Advice needed on a guard dog and children
Inna Lauris
I've already posted an article on the net regarding Rhodesian Ridgeback.
I've also realized that we need to learn about other options as well
as there may be a problem with having RR and children together.
Here is our situation.
My husband and I never had a dog before, but do want to get one. We have
2 gilrs 5 and 9 who are a bit scared of dogs but are getting better now.
They are O.K with small dogs but a bit afraid of our friends' boxer , who
knocked down a 5 year old, when she was 3.
We both work, so a dog would have to stay home 8-9 hours by itself.
Although when it's still a puppy, we'll get home for lunch to take it out,
so it'll be 4 hours or so in the beginning. We are also willing
to invest into obedience training, i.e going to training sessions.
The dog would sleep in the house, but we also have a backyard where it can run
but cannot dig :) We'd like to get a larger breed so it would be a good
protector for the family. We also want a dog with a little odor and not too
much shedding.
I am sure that this group must have these kind of questions being asked
quite often, which makes pople tired of repeating the answers, but ...
I would really appreciate your suggestions/comments.
Redmond Young
>I've already posted an article on the net regarding Rhodesian Ridgeback.
>I've also realized that we need to learn about other options as well
>as there may be a problem with having RR and children together.
>My husband and I never had a dog before, but do want to get one. We have
>2 gilrs 5 and 9 who are a bit scared of dogs but are getting better now.
>They are O.K with small dogs but a bit afraid of our friends' boxer , who
>knocked down a 5 year old, when she was 3.
My brother has two Ridgebacks (90 lbs and 70 lbs), and two young children
(6 and 4). The dogs are just too big and clumsy, and his female RR is
just so excitable and exuberant, she'd easily knock down the kids if
only in fun. These hounds are not that easily trained, either. It took
immense amounts of training for them to learn the basics, compared to
my brother's earlier dogs (a German Shepard and a Golden Retriever/Collie).
They're beautiful dogs, but somewhat of a handful for inexperienced
dog owners. My brother does have experience handling large dogs.
>>We'd like to get a larger breed so it would be a good
>>protector for the family. We also want a dog with a little odor and not too
>>much shedding.
My brother's co-worker has a gorgeous female Doberman that is awesome.
She's a real sweetie around his newborn son, and is mid-sized at around
60-65 lbs. Short haired. Just make sure you get a well-bred one that
is socialized at an early age. This Dobie doesn't seem to be aggressive
to other dogs or strangers outside the home (we were all running our
dogs at a fenced-in dog park), but I'm sure a Dobie has natural protective
instincts when it comes to the home.
Check Dobermans out, carefully. They got a bad rap 20 years ago, and
poorly bred ones should be avoided. But if you get a good one, they're
wonderful dogs. Unfortunately, your neighbors might not think so at
first ...
Red
CURLCOAT
called a guard dog will be too big for little kids and it will shed, even
Dobes shed little hairs. If you want a dog for *protection* then invest
in an alarm or something instead. However, most big dogs will learn to
bark at trouble and will look impressive enough to cause troublemakers to
think twice, without having to actually be a *guard* dog. Its best to not
have a *guard* dog because of the potential problems these days with
bites, children, etc.
AVRAMA GINGOLD
size would act as a deterrent to any potential burglars or
molesters? Because you and your husband are not experienced dog
owners/handlers, and because you mention your children are still
somewhat frightened of large dogs, I suggest that you look at
the latter choice. Many of the guard dog breeds are very bouncy
and active as youngsters (okay, almost all puppies are bouncey
and active), which can frighten your children.
You need a dog who will live in the house when you are in the
house, and be outside when you are outside. Oddly enough, the
two breeds I would most readily recommend are both giant breeds:
the Newfoundland and the Mastiff, both of which have excellent
reputations with children. Because the Newfie is heavily
coated, it is a very fuzzy puppy, cute beyond the automatic
cuteness of puppyhood. Thus your children are very likely to be
attracted to him or her. Although not a guard dog per se, no
criminal in his right mind is going to break into a house with a
dog the size of a Newfie looking out the window, and any mugger
seeing you walk a Newfie will wait for someone else.
