Choosing A Breed

[TikaAkita]

When some people say they want a dog for protection,what they realy mean is a dog that will bark and alert them to strangers and make them feel safer by having a dog with them.for company.It's about bluff.My friends have a Golden Retriever who is friendly and has a deep bark when you come to the gate.I would not go in the gate by myself as i don't know the dog .Most intruders would be wary of any dog for the same reason.You also need to consider if you have the strength to control a large dog out in public.

What if the dog chased a cat and dragged you over.Or another dog wanted to have a go at your dog,what would you do?

Perhaps put on hold the idea of a very big guarding breed untill you have done more research and have spent a bit of time around them.Start with a breed that you can more easily train and manage.What ever breed you get be sure to socialise them well and do plenty of training.

To be honest I've only ever had a dog run at me once while walking my Goldie, I had no idea what to do at the time and poor Tillie was growling and snaping in fear while trying to cower between my legs (its her thing when shes worried about something). Meanwhile this huge boisterous brindle dog wanted to make friends, she wasnt having a bar of it! It was a scary moment, having a huge dog running at me and not knowing its intentions.

What do you do when a dog goes your dog? If both dogs are large, its not like you can interfeer without the dog turning on you?

[Alkhe]

Everyone is very right that dogs cannot be garunteed to act a certain way in any situation, and that a dog that is trained to attack is too dangerous and not something I could personally own safely. I was pretty shocked last night and this morning realised that some people will probably think i'm being very reactive.

I just want to assure everyone that I will not be getting a dog and encouraging or training it to go crazy and be violent or anything. As with any breed I would be aiming to raise a happy, well adjusted dog. Not one who wants to bite everything it sees.

My parents JRT would do anything to protect a family member, but a good kick and he would be down, you know? Where as their Goldie, shes very timid and although she gives warning barks, she would be likely to run away looking for mum or dad to protect her! But because of her size, if she had a more protective nature I'm pretty sure she would discourage anyone from entering the house or the likes. Its completely true, to me at least, that any dog of decent size barking and growling at a stranger should be off putting enough. I would just like it if the dog also looked a bit scary also, doesnt mean it has to have an aggressive nature.

Again, I dont actually EXPECT something bad to happen to me, as much as it might sound that way. I just figure that if I can find a breed I like who has some of these characteristics and would also make a good family pet, then I should.

Yes I'm just out of school. I've already taken care of the OH bit :) Something I've been thinking about is how to raise a dog of the mentioned breeds that would be well adjusted enough to cope with either family members visiting each day to feed/give attention, or to live with them for a week or two if we holiday.

As a matter of curiousity, what do people here think their dog would do if you were walking them and for example, someone tried to steal your money or phone, and you started yelling or screaming at them or acting distressed?

Maybe you think you wouldnt be approached in the first place because of your dog? Any response would be of interest to me :)

*Considering that the girl was 13, I've got no idea how or why she could have known the guy who tried to abduct her. However as I dont know the girl, I could be wrong.

My dog would get very distressed and I think would probably bark and carry on "aggressively" (she's a toy poodle). Once my sister and her boyfriend were play fighting, and Maggie got very agitated and was barking and rushing towards him more ferociously than I've ever seen her do, to get mys ister's boyfriend away from her. My sister was pretending to cry and things, and it was actually horrbile seeing Maggie (dog) so distressed.

She now hates him and won't go anywhere near him, and barks when he comes in. I'd imagine that most dogs would react in a similar way - it's just that they may have a less intimidating appearance.

[persephone]

:) Ok .. you were very concerned when a huge ...brindle dog rushed you.

Brindle does tend to do that !! Just a hint ....

What do you do when a dog goes your dog? If both dogs are large, its not like you can interfeer without the dog turning on you?

You start reading /watching now , so that when it does happen, you are confident and have some ideas to put into practice. if you do a search on here there are lots of useful threads ....and if you can, before you actually put your name on a dog , I suggest you volunteer at a nearby shelter - so you do get to handle large and small dogs/witness altercations, and learn HEAPS about body language - everything from submission to fearful aggression, to calm, to aggression. It will help you a lot, I think. Experience is a very valuable tool on which to draw.

[Dame Aussie]

:) Ok .. you were very concerned when a huge ...brindle dog rushed you.

