Thinking of Getting a Dog

zonomo · Jan 9, 2013

For home protection when I get married. Thinking of a Dobie or a German. Any recommendations?

madmurdoc · Jan 9, 2013

I love German Shepherds, my aunt had 2 dobies and they were great dogs, but as they got older they started to get aggressive and eventually turned on her, she had to have them put down.

Someone told me their brains don't stop growing so as they get older they may get aggressive. I haven't done any research on it so I don't know if it's true or not. But definitely something to look up if you're considering getting one.

guitarguy86 · Jan 9, 2013

A bull mastiff? My cousin has a brindle half pit/mastiff. That dog is pretty intimidating.

madmurdoc · Jan 9, 2013

I had a German Shepherd named Bo, he was the sweetest dog I've ever had, he was old and died about 9 or 10 years ago. I've wanted another ever since.

zonomo · Jan 9, 2013

No we'll be living in a large home with backyard. My s/o works from home so we'll always have someone home, hence the need to begin with.

mrenglish · Jan 9, 2013

Just do your research on temperament and energy levels and what not. Also remember that typically the large the dog, the shorter the life span, unfortunately. When you decide to get a dog, go to a reputable breeder or a rescue. Avoid the pet shops at all costs. Those are mostly puppy mill dogs and will usually have a shit load of problems.

A good dog for protection is a Belgian Mallonwa? I know I butchered that name. Very loyal and friendly, not high energy and pretty smart. They are used as police and search/rescue dogs a lot. My mother in law had one before she passed away for exactly what you are looking for. The best guard dogs are not the in your face kind, at least in my experience.

baronsamedi · Jan 9, 2013

Get a small dog and a big gun. The dog is the alarm and you're the heavy. A miniature poodle can be loud enough to sound the alarm and smart enough to get out of the way when you cock the shot gun. It's easier to get a clear shot over a small poodle than a Great Dane who is trying to jump in your lap, because he's scared. It also won't get freaked out and accidentally bite you by mistake (happened to 2 people I knew who had large dogs). I've known more than one burglar personally and big dogs are a whole lot easier to distract when you're not home. One guy I knew used to throw a sausage in a spare room and lock the dog inside. If you don't believe me watch a few episodes of "It takes a thief".

philobeddoe · Jan 9, 2013

+10,000 to the Baron. Small dogs are very territorial and will sound the alarm at the slightest noise, that's really all you need a dog to do, alert you to the trouble so you and Mr. Smith and Mr. Wesson can thoroughly investigate the disturbance. Big dogs are overrated for protection, unless they are specifically trained to be attack dogs, in which case they can be dangerous to small children they don't know etc. Just my 2 cents. I'll take a small dog every time.

zanthal · Jan 9, 2013

Wish my "landlord" would allow me to get a dog. Been wanting a boston terrier for years.
I agree with baronsamedi, any dog with the right amount of protectiveness will be a good guard dog.

philip · Jan 9, 2013

Get one that talks.

hawk60ce · Jan 9, 2013

This is an older picture of my pooch. He's a great dog and is very protective when I'm not home. He's not trained as a guard dog, but I trust him to wake me up when needed. Not sure he would go after someone when they were breaking in but if they keep coming after hearing his nasty bark they aren't the brightest, especially at night.

locopony · Jan 9, 2013

Ya can't smoke a dog man.

spyder71 · Jan 9, 2013

I have two small dogs that can hear a mouse fart in the next county, that and a gun works wonders for us

pipeinhand · Jan 9, 2013

Having had both breeds you mention I can tell you they can be excitable, not good in a home protection situation. I now have a 110 lb black lab. He is the sweetest dog you would ever meet.
One day a guy on a motorcycle came down the drive, now my drive is 2 1/0's of a mile long, and Jake saw him as he got off. This sweet happy mass of a dog turned in to Cujo before my eyes. Hair on back went up and a single WOOF came out that was a loud very deep base tone I have never heard before. He pushed me out of the way with his body and stood guard at my feet. Now this was no small takes, as I am 6'4" and 260, so he was ready for a fight. The poor guy was just lost but he told me he thought the dog was going to kill him at any moment. Now, Jake never left my side and didn't yip, yap or carry on barking but that dog has a 6" gang of teeth and can run down a squirrel, pretty fast for 110. I know I wouldn't want that black ball of death after me. After the guy left, Jake was back in the grass, upside down waiting for the evil squirrels to return, a big black ball of 'holy crap what a nice day' dog.
Long story short, get a black Lab because remember you are not always around with the Colt Combat Elite 45 hanging at your side.

crpntr1 · Jan 9, 2013

I recently got an English Bulldog, granted they're expensive and can have health issues, but he has stopped a would be burglar (for his previous owner) once that I know of and is compact but sounds HUGE
German Sheppards are great dogs too
I think it really depends on how prone to burglary/home invasion your house is...

Get a small dog and a big gun

+1

dervis · Jan 9, 2013

Dogs are good for warnings, no so much for the actual protection. I have a English Bulldog and her bark sounds like Deaths Calling Card. I have had neighbors run over when her and I play in the back yard to see what was killing me just from her sound. However she is afraid of everything including Celing fans, Tv trays, and those black crickets that come in from outside around here. She barks, I shoot it is a good partnership.

zonomo · Jan 9, 2013

lol. You guys crack me up. I wanted a Husky since I used to have one as a kid but it turns out they suck as guard dogs because they love everyone. They'd probably help carry the loot out for the bad guy. I am reluctant on the Dobie and German because of their huge size but thats what my sweetie wants. But I know they are excellent guard dogs. I agree that a dog is really an alarm. Both of us are shooters, I've been through extensive weapon training though she's catching up. We've both have an elevated threat level due to an incident. This will be interesting.....

zonomo · Jan 9, 2013

"Ya can't smoke a dog man." Why not?

:mrgreen:

zonomo · Jan 9, 2013

@pipeinhand. I've heard Labs are really great and smart dogs. I've never had one. I had a friend with one who used to jump all over me and slobber up my suit (that I used to have to wear back in the day) so i think i made the mistake of not liking the breed because my friend never took the time to train her animal. We will for sure get the right training right from puppy stage.

crpntr1 · Jan 9, 2013

a dog is really an alarm

That really depends on how much time, money and training you want to invest. If you want an attack/guard, I'd suggest a german..they're not a huge breed..size of a lab. Big enuff to stop a bad guy though
My dad trained and jumped with them in Korea, he said they were the only breed he'd trust his life with

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