(Meanwhile, should you have a swimming pool, you have a furry
lifeguard.) Newfies tend to be very gentle, and not
exceptionally high energy dogs. They can do very well in
obedience (and I am glad you realize you will have to go to
school with the dog, and work with him at home), and are
absolutely wonderful to cuddle up to when you come in from the
cold.
They do need frequent combing and brushing, and will drool,
especially when they drink water (constantly). A Newfie puppy
will contentedly fall asleep with its paws in the water bowl.
By the bye, your children will also have to be trained, as well
as the dog, in how to behave with the dog.
Mastiffs are smooth coated, and can be a bit more aggressive
than Newfies, but also tend to be superb with children. They
have a "pushed-in" face, so although they are smooth coated, do
not do well in very hot climates.
Both breeds MUST be purchased from dedicated, knowledgeable, and
responsible breeders, who are concerned about temperament. A
gentle giant is wonderful; one with a bad temperament would be a
horror.
Good luck, and happy heeling!
Avrama & Shomer
P.S. Note that I am not recommending my own breed (Dobes) nor Rottis (my
favorite non-Dobe breed) because both breeds do best with experienced
owners.
---
* SLMR 2.0 * Responsible dog ownership or no dog ownership!
Meg Baird
>
>We are looking for a good guard dog taht would also be good with children.
>... also have a backyard where it can run
>but cannot dig :) We'd like to get a larger breed so it would be a good
>protector for the family.
Please, don't get a Rottweiler. A well-bred, well socialized Rott can
be wonderful with children, but they love to dig. (And chew, and eat
small trees...) Our backyard looks like a mine field, but I still
think they are among the best dogs on earth.
Before you get a puppy (whatever kind you decide on), please try to
learn as much as possible, and spend a lot of time looking for a breeder
whose dogs you feel comfortable with. A big gaurding breed, such as
Rotts or GSD's, needs a very strong- willed person to love. Some dogs,
Rotts, especially, will dominate their households if allowed.
Meg Baird
A. Steven Wayne
> We are looking for a good guard dog taht would also be good with children.
> I've already posted an article on the net regarding Rhodesian Ridgeback.
> I've also realized that we need to learn about other options as well
> as there may be a problem with having RR and children together.
>
> Here is our situation.
>
> My husband and I never had a dog before, but do want to get one. We have
> 2 gilrs 5 and 9 who are a bit scared of dogs but are getting better now.
> They are O.K with small dogs but a bit afraid of our friends' boxer , who
> knocked down a 5 year old, when she was 3.
> We both work, so a dog would have to stay home 8-9 hours by itself.
> Although when it's still a puppy, we'll get home for lunch to take it out,
> so it'll be 4 hours or so in the beginning. We are also willing
> to invest into obedience training, i.e going to training sessions.
>
> The dog would sleep in the house, but we also have a backyard where it can run
> but cannot dig :) We'd like to get a larger breed so it would be a good
> protector for the family. We also want a dog with a little odor and not too
> much shedding.
Try a giant schnauzer (bitch preferred). It was one of the few breeds my
wife's allergist would allow when we needed a dog for security purposes.
Just get a good pet and it should be very protective. DO NOT GET AN
ATTACK TRAINED DOG, it would be like leaving a loaded gun around. The
bitches I have are great with kids and would love to have one of their
own.
Jim Bragg
>In article <48tkqe$j...@hpindda.cup.hp.com>, in...@cup.hp.com (Inna Lauris) wrote:
>
>Try a giant schnauzer (bitch preferred). It was one of the few breeds my
>wife's allergist would allow when we needed a dog for security purposes.
>Just get a good pet and it should be very protective.
