adopt or rescue - so many dogs need good homes which I know you can provide.

[LostinVA]

22. Mick, our Border Collie, is a really good watch dog

He's VERY protective of us and the property, but he's friendly when properly introduced. We weighs about 40lbs and sounds like he weighs 100lbs.

We got him as a rescue. He needs a lot of exercise, though, so take that into consideration. Also, get one from working lines, not AKC/sport bred. Those dogs have their "off" switch bred out of them.

[annabanana]

23. The size of the bark is more important than the size of the dog

There are some smallish dogs with largish heads that sound MUCH bigger than they are. like Norweigan Elk Hounds & mixes thereof..

[astonamous]

24. I use to have a killer West Highland White Terrier...

After two dog bite claims, we lost our homeowners insurance.

Now we have three pit bulls and a shepherd mix. Don't tell anyone that I have 4 dogs at my house...only allowed 3.



I would vote for the shepherd...get a mix and hopefully avoid some of the common health problems.


Richard Pryor talked about his Dobermans...
"They would invite the burglar in and show him where all the valuables were. As soon as the burglar tried to leave, the dogs would block his path and hold him there."

[hobbit709]

34. I knew someone who had two dobermans like that

They came home one day and heard some noise and when they unlocked the front door there was some guy backed in the corner by the door, their VCR and a sack of jewelry was at his feet. The Dobermans had that "Make my day" look. The guy was HAPPY to see the police show up.

[dgibby]

52. Ever hear about the bugler

who broke into a house, and was confronted by a parrot squawking repeatedly, "Jesus is watching you"!
The bugler asks the parrot, "What's your name, bird"?
Parrot" "Moses".
Bugler: "that's a stupid name for a bird! Who named you that"?
Parrot: "Same guy that named that Doberman over there in the corner Jesus"!!!

[MadMaddie]

25. I have a Vizsla mix and he is the most loving dog ever

He has a bark that will scare would be intruders away.

My other Maddie is a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix, now this little girl is smart and very protective. She is 41 pounds about 1/4 the size of a full sized Ridgback.

Both are rescues and both are loving and protective.

[mwooldri]

26. For guard dogs, forget Siberian Huskies.

They're so soft tempered that they'd tell the thieves "Hey! You forgot the VCR, the jewellery, the extra stash of cash under the matteress..."

You could go with any of the dogs that are on the UK banned dogs list if you like...

Mark.

[erinlough]

27. I suggest a mastiff

They are cuddly, sweet and loyal. They are so big they scare everyone and their bark sounds like a bass version of a lion's roar. They are so docile it is unreal and they can live healthy with about a 30 min walk per day. The Mastiff I know is very friendly but if someone comes to the door he barks (once) and puffs himself up and dares the person to enter. I don't know of anyone who would challenge a mastiff. Great all around dog.

[mopinko]

28. boxer- a thinking guard dog.

the best thing about boxers, imho, is that they can and will protect their families, they don't want to eat everything that moves. they just won't tolerate violence. we had one when i was a kid who wouldn't let my dad spank us.
but they are very people oriented, and love to have visitors. they should also get along fine with the rats.
and should your boxer disapprove of someone, take it very seriously. my old boxer intensely disliked my daughters boyfriend long before anyone else realized what an ass he was. (well, anyone but me.)
the best, best dogs. there are breed rescues out there.

[Whoa_Nelly]

29. Shepherd or Lab mix

Lots of those loveys at the pound!


Look through http://www.petfinder.com for your zip code area.

Bet you find a good'un there! :hi:

[dropkickpa]

30. Get state farm

They don't discriminate based on breed.

[RebelOne]

31. How about a Rottweiler?

I have one and she is a sweetheart. But when she sits at the window and barks, she sounds fierce.

[Inchworm]

33. The "feists" have been protecting farms for years

If it were me I'd do with the two I had rather than bringing in a third. Get a baseball bat and a can of mace? hehe

That's just me though.

:hi:

[malta blue]

37. they are "feisty" little beasts who bark at the slightest

unfamiliar sound.

I think I may take your advice Inchy. :pals:

[hobbit709]

35. We have five-the smallest 20 lbs, the largest 80

The noise alone will scare off any burglar. We have the door to door people make a u-turn about halfway down the driveway. One guy got bit about 4 years ago when he climbed over a locked gate into the back yard. I have sign on the gate that says "CAVE CANEM" and let people try to figure it out.

