Best Guard dog

[AmberwayGSD]

Interesting. Border Collies are a highly versatile, all-purpose breed. I wouldn't doubt that certain individuals could be a decent guard dog with good training. I wouldn't say "never". I do see your point, the majority of BCs are more likely to herd the intruder away than to attack.

The best guard dog I've ever met was a Tibetan Mastiff. He was a wonderful, calm, non-invasive dog who was wonderfully intuitive. He knew when something wasn't right, and would just sit and watch to make sure nothing happened to the house or his people. I was with him one night while I was babysitting the family's daughter on New Years' Eve, and several people came to the door and tried to push me out of the way when I answered it. I'd never seen him move so quickly, but he got up and shoved himself between me and the people and barked at them.. Nobody wanted to screw with the furious, massive dog so they left.. But I was so impressed with him. He didn't bite, but gave a very convincing display of barking and a showing of teeth. He wasn't quick to bite at all, I honestly don't know if he ever had to resort to biting, his size alone combined with barks and low growls would be enough to scare any sane person away.
He was so well trained, too. He could go almost anywhere in public and never once wanted to eat people just for walking closely to him, like some dogs do. He was the ultimate guard dog, IMO.

Actually there is a Border Collie with a SchH 1 at the Toronto SchH club.It took the owner alot of work but they can make good Protection-Watchdogs.

 

[DanL]

A dog barking is pretty much of a deterrent to someone trying to break in your house. Barking dogs draw neighbors to look out their windows. Burglers don't want that and 9 times out of 10 will move on to another opportunity. You have to decide, do you want a watch dog (one that will bark at any strange happenings) or a guard dog (who will attack intruders). A big dog with a big bark is going to intimidate most people whether it's trained for guard duty or not. If a burgler is dumb enough or motivated enough to come into your house with a big dog barking, they are most likely prepared to deal with the dog in a way that we wouldn't want our pets dealt with.

 

[sonny]

There's no question the Border Collie is a great little dog for herding... He may make a good watchdog , But I would not recommend one for a guard dog ,he's under powered outmatched against a 250 pound man even without a weapon.. Lets just say i had a few fights with dogs... lol ,but true

 

[Amstaffer]

A dog barking is pretty much of a deterrent to someone trying to break in your house. Barking dogs draw neighbors to look out their windows. Burglers don't want that and 9 times out of 10 will move on to another opportunity. You have to decide, do you want a watch dog (one that will bark at any strange happenings) or a guard dog (who will attack intruders). A big dog with a big bark is going to intimidate most people whether it's trained for guard duty or not. If a burgler is dumb enough or motivated enough to come into your house with a big dog barking, they are most likely prepared to deal with the dog in a way that we wouldn't want our pets dealt with.

Good post!

 

[filarotten]

I say go with one of the mastiff breeds. They are wonderful with children.
Very loving, affectionate family dogs. More laid back than most other breeds and well behaved house dogs. They have a tendency to eyeball a situation before reacting. However, they require much socialization. They need to be introduced to good situations and people for that eyeball to work properly. There are many mastiffs in shelters. Large dogs are often cast aside because of their size. I am sure one of them would be forever grateful for you giving it a loving permanent home. They are basically velcro dogs that love to be with their people. But, most people won't jack with you. You have a dog that is over a hundred pounds most jerks are going to think twice before entering your house. If your living in a rough neighborhood I am sure it is filled with pits and rotties already. I would go with something different.

Oh, the bull terrier. They are having several issues. Dog, people, and training issues. He has been much harder to train than their pit and boxer. (They also have an older boxer). Their pit loves everybody and so does their boxer.

You also have to take into consideration the size of your yard. (Hopefully fenced) Some breeds need more exercise and running room than others.

 

[gaddylovesdogs]

My border collie mix is a great watchdog. She loves people, but she is wary of strangers and protective of me. If we're out walking, when it's a little dark, and she sees someone, she'll become very alert. She usually calms down once we get closer, but if they came near us she's ready to leap forward to check them out before they have a chance to come close to me.

A lot of dogs can be great protectors, but it's important to remember, that if someone is carrying a weapon, they could easily just shoot or stab your dog, easily injuring - or killing - your dog. But seeing a dog (especially a larger one) usually scares people off.