AWWWWW, I don't know about that Mr. Wayne. I will not dispute what your
allergist says too much as far as the shedding goes but, The Giant
Schnauzer in just a larger version of the Standard Schnauzer who is also
known as the Wire-haired Pinscher from Germany. This is a version of the
German Pinscher or Smooth-haired Pinscher (Schnauzer) from Germany.
Please understand that I LOVE the German Pinscher, thier size, build,
intelligence, and love of people, BUT, they are not just for anybody. A
GP will try you every now and then and need to be put in thier place.
It's not hard, just a harsh word, or something to establish your
dominence over the dog. I would imagine that the GS is the same way.
GP's are very good with people and love to interact with humans but the
Pinscher/Schnauzer breed may be too much for a couple of little girls who
are already somewhat afraid of dogs.
Jim Bragg
lj...@ix.netcom.com
>We are looking for a good guard dog taht would also be good with children.
>I've already posted an article on the net regarding Rhodesian Ridgeback.
>I've also realized that we need to learn about other options as well
>as there may be a problem with having RR and children together.
>My husband and I never had a dog before, but do want to get one. We have
>2 gilrs 5 and 9 who are a bit scared of dogs but are getting better now.
>They are O.K with small dogs but a bit afraid of our friends' boxer , who
>knocked down a 5 year old, when she was 3.
>We both work, so a dog would have to stay home 8-9 hours by itself.
>Although when it's still a puppy, we'll get home for lunch to take it out,
>so it'll be 4 hours or so in the beginning. We are also willing
>to invest into obedience training, i.e going to training sessions.
>The dog would sleep in the house, but we also have a backyard where it can run
>but cannot dig :) We'd like to get a larger breed so it would be a good
>protector for the family. We also want a dog with a little odor and not too
>much shedding.
I am somwhat reluctant to reply as I am, but I feel compelled to do
so. What you appear to want is not a dog, but some supernatural being
that will magically adjust to YOUR needs and wants. In some ways, a
dog can almost become this but NOT by:
(1) Being bred for guard dog behavioral characteristics and being
supervised by a family where both parents work and have no experience
raising.large, protective breeds. Rhodesian Ridgebacks are large,
sometimes "ungangly dogs". Though they can be quite sweet, some have
aggressive tendencies. Further, they can be touch "insensitive" and
easily and unintentionally knocking down a little girl.
(2) Where digging and shedding are unacceptable behaviors. Dogs enjoy
digging and most (but admittedly not all) will shed. Digging is among
the hardest behaviors to eradicate, even for very capable dog
trainers. Leaving a dog alone all day makes this task virtually
impossible.
(3) Being left in the yard, unsupervised during the day. Dogs are
social animals. Humans seem to think that a dog can spend 8-12 hours
per day unsupervised and then return home to a dog that behaves like
Lassie and has magically picked up dog manners, devotion and perfect
canine behavior. This is no more likely to happen with your dog than a
child.
If you decide to purchase a dog, please find a well informed and
sensitive breeder. Go to the library and check out books on breed
selection and canine behavior, genetic traits (and flaws), etc..
Observe the puppy's parents and closely heed the breeders advice. If
you fail to do this and your dog should become a "humane society
reject" after six months it will be TOTALLY your fault.
Finally, it is possible to work full time and successfully own and
raise a "GREAT" dog, provided you are willing to come home after a
full dyas work and, especially during the first 18 months to two
years, put as much effort, time and thought into raising your dog as
your children. If you are fortunate, less effort may be required, but
I wouldn't count on it.
THE DVS1
>We are looking for a good guard dog taht would
>also be good with children...<snip>
Are you looking for a family pet, or a device to protect your belonging?
Sorry if I'm wrong but your posting makes it sounds like you want a dog
primarily as a security device. If so, may I recommend a electronic home
security system? Since your kids are uncomfortable with big dogs, why not
get a security system for your home and a small dog as a *PET*.
*** Jan (aka: the dvs 1)___the...@aol.com ***
James A. Storm
another member of the family, then get a dog. But remember that they
require attention, love, medical care, and all the other things that
kids require. They're a living, feeling creature, not a
consumer product. I think you'll find that most of the larger breeds
are very good with kids. The combination of kids and dogs is one of
the most wonderful things there is.