[harmonicon]

36. get a nice mutt

Go to an animal rescue or a pound and find a dog that you get along with that you think would also be intimidating. If you can't get a pitbull, you could get a pit mix (also, don't think that your friend was mauled by a pit bull - your friend, as sad as it is, was mauled by a dog. If you got hit by a drunk driver, would you blame the model of car they were driving?). I think mutts are the way to go, but labs are nice and big, as are rottweilers, dobermans, etc. I had friends who had a few wolf dogs - they were good guard dogs, and very loyal, but hard to train.

I'm very glad that my girlfriend has our dog to walk with her at night. I don't know if the dog would ever actually attack someone, but it looks intimidating. If your dog is mostly going to be at home, or if you drive a lot, I don't think you need another dog though. Potential intruders that would cause you harm will be put off by barking dogs already - those who aren't have no more problem shooting a dog than they do shooting you.

[bushisanidiot]

40. I am going through the same sort of decision making, as my poor dog died 2 weeks ago.

She was a shepard/beagle mix and wasn't that smart, but she was loveable. I was fully confident that she would rip anyone's face off who tried to hurt me. She slept at the foot of my bed and "protected" me from the cat. ;) Now my cat is free to hop on the bed, but she is far too passive aggressive to ever protect me. She'd merely mock an intruder then run and hide.

My gf is trying to talk me into getting some sort of terrier. She says they are good protectors because they are very loyal and they are smart which is a plus. (they may not be able to dial 911 like a german shepard can though ;). I'm not so much worried about the breed as I am just making sure I get a medium sized dog from the Humane Society or one that is being fostered from some sort of rescue.

Anwyay, good luck with your search.

[Ellen Forradalom]

41. My dog is the best alarm system there is

No one threatens the perimeter without my knowing it. Back in the South Side of Chicago, our building was never hit during a burglary wave on the block, for which the residents credited the dog.

We discovered that quality as he grew up; he's not a guard breed. He's a Braque du Bourbonnais. A whaaaa? That's what I said too. Also known as Bourbonnais pointers, they are bird dogs. Check out more cute dog pictures than you can stand at http://www.rufnitkennels.com.

[IndianaJones]

44. Rem 870 Express. nt.

[dixiegrrrrl]

47. Malta....think about this..

google "choose a dog breed"
there are several good sites which have recommendations on different breeds for different criteria you list,
including allergies, longevity, disease magnets.
There are watch dogs, and there are protection dogs, huge liability depending on where you are.
The only problem with shelter dogs is you don't know their socialization and past treatment/training.

Having said that...I have always been partial to GSD for protection, if well trained, and if I had the money I would buy a trained one.
My favorite breed is Golden Retriever, males. My current one is a bit aggressive, very good watch dog,would prolly never actually bite anyone but he will stand there, never back down, snarls and barks until I stop him, , which is good enough for us. We know when someone is on the property.

Ha! Just as I wrote this the dog went off outside, and the cat inside ran to the window ,growling.
She is the dog's "pet", btw.

[MountainLaurel]

49. Just saw your post

After I already posted about my golden guy. I was fascinated to find out that golden males actually have a bit of a rep for aggressiveness and wanting to be dominant. Mine is not yet two, so he's still got that teenager thing going on, but he does have a rough edges to his furry self.

[dixiegrrrrl]

60. Well, he is not supposed to be as aggressive as he is.

Goldens are bred for sweet temperament, as you know.
Ours is a bit high strung, so I channeled that into watch dog behavior.
He stops barking when I tell him to.
And we did have dominance issues with him when he was a teenager.

He is 3 now, came into his own, and we run him at least 4x a day, makes a major difference in behavior.

[MountainLaurel]

48. I have a vicious watch-golden

Who has a nice deep, loud bark. Anytime a car door closes on my street at night, he's in the front window giving a warning woof. (And once he gets going, the springer starts.)

[EFerrari]

51. The noise is what protects you, I think, not the size.

I got a dog after I had to chase off a burglar. It was nice to start sleeping again! My girl was a big dog but, it's the bark that's a deterrent, isn't it? In any case, I can walk at any hour of the day or night with my dog. I love that.