Brindle does tend to do that !! Just a hint ....

What do you do when a dog goes your dog? If both dogs are large, its not like you can interfeer without the dog turning on you?

You start reading /watching now , so that when it does happen, you are confident and have some ideas to put into practice. if you do a search on here there are lots of useful threads ....and if you can, before you actually put your name on a dog , I suggest you volunteer at a nearby shelter - so you do get to handle large and small dogs/witness altercations, and learn HEAPS about body language - everything from submission to fearful aggression, to calm, to aggression. It will help you a lot, I think. Experience is a very valuable tool on which to draw.

So true perse, brindle anything seems to really scare people.

[TikaAkita]

:) Ok .. you were very concerned when a huge ...brindle dog rushed you.

Brindle does tend to do that !! Just a hint ....

What do you do when a dog goes your dog? If both dogs are large, its not like you can interfeer without the dog turning on you?

You start reading /watching now , so that when it does happen, you are confident and have some ideas to put into practice. if you do a search on here there are lots of useful threads ....and if you can, before you actually put your name on a dog , I suggest you volunteer at a nearby shelter - so you do get to handle large and small dogs/witness altercations, and learn HEAPS about body language - everything from submission to fearful aggression, to calm, to aggression. It will help you a lot, I think. Experience is a very valuable tool on which to draw.

Haha yes the brindle did worry me! As I had only ever had the association of brindle with 'pigging' dogs, which to me was alarming :laugh: Of course in reality, there are plenty of lovely brindle dogs, turned out the dog was one of them. I find body language of animals, in particular dogs and horses, extremely interesting. Thanks for the idea :)

[Dame Aussie]

:) Ok .. you were very concerned when a huge ...brindle dog rushed you.

Brindle does tend to do that !! Just a hint ....

What do you do when a dog goes your dog? If both dogs are large, its not like you can interfeer without the dog turning on you?

You start reading /watching now , so that when it does happen, you are confident and have some ideas to put into practice. if you do a search on here there are lots of useful threads ....and if you can, before you actually put your name on a dog , I suggest you volunteer at a nearby shelter - so you do get to handle large and small dogs/witness altercations, and learn HEAPS about body language - everything from submission to fearful aggression, to calm, to aggression. It will help you a lot, I think. Experience is a very valuable tool on which to draw.

Haha yes the brindle did worry me! As I had only ever had the association of brindle with 'pigging' dogs, which to me was alarming :laugh: Of course in reality, there are plenty of lovely brindle dogs, turned out the dog was one of them. I find body language of animals, in particular dogs and horses, extremely interesting. Thanks for the idea :)

Anatolians can be brindle too :) Mine is, and I've been told he looks more intimidating because of it, very interesting, I have no idea why. All I see is a big silly boofer :laugh:

Edited May 4, 2012 by Aussie3

[wuffles]

As a matter of curiousity, what do people here think their dog would do if you were walking them and for example, someone tried to steal your money or phone, and you started yelling or screaming at them or acting distressed?

Maybe you think you wouldnt be approached in the first place because of your dog? Any response would be of interest to me :)

My big, intimidating dog who barks at people walking past the house would probably run away. If I was really lucky he might come back to check why I was screaming

Strangely enough my cute, sweet younger dog (medium sized) would probably try to protect me. Her protective instincts seem to be stronger (most likely related to breed) but she's less likely to be a deterrant.

[dancinbcs]

I'd just be sure to be aware of costs of owning a giant breed - we had 2 tibetan mastiffs at my old work place (vet clinic) beautiful dogs, the owner was very firm with them in regards to training. Whenever they got sick though or required pain medications often the cost of one medication alone would be $100 due to the large dose required. Not to mention the cost of any surgeries which are priced according to the dogs weight.

Then worming/flea control - the tibetan mastiff needed 2 packets so double the cost compared to a large breed which fits within the weight range.

I've had a german shepherd and now have a smooth collie - the german shepherd was actually the biggest wuss in the world but both I felt quite safe walking on my own. From what you've written with costs etc perhaps its not quite the right time for you to own a giant breed and a large breed may suit you a lot better.