Just remember that a good dog must be treated like one of the family.
They are a very social animal and want to take part in everything you
do. Even the smallest and most docile of dogs will tend to protect
their family.
Jim & Tasha the Amstaff
PeteDDS
>We are looking for a good guard dog taht would also be good with
children.
and a whole bunch more.......
You don't need a dog with your situation. It will demand time which you
can't afford. It will demand attention which you can't afford and the
kids will shy away from.
Introduce your kids to dogs at pet shops, friend's homes, dog tracks, and
every other place you can find a dog. Don't bring a puppy home until your
kids are comfortable being around dogs.
Better yet get a burglar alarm and security system. It doesn't shed,
there is no need to house train it, the kids won't get nervous around it,
and it won't end up at the SPCA! You can buy a dog statue in a furniture
shop and now they even have an electronic "barking dog" security device,
found in Hammaker and Schlemmer. Get these and you'lll be in business and
YOU WON'T NEED A POOPER-SCOOPER!!!!!!!!
What you want is impossible in a living, breathing, dog!
PeteDDS
unwilling to change their lives at all for a pet responsibility. They
need a ceramice dog, electronic guard dog barking device, and a burglar
alarm system. NO poop to clean, no dog food to buy, no baths to give.
And their kids won't be scarred of them either!
--Pete
Dawn Conway
Bernese Mountain Dog. These are gentle giants but protective by nature,
in a non-agressive way. Bernese Mountain Dogs are a Swiss breed known for
their handsome appearance, loyalty and stable dispositions. They are a
longhaired breed so a certain amount of vaccuuming the house is involved,
but they are also people dogs and should not be isolated in a kennel
outside. Bernese can be 85-105 lbs. While gentle by nature, their size
alone would deter a would-be thief. I suggest you look the breed up in a
dog book and chat to an owner. There are Bernese Mountain Dog Clubs in
Canada, the U.S. and several other countries and these could also provide
info.
Gerald I. Evenden
>
>The question is legit. One breed that is an excellent family dog is the
>Bernese Mountain Dog. These are gentle giants but protective by nature,
>in a non-agressive way. Bernese Mountain Dogs are a Swiss breed known for
>their handsome appearance, loyalty and stable dispositions. They are a
>longhaired breed so a certain amount of vaccuuming the house is involved,
>but they are also people dogs and should not be isolated in a kennel
>outside. Bernese can be 85-105 lbs. While gentle by nature, their size
>alone would deter a would-be thief. I suggest you look the breed up in a
------------
Wait up folks, I have a great solution for home security that will save
you a lot of time and *money* for those with kids about 5 yrs or
older. Evenden's 9mm Bowser Home Security. Protection guaranteed.
First, go down to your local gun dealer and pick up one of those nifty,
lightwight, 9mm semiautomatic pistols. Don't forget to get ammo.
Take it home and train your kid how to how to use it. First have him
dry fire it so he gets used to the trigger pull (you'll have to
cock it for him).
Next, load the pistol, and make sure has a round in the chamber
and is cocked (we don't want the kid to have to double action it).
Next, give him the pistol and tell him that he is only supposed to aim
it at strangers coming into the house but not to pull the trigger
unless mommy or daddy say "sick 'em." If mummy or daddy are not
around, the child is to blast away immediately.
WHAT GREAT PROTECTION! This only costs a couple of hundred dollars
(probably less than some guard dog breeds) and NO dog food or vet bills.
AND no house breaking, soiled rugs, hair on the furniture ... .
Evenden's 9mm Bowser Home Security --- get one today.
-------
For those of you who need and explanation of my sarcasm. Dogs, at
best, have the mental capabilities of a 5 year old and, given size
and doggedness, could inflict the equivalent damage of a 9mm. And
they can "shoot you in the foot" also.
GIE