 

[showpug]

The best guard dog I have ever come in contact with is the Great Dane. There is no breed on this earth that has more heart when it comes to protecting their family. My Great Dane was unbelievable when it came to guarding and I don't mean watching, I mean guarding his family. He was loving and a joy to be around, but when he sensed danger he would always stand in front of me, sleep in the doorway of our bedroom and when I would answer the door he would stand inbetween myself and the person at the door. He had amazing natural ability and good judgement and we miss him dearly.

 

[sonny]

That's very true...... but if they did come in anyway the guard dog is a more formidable opponent, and you and your family would have a better chance with a guard dog . hopefully your home to help him out call police or whatever .. How's this for a monkey wrench ? a watchdog that knows the intruder , Undersized dog that you rely on his bark and not a bite. However would the intruder be as confident entering if you had a rotty that barley lets him move around the house freely when the owners around never mind a sneak visit to steel your cash ......that's the difference with a guard dog. Ofcourse he can be killed but that's part of the job, heck driving can get you killed and we do it everyday.

A dog barking is pretty much of a deterrent to someone trying to break in your house. Barking dogs draw neighbors to look out their windows. Burglers don't want that and 9 times out of 10 will move on to another opportunity. You have to decide, do you want a watch dog (one that will bark at any strange happenings) or a guard dog (who will attack intruders). A big dog with a big bark is going to intimidate most people whether it's trained for guard duty or not. If a burgler is dumb enough or motivated enough to come into your house with a big dog barking, they are most likely prepared to deal with the dog in a way that we wouldn't want our pets dealt with.

 

[filarotten]

Showpug, my Dane was a awesome guard dog also. He was an awesome, awesome dog. Big,Big heart. I still miss him. That is why I suggested a gd or mastiff in an earlier post. Both have big huge hearts and love their families, yet very protective. Much calmer than most, as puppys.
Brutus, does the same thing my gd did. The stand in front of you thing. If anyone tries to get to you, they have to go thru the dog first. lol
One reason I did choose Brutus, he has many characteristics like the danes. Or, maybe I should say the danes have many characteristics like the mastiff. Guess they were around first.lol

 

[showpug]

Showpug, my Dane was a awesome guard dog also. He was an awesome, awesome dog. Big,Big heart. I still miss him. That is why I suggested a gd or mastiff in an earlier post. Both have big huge hearts and love their families, yet very protective. Much calmer than most, as puppys.
Brutus, does the same thing my gd did. The stand in front of you thing. If anyone tries to get to you, they have to go thru the dog first. lol
One reason I did choose Brutus, he has many characteristics like the danes. Or, maybe I should say the danes have many characteristics like the mastiff. Guess they were around first.lol

I agree! The dane really stems from combining the mastiff with the greyhound. So, they really are a mastiff breed at heart. I have many fond memories of times my dane thought he was saving my life LOL! I guess what I loved the most is how I could tell him to do something like I would a person and he understood...it was so nice having a dog I could really communicate with. The breed is a lot to take on size wise and health wise, but they pay you back ten fold...

 

[gaddylovesdogs]

That's very true...... but if they did come in anyway the guard dog is a more formidable opponent, and you and your family would have a better chance with a guard dog . hopefully your home to help him out call police or whatever .. How's this for a monkey wrench ? a watchdog that knows the intruder , Undersized dog that you rely on his bark and not a bite. However would the intruder be as confident entering if you had a rotty that barley lets him move around the house freely when the owners around never mind a sneak visit to steel your cash ......that's the difference with a guard dog. Ofcourse he can be killed but that's part of the job, heck driving can get you killed and we do it everyday.

Umm I don't understand what the part in bold means...???

 

[DogLover4]

okay I have been looking at alot of dogs and one that really strikes is a boxer.

what do you guys think of them as guard dogs.

Also I would prefer a guard dog over a watch one.

 

[AmberwayGSD]

okay I have been looking at alot of dogs and one that really strikes is a boxer.

what do you guys think of them as guard dogs.

Also I would prefer a guard dog over a watch one.

You dont need a Guard Dog.A Boxer is a great Watchdog.You can train them in SchH so they no the difference between a threat and a normal situation.Find a good breeder who knows the breed and doesnt just breed for color.Find a good trainer who used positive methods.Training a dog to protect by beating it is not what you want since you have kids.