[malta blue]

53. my dogs will drop if there is anything out of the norm

And they don't stop until I let them go outside to investigate. It is usually a deer or something that stepped on a branch in the yard and they chase it away.

Oh - and thanks :hug: for all your posts these last few days.

[EFerrari]

54. You okay?

:hi:

[malta blue]

55. I am fine hermanita....

Really. It's just nice to see you :pals:

[EFerrari]

58. You are under my Official Safety Umbrella That No One Better F#ck With.

:loveya:

[Ava]

56. our girl tucker is a german shepard/ akita mix

not only is she super sweet(gets along with the kitties well) and loyal, she's also very protective.

[Critters2]

57. The beagle barks like she wants to take someone's leg off.

She never would, but they don't know that!

[EFerrari]

59. I used to put one of those ugly looking huge training collars on my girl.

She was in killer drag. I just had to make sure she didn't get close enough to anyone to lick their knees. :rofl:

[lukasahero]

61. You know I'm partial to Labs...

Some of the American ones are big but even mixed breeds at the shelter can have the stability and good nature inherent in a Lab. My guy was 110 lbs and all muscle. His chest was enormous (and hence, his bark was deep and forbidding). He never had to do anything because most people backed away when he looked pissed off but a) he was very, very good at identifying people with bad agendas and 2) I never doubted for a moment that he would be able to rip someone apart if they tried to hurt me.

Ideally, you want a dog that will deter people - a deep bark and an ominous prescense will do that. You just have to go to the shelter, find a good sized dog with a hefty bark that wins your heart then take 'em home and love 'em.

I wish you luck and love in your search (and my heart goes out to you in your situation. Been there, done that, got the papers, the house and the dog. ;))

[EFerrari]

64. Labs are not dogs. They are hairy angels.

And I would give them a rec to anyone who thinks they can handle living with an angel. This is my Kid on her second day home, before she ate the bathroom door, my bike pedals and my IPod. It's STILL worth it!

I'd do anything for her. And I know she'd do anything for me. Where else do you get that? lol

[EFerrari]

65. If you get a puppy, get one of these.

[lukasahero]

68. Gah! OMG Those feet!

And yes, I agree with you 100% - they are hairy angels. (Mine really is now but he already was. :cry: )

He protected me several times - scared off burglars, bowled right into 2 dogs attacking my mom's elderly dog and got an aggressive creep (who thought that Lab smile made Beau a pushover) to back off so fast he tripped over himself! I never doubted he would act if he had to. (Apparently neither did the "bad" guys. ;) )

PS - Oh yeah, and they're prone to separation anxiety. ;)

[Danger Mouse]

62. We have a standard poodle that is actually a good guard dog...

but I think she's the exception, not the rule...

[hedgehog]

66. What you want is a dog about 50-70 pounds that's smart enough

to know your friends from strangers and calm enough to tolerate visitors. Jack is sleeping on the floor behind me. He's some kind of big old hound mix. I never have a minute's worry with him in the house. He gets worried when strangers come to the door. Sometimes we can introduce him to our guests. When we have a lot of people over, he goes into his crate. I think he doesn't like people who have pets of their own. Someone with more skills and patience than me would train him better I'm sure.

Whatever you do, don't get an aggressive dog or one too big for you to handle.

Does anyone here have experience with a friendly dog that has been around when the owner was confronted with a threat? Our old Lassie was a sweet heart and Guinness is a lover, too. I'm curious as to how such dogs behave when there is a threat.

[pokerfan]

67. Bullmastiff

Smaller than a full Mastiff. Actually a great indoor dog.



The Bullmastiff is courageous, loyal, calm, and loving with those it knows. It has a very strong protective instinct and will defend its owners against anything it perceives as a threat. However, it does not normally attack to protect. Instead, it knocks the intruder over with its massive size and pins them to the ground, or, will simply stand in front of the stranger/intruder and refuse to let them pass. Bullmastiffs become intensely attached to their families and do best when they can live inside with them. (wiki)

[XemaSab]

69. Our house got broken into while we were home

and our LARGE cattle dog/lab mix- who barked at leaves falling out of trees in the Autumn- took a damn nap.

They're not 100%. :(