Dogs

[Kleanbore]

For those who can have them at home, many of us believe that dogs can provide a measure of security against evil-doers and other risks. They warn us, and their bark may well dissuade those who would enter our homes uninvited.

Dogs either have to be walked or let out into a fenced yard.

LEOs, including some who are members here, have told us of incidents in which bad guys have tossed poison or sedatives into the yard to take the dogs out of the picture, or to sedate them so they can be taken for sale.

We would notice the effects right away. We do not want it to happen to our dog.

We do not want our dog to engage with any human. If it's a crook, she would probably be shot. If not, she would likely be taken from us.

We do not let our dog out unless one of us is at home.

I think that having a dog can add an extra margin of safety and security against crime, fire, and other dangers.

They can also create serious liability. Anyone choosing a dog breed should look at all facets of the subject.

In our case, we want an intelligent, non-aggressive dog with a long life span that is not apt to have congenital health problems . One that does not shed. And one that can be taught to stay in and/or return to the yard.

Sadly, some of those rule out the Parson Russell.

 

[Terry G]

The Labrador would be perfect. (I'm totally biased) But they shed enough to stuff a mattress.

 

[SharpDog]

I walk my dogs a dozen or so times a day on leashes. They are very large and aggressive. I take the time to note my surroundings ... new cars ... changed environment and appeareces at the neighbors, etc. I also spend any other time I am outside or at a window noticing changes in my environment. I have had 17 dogs over the last 50+ years.

My dogs are encouraged to bark at any noise (some of that is on TV or in response to one of the other dogs ... e.g. tail wag hits a shelf). They usually alert when someone is about 50 yards from the house (the dogs stay inside).

I would no sooner let my dogs out by themselves than I would my children.

Dogs by themselves are not a silver bullet (werewolf reference ...) In addition to the dogs I also have video surveilance and electronic security as well as physical security. None of my windows can be seen through from the outside at ground level. If I am not home the house still looks 'lived in' with sounds, lights and cars in the driveway.-

Oh, as far as breed, they are all rescues. In fact I'll take the uggliest B@$**** that no one else will take because I am willing to spend the time to save their lives.

 

[whughett]

The wife and I have lived in this house for 51 years come January. Dogs for the most part have shared the space with us. Our current one, our forth, a 15 year old of unknown ancestry, was adopted as a puppy. Dogs in this house are pets and family members and aren’t kept for security reasons but as companions. But then we are city dwellers and for the most part reside

in a quiet neighbor.

 

[Rexster]

I got a Rat Terrier, but, a Rat Terrier bred for general type, rather than to a breed standard. The dam looked exactly like a Rat Terrier, but the sire was a more-or-less Rat Terrier, with obvious out-crossing. So, this little girl grew up looking true to type, to a predictable size, and acting true to type, but with, hopefully, some level of hybrid vigor. Both parents live where coyotes roam, so, though small, they are of, and from, tough stock.

The only “papers” involved? A US $100 bill.

Nothing, and I mean nothing, sneaks up on this little girl. That was what I hoped for, and is what I received. Life is good.

She shares my living space, and is excellent for road trips. I do not want her to bite an attacker; her role is to be an alarm, and a distraction.

 

[bikerdoc]

Had dogs most of my life.
Mostly big dogs, Rotts, shepards, labs, but that little critter above has more heart than all of them. Yappy little thing that is afraid of nothing. He only goes out with one of us cause of the hawks.

 

[Dirtybob]

One that does not shed

I don't think there is a dog breed that does not shed. Was told once that poodles don't shed but the one we rescued (years ago) did.
FWIW I would say a Lab or Lab/Shepard mix would fit the rest of your criteria.

 

[Frulk]

On New Years day this year we lost our rescued Jack Russel/ Blue Heeler Hybrid to old age at 16.5 years. Having been an executive officer (XO) to her for that long I came to the conclusion that any other breed/mix is just a dog. 25 pounds. Athletic. Intelligent. Fast. Able to run on a trail all day. Guard instincts with a deeper more mid sized non piercing bark. Fierce when confronted. Loyal. Survived Rocky Mt Spotted Fever.

Early August this year I was in Idaho fly fishing for a few days and spoke with an XO to a locally popular cross breed (Cowboy Corgis.... that’s a 50/50 mix of Heeler and Corgi). Was impressed with their look and attitude. XO stated they have huge personalities. Anyway, found one on a massive cattle operation were owner had a litter for local herding use. Applied for XO and luckily she accepted me.

Already staked out the homestead as her personal domain. Very alert and on point to any movement or noise not generated by family. Fast. Very intelligent and extremely fast learner. Solid bark. Hardy. I’m quickly coming to the conclusion that anything other than a Cowboy Corgi is just a dog.

 

[emartin]

I raise Rhodesian Ridgebacks, they are a great deterant to would be criminals. 1st, yes they can poison or kill. That would put me on high alert. 2nd, I keep 1 in my house at night. Noone is coming inside without a fight. I love my dogs, but would rather lose a dog than a life.I also have a yapper inside.I only require enough time to realize what is going on to handle a breach on my own.My dogs will give that to me. Plus, a bonus, no solicitations

 

[Trunk Monkey]

My dog Mutt

Seriously, I watch crackheads walk up and down the street with purebred dogs (the one that sticks in my mind was a purebred Rottweiler) that they couldn't possibly afford to buy every night.