 

[rottiegirl]

okay I have been looking at alot of dogs and one that really strikes is a boxer.

what do you guys think of them as guard dogs.

Also I would prefer a guard dog over a watch one.

I do not think a boxer would make a great guard dog. Every boxer that I have known were way too friendly to be a good guard dog. I would suggest a different breed. GSDs are one of the best guard dogs you can find today.

 

[DogLover4]

You dont need a Guard Dog.A Boxer is a great Watchdog.You can train them in SchH so they no the difference between a threat and a normal situation.Find a good breeder who knows the breed and doesnt just breed for color.Find a good trainer who used positive methods.Training a dog to protect by beating it is not what you want since you have kids.

No offence but i'm not a fool, and I know you never hit any dog to make it do what you want.

That is why pitbulls and so many other dogs get such a bad rep by the media when really it's the dumbass owners that don't know anything about the dog they own, and do everything the wrong way when raising them from puppyhood.

 

[oriondw]

No offence but i'm not a fool, and I know you never hit any dog to make it do what you want.

That is why pitbulls and so many other dogs get such a bad rep by the media when really it's the dumbass owners that don't know anything about the dog they own, and do everything the wrong way when raising them from puppyhood.

Do you REALLY need a dog that can and will kill an intruder?

Are you ready for high insurance cost and risk of insurance cancelling your policy?

Are you ready to invest hours upon hours of work into training the dog to differentiate threats?

Most of people dont need and are not really fit to own a "guard dog", and alot that want one dont know what they are getting themselves into.

I own one, and while I have security and great trained dog, I also have to be on guard at ALL times while walking him, I have to spend loads of time doing obedience work and socialization work in different environments.

Also a dog will only start to protect when they reach maturity so be prepared to wait for at least 2 years for your dog to be a guard.

I dont think you need one, but whatever floats your boat

 

[AmberwayGSD]

No offence but i'm not a fool, and I know you never hit any dog to make it do what you want.

That is why pitbulls and so many other dogs get such a bad rep by the media when really it's the dumbass owners that don't know anything about the dog they own, and do everything the wrong way when raising them from puppyhood.

I never said you were a fool.I said some trainers still use these methods to train protection dogs.I will stop giving advice though since it is not good enough for you.

 

[DogLover4]

Well why did "YOU" get a guard dog.

You guys are all making me look like a bad guy becuase I want a guard dog for my family.

I'm sorry if you guys think thats a problem, but to be honest I would much rather have a more dominant dog that would give his life for me and my kids.

That is what I want, I'm no fool, I realize what you guys are saying ( ALTHOUGH YOUR ALL BEING VERY HYPICRTICAL BECAUSE I SEE MOST OF YOU GUYS OWN "GUARD" DOGS) but i'm ready to socialize and take my dog out to meet people and other dogs so i don't have a menace for a pet.

I'm intelligent and can handle a bigger dog. Plain and Simple I know alot about dogs, and like I said before I realize the importance of training your dog.

 

[AmberwayGSD]

Do you REALLY need a dog that can and will kill an intruder?

Are you ready for high insurance cost and risk of insurance cancelling your policy?

Are you ready to invest hours upon hours of work into training the dog to differentiate threats?

Most of people dont need and are not really fit to own a "guard dog", and alot that want one dont know what they are getting themselves into.

I own one, and while I have security and great trained dog, I also have to be on guard at ALL times while walking him, I have to spend loads of time doing obedience work and socialization work in different environments.

Also a dog will only start to protect when they reach maturity so be prepared to wait for at least 2 years for your dog to be a guard.

I dont think you need one, but whatever floats your boat

Great points.I am glad you brought it up.

 

[DogLover4]

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Well why did "YOU" get a guard dog.

You guys are all making me look like a bad guy becuase I want a guard dog for my family.

I'm sorry if you guys think thats a problem, but to be honest I would much rather have a more dominant dog that would give his life for me and my kids.

That is what I want, I'm no fool, I realize what you guys are saying ( ALTHOUGH YOUR ALL BEING VERY HYPICRTICAL BECAUSE I SEE MOST OF YOU GUYS OWN "GUARD" DOGS) but i'm ready to socialize and take my dog out to meet people and other dogs so i don't have a menace for a pet.

I'm intelligent and can handle a bigger dog. Plain and Simple I know alot about dogs, and like I said before I realize the importance of training your dog.