I have no children yet, but I am planning to within the next 2-3 years. My Fiancee and I work all day and we would like to keep the dog indoors as we have recently had our home burglarized. I am looking for a large-sized breed that will be okay indoors and left alone for the greater portion of the day, as well as a dog that will be okay with my 2 cats.. On weekends, the dog will be smothered with attention and walks. Looking for Ideas!!!
2006-09-14 11:04:26 · 12 answers · asked by ellem_x2 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
My Australian Shepherd is the most protective dog I've ever seen! I have multiple cats and my dog is never caged, his breeding is to protect animals not bite them... With humans, he's very cautious and no stranger can come near w/o him throwing a fit until we say it's okay (except young children, those he just plays with and gets protective of...) He's only 35 pounds, but that's a bit safer size to leave uncaged all day... If you read up on them you'll see all kinds of stories where they have saved their owners lives... One thing, they can be high energy so if inside all day, will need a good play session in the evening... Walks, fetch, and just running around silly are mines favorites... Good luck!!! Oh, and please be really careful with German shepherds alone with cats, I noticed some people mentioned that breed and they can be snappish with smaller animals sometimes...
2006-09-14 12:43:02 · answer #1 · answered by Grimm 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
joe has a point.....if you're main focus is home protection, get an alarm system. Life changes with children, and a lot of dogs dont do well with a new baby in the house, regardless of breed. If you are set on getting a dog though, chances are your cats are going to hate the dog no matter how nice the dog is to the cats. If your cats are older, it'll be that much harder because puppies want to play and most adult cats just want to be left alone. I have to disagree with the person who recommended a Lab though ( I have one)......they are NOT the ideal dog to have to be cooped up indoors all day...they are a hunting breed and need lots of romping time, especially as puppies (mine's 2 now and still needs to run several times a day). Too, it's going to take at least a year before you can leave the dog alone indoors, unkenneled (potty training, chewing, etc.) so he wont be much good as a gaurd dog anyway.
2006-09-14 11:27:31 · answer #2 · answered by threedscreations 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I am a single mom and I have 2 kids. I don't believe in guns in my home. I thought the best way to protect my house, the kids and I when we were home was a dog. I researched all the breeds and fostered some out of the Humane Society. While doing this, I came across a mutt and her 5 puppies. They didn't have the means to ween the pups and unfortunately was going to put them down. I, being the sucker that I am, brought all 6 dogs home. I weened the pups and kept the mom. Because she had already had a litter of pups, and had the "mom" in her, she has been great for 6 years. She backs people off my property and when she is done, she comes in and lays at our feet. If you are planning on having kids, this might be the best way for you to go....
Good luck!!
2006-09-14 12:08:49 · answer #3 · answered by Beth C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This may sound crazy but I would go with a Rottweiler... The only thing you need to worry about with this breed is that you get one from a good blood line. Once they are trained he or she will be the best dog you have ever owned. We have 3 cats, 1 dog, and a 5 yr. old son, and of course our Rottie pup..They all get along great and if you want protection go with this breed.
2006-09-14 12:21:41 · answer #4 · answered by stylist_girl_21 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
So your gonna leave a large size dog alone in a house with 2 cats ALL DAY? For pretection? What are you gonna do if you want to go on vacation? You think burglars are really afraid of a dog? Change your locks and invest in an alarm system, not a dog!
2006-09-14 11:25:29 · answer #5 · answered by ChrissyLicious 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
How about a Lab? If you got one as a puppy (or younger dog) you could gradually get the dog and cats used to each other. Labs are very protective and loyal. Just make sure to keep the pets seperated when you can't supervise. Ideally you could gate off the bottom floor of your home and allow the cats to roam free upstairs and the dog down where he'd be the most use protecting the entrances. Shelters will be able to tell you which of their dogs will get along with cats if you decide to adopt.
2006-09-14 11:09:03 · answer #6 · answered by Lorri YM 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You'd actually do better with a small dog that barks a lot. Larger dogs are generally more quiet. A louder dog will benefit you more because a common burglar trys to attract a little attention as possible to themselves. You also may want to walk around the outside of your house and try to trim any tall bushes located nearby any windows or doors.
2006-09-14 11:15:08 · answer #7 · answered by Fitz 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Golden retriever,rottweiler,pug,lab...When you get a dog,look for a young puppy you could get used to the cats,or if you're getting an older dog,ask the previous owners if the dog is ok with cats..If it's not,definitely don't get it,lol.Generally,don't get a full grown dog that hasn't been around cats,because they're harder to control around the cats.A small puppy will grow up with the cats,so he won't know that dogs and cats are usually rivals :o)
2006-09-14 11:37:01 · answer #8 · answered by Lindsey 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Save yourself $300-500 and about $1000 a year in food, $400 in vet bills and a lot of extra sleep around midnight...buy a good double lock for your door instead. You don't need anymore mouths to feed or any worse smells in that house. You certainly aren't going to make the dog's life any more pleasant by abandoning him all day.
2006-09-14 11:15:27 · answer #9 · answered by joe_on_drums 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I know someone with a Doberman and a toy poodle (cat sized) and they get along great. They also bark loudly - which is ideal for scarig off a burglar. Good luck!
2006-09-14 11:14:19 · answer #10 · answered by Phoenixsong 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