Where do you think those dogs come from?

When I lived in a house I caught my neighbor throwing rotten meat over our fence to our dogs just because she was fruitier than a nut cake.

We no longer own any dogs (except Mutt) but when we did they were not allowed outside unsupervised under any circumstances.

ETA Mutt is no longer an outside dog. She stays inside now.

 

[Meeks36]

A few years ago my wife was home alone with kids and our dog. Some fella came a knocking. By knocking I mean he tried to beat the door down. Our Australian Shepherd Chow mix. Jumped up barking and ran him off. This is just one incident that we know of. Sadly hes about to pass. 14 years old. Takes two different pain meds.

 

[Frulk]

My neighbor behind me has a Rhodesian Ridgeback. He named him Trigger. Well behaved until someone unknown comes around. While not mine I consider him part of my early warning system.

 

[IdaD]

The Labrador would be perfect. (I'm totally biased) But they shed enough to stuff a mattress.View attachment 947051

Labs are great dogs. We have Labradoodle now that's also great. Very similar temperament compared to the Labs I've been around, but a little calmer and doesn't shed nearly as much. Also an awesome dog with the kids and their friends. She's got a good bark to wake us up but I think that's the extent of how useful she would be in terms of protection, but at least she would alert us. I'd rather have a great family dog with kids around, both in our household and the neighborhood, than risk having a more aggressive dog breed around. Just my two cents.

 

[George P]

I raise Rhodesian Ridgebacks, they are a great deterant to would be criminals. 1st, yes they can poison or kill. That would put me on high alert. 2nd, I keep 1 in my house at night. Noone is coming inside without a fight. I love my dogs, but would rather lose a dog than a life.I also have a yapper inside.I only require enough time to realize what is going on to handle a breach on my own.My dogs will give that to me. Plus, a bonus, no solicitations

Mine is half lab, half Ridgeback; she barks when the mailman is two blocks away and at every delivery person or someone walking by. I am not worried about someone throwing poison over the fence. I have to wonder where some of you live to worry about that.

 

[Meeks36]

Mine is half lab, half Ridgeback; she barks when the mailman is two blocks away and at every delivery person or someone walking by. I am not worried about someone throwing poison over the fence. I have to wonder where some of you live to worry about that.

I live 20 minutes from downtown atlanta. So yeah. Thought about training our new dog to only eat what we give him/her. Current dog will eat any and everything he can get.

 

[earlthegoat2]

Someone was pounding on our door in the middle of the night once. Usually pretty territorial, my female puggle took a second to start bellowing but as soon as she did the pounding stopped and I was up to see a car drive off a few seconds later.

Dunno. Wrong house for sure either way you cut it.

This dog is pure worthless in every other context except as a watch dog. Roly poly and 25 lbs, she mostly enjoys eating and sleeping. We have since rescued an abused Beagle mutt. She is not much of a watch dog in general and doesnt bark much but she will pipe in whenever the Puggle starts up and its quite a loud crescendo.

 

[.455_Hunter]

Our dog is a lab/greyhound/??? mutt that was brought to Colorado from Texas for adoption at the local shelter. He is 70 lb, highly protective, and alerts when confronted with unknown threats. He has even chased-off adult black bears from the kids play area.

 

[whughett]

This is this guy’s forte. Guarding the knee in case a stray bit falls from the dinner plate

 

[George P]

Mine can have a full bowl - which she eats in less than 30 seconds - and will still come looking for food.

 

[dh1633pm]

The cat is more aware than the dogs. The Dogs are Labs. Shed like crazy and love everyone. They do bark and we don’t punish them for it. We let them out whenever they ask. We don’t watch them. We have a fenced in yard. One is wimpy but extra smart. The other is big, athletic, and watches the other one when he doesn’t understand. They are family members. Protecting the house is a shared responsibility.

 

[Jeff White]

I am not worried about someone throwing poison over the fence. I have to wonder where some of you live to worry about that.

My lab was poisoned years ago. I suspect it was someone who had a grudge about something I did on the job. Rebel was the best dog I ever owned. He had been mistreated by someone who wore a uniform before I got him and it took the longest time for him to want anything to do with me when I had my uniform on.

I know everyone loves their dog and thinks the dog is a vital part of their security plan. It was my experience that unless the dog was professionally trained for security work it can let you down. I took plenty of burglary reports where the owner was upset that the dog didn’t run the burglar off.

 

[Old Dog]

Typically, at least one of the three dogs we've always owned at one time has some law enforcement training. I'm not so concerned about the liability aspect as my home is well-posted, with six-foot chain link fencing all around and locked gates, the dogs are disciplined to not accept food or treats from strangers unless one of us tells them it's okay, and they will not engage (physically) unless either ordered to or one of us is being physically accosted -- and if that happens, action will be immediate, and drastic. Additionally, I'm pretty confident in my two alarm systems securing the house. (new puppies on top and bottom --only time I can get them to stay still for pics if when they're sleeping, they're pretty active)

 

[Balrog]

Best dog I have ever had is a beagle-boxer mix that I got from the pound. Great dog.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

I am not worried about someone throwing poison over the fence. I have to wonder where some of you live to worry about that.

I wonder where you live that human beings aren't vile

 

[Kleanbore]

I am not worried about someone throwing poison over the fence.

Why do you think that what you may or may not be worried about would mean anything?