Thank you for that :) I thought it must cost more for surgery on large dog because of the extra medicines required, but I wasnt positive. Cost wise we are probably looking at next year for actually getting a dog. Depends how OH goes getting the job he's after. Either way it seems that we'll have to have a decent amount of money sitting in a dog fund :laugh: Owning a large breed is turing out to be a similar cost to owning my horse! With around 600kgs difference ;p

Raising a giant breed puppy will cost you more than stabling and hard feeding a horse. The costs drops a bit when they mature but they are still very expensive to keep. I wanted a Pyrenean Mountain Dog in my early 20s but then worked out it would cost more than my horse did to keep so scrapped that idea. I looked at Rotties and was advised by a very experienced breeder that I, at about 85kg at the time and not short, was too small to hang on to a Rottie if it was determined to chase someone or something. I settled on Border Collies and could not be happier. Several of them have been very protective of me and my property, but not all.

I had friends with Tibetan Matiffs but would never own them. Too much of a liability as are several of the other serious large guard breeds. I till love many giant breeds but feel they are just not the most practical breeds to own. I cannot even imagine having a dog so big I couldn't pick it up and get it in the car on my own in an emergency.

Now with decades of dog experience, if I needed a more serious personal guard dog I would go for a GSD or Dobe. If I needed a property guard I would choose a Rottie, Black Russian or Rhodesian Ridgeback due to their imposing appearance and guard instinct. The RR is more likely to lick someone once they are on the property but most people wouldn't try to enter if a RR was barking at them.

Also consider that as a young married couple there will probably be children in the future so if you must have a giant breed choose a gentle giant that looks imposing rather than one of the guard breeds that is bred to actually attack intruders.

[Dame Aussie]

As a matter of curiousity, what do people here think their dog would do if you were walking them and for example, someone tried to steal your money or phone, and you started yelling or screaming at them or acting distressed?

Maybe you think you wouldnt be approached in the first place because of your dog? Any response would be of interest to me :)

My big, intimidating dog who barks at people walking past the house would probably run away. If I was really lucky he might come back to check why I was screaming

Strangely enough my cute, sweet younger dog (medium sized) would probably try to protect me. Her protective instincts seem to be stronger (most likely related to breed) but she's less likely to be a deterrant.

That's interesting wuffles, as my female Aussie is also more likely to be protective than my big guard dog :laugh: She is far more wary of strange people and you should hear the bark on her

[Nekhbet]

I agree with what a few people have said, you are looking at breeds that are strong, willful and have very determined temperaments. Delta training is not for you and I have found the trainers I have met have little to no experience with big LGDs/Guarding breeds.

If you are afraid to walk alone then don't. You are not a 13 year old you are an adult and the look of most dogs, especially well trained ones is enough to put people off.

I live with rare breed dogs but I wouldn't recommend them for you. What do you want to do exactly? You're in between on a few breeds. A lot of the guarding breeds need to be with you a lot, not outside most of the time and need a reasonable amount of training. They are dogs bred to be trained, not just puppy preschool but ongoing training and activities. The larger livestock guardian breeds are not always social dogs that like popping down to the shops with you or going for walkies. I would not recommend you get a Tibetan Mastiff at all, I think the breed would be too much for your experience level. The BRTs we have in Australia too are not necessarily 'working line'. If I wanted one I would honestly import one.

Now with decades of dog experience, if I needed a more serious personal guard dog I would go for a GSD or Dobe. If I needed a property guard I would choose a Rottie, Black Russian or Rhodesian Ridgeback due to their imposing appearance and guard instinct.

I would go a dobermann or rott over a GSD, but again they need a lot of work.

Honestly, why not try a blue heeler. A good blue heeler is a smart dog, and you wont jump the fence with one around either.

[Red Fox]

Have you considered an adult dog?

http://www.petrescue.com.au/view/153726

[brintey]

Hi Emma,

I haven;t read most of this thread, but I have both a Pyrenean Mountain Dogs and a Leonberger. IMHO they are the most beautiful breeds around, but I may be a little biased.

Leonbergers don't drool but they are messy drinkers. My Pyr really only drools at dog training - the thought of those treats in my treat pouch is too much for her!

Leonbergers can be more full on pups than Pyreneans - they are generally more active - but they are easier to train, and want to be with you all the time. Pyrs are Livestock Guardian Dogs - they may generally be less active but they do love to patrol and bark a warning bark, this means not letting them off-lead and bringing them inside at dusk and dawn.

That said they are easier dogs to own than dogs like border collies, alaskan malamutes, siberian huskies, even my sister's lab is more full-on.

Both are a fair bit of grooming.

The costs involved only start to get high when you factor in medications and vet expenses. Food-wise, my giants actually only eat as much as my 22kg rescue greyhound.

My Pyrs have lived to 12, my current one is 8.5 and going strong. This is my first Leonberger, she is only 3, however her grandmother is still doing reasonably well at 10, and her great grandmother only recently passed at 13. But some do die young.

[Red Fox]

I agree with what a few people have said, you are looking at breeds that are strong, willful and have very determined temperaments. Delta training is not for you and I have found the trainers I have met have little to no experience with big LGDs/Guarding breeds.

I tend to agree with this. Particularly in regards to Delta training. Strong minded breeds need strong minded owners, plus firm and consistent handling, which is something to seriously consider before going down that path.

However I don't think you can rule out a breed entirely due to lack of experience either.

[SparkyTansy]

As a matter of curiousity, what do people here think their dog would do if you were walking them and for example, someone tried to steal your money or phone, and you started yelling or screaming at them or acting distressed?

I'd stand between the person and my dog, throw whatever they wanted from me at them, and run. Nothing is more important to me than the safety of my dog, and I wouldn't put them in the situation where they'd have to react.

I don't know what my dogs would do, honestly. My younger setter (6) would probably be the most likely to ark up at a stranger, but he'd be the least effective because he has a very gentle look. The weims would probably be more of a deterrent based on looks, but neither of them would do anything i don't think. My old boy (9) would probably go up to them wagging.

[wuffles]

That's interesting wuffles, as my female Aussie is also more likely to be protective than my big guard dog :laugh: She is far more wary of strange people and you should hear the bark on her

Once we were staying in a holiday house on the coast with our dogs. I'd just done a load of washing, and I went out to hang it up, and I went out through the laundry door. The dogs were hanging around the other side of the house, and when Ava heard me she came roaring around the side of the house, barking and teeth bared :eek: She stopped about 2m away from me and wriggled her bum and looked embarrassed, but for a brief moment I was actually scared of her :laugh: I've never underestimated her since then...

[aussielover]

I feel quite safe walking with my 25kg black labrador. Most people wouldn't risk being attacked by dog just to steal your wallet etc.

I also felt quite safe walking with my aussie shepherd, but not so much with my poodle cross.

I think any large breed dog offers protection just based on looks alone.

You probably don't want a dog that's going to go nuts every time someone approaches you in a seemingly threatening manner.

If you actually want an attack trained dog, then a GSD, Malinois, Rottie, Dobe etc would be your best bet as well as working with a qualified trainer.

[Nekhbet]

If you actually want an attack trained dog, then a GSD, Malinois, Rottie, Dobe etc would be your best bet as well as working with a qualified trainer.

1) it's called protection training, not attack training

2) in Victoria you cannot do that unless you are a licensed security guard and your trainer is licensed as well

[dee lee]

Most large dogs work as a deterrent- its much less risky for perpetrators to find a victim who doesn't have a dog of unknown temperament. This goes both with your home and with walking.

If someone is determined enough to take that risk, I don't think you should rely on your dog. Better to stay alert yourself, avoid risky situations and carry a phone with a direct police number in it.

I have no idea what my GR would do if I was to be confronted (run away most likely), but she has made me feel safer on a number of occasions when walking. She is also a fantastic watch dog and has a very scary bark behind closed doors.

I think a big dark dog of just about any large breed would work well for what you need. :)

[Sheridan]

I would suggest that if you're so afraid that you think you need protection, that you move from the area you live in, hire a bodyguard (which will probably end up cheaper than some of the rare large breeds you're considering), and/or get your fear addressed.

[TikaAkita]

I would suggest that if you're so afraid that you think you need protection, that you move from the area you live in, hire a bodyguard (which will probably end up cheaper than some of the rare large breeds you're considering), and/or get your fear addressed.

Haha fair enough. I have come across like that in what i've said.