At the end of this month, I'm moving into one of my boyfriend's houses alone and he is insisting I get a good watch dog. But I don't know anything about dogs, so could someone please tell me what breed is good for this kind of thing?
2006-12-10 05:25:33 · 21 answers · asked by Chloe 3 in Pets ➔ Dogs
A dog should be a friend not your first line of defense. Get an alarm and then buy a gold fish
2006-12-11 03:55:38 · answer #1 · answered by alrac042 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have to agree with several others... Do you WANT a dog??? If you aren't all gung ho to get a dog, then do get an alarm system and perhaps motion sensitive lights in your yard rather than a dog.
If, however, you DO want a dog... do some research on the type of dog you want and then look into whether or not that type will be "guardy". For example, an Irish Wolfhound, while humongous, is not at all a watchdog nor are they aggressive (at least they aren't supposed to be). The terriers as a group are very protective of their turf and will definitely let you know if any thing is up, sometimes to the point of barking when leaves blow.
I remember an Oprah show where she interviewed a former burglar, and he said the biggest deterrent was a barking dog. He burgled one house with a St. Bernard who followed him silently from room to room, not doing anything but drooling. At another house a little terrier bloodied his ankles to the point that he left in the first 5 minutes without any loot.
2006-12-10 05:47:40 · answer #2 · answered by dogandcatluvr 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey Nikki, first question you need to ask yourself: Can I love and care for a dog for the best part of the next 20 years? Because a dog is a hell of a lot more than just an alarm system, it's a living, breathing creature that is going to need as much, if not more, of your time and attention as a child. On the other hand, if you commit yourself to a dog prepare to have your life enriched a hundred-fold - being a dog mum is the bomb!! As to the question of breed: Dogs' hearing is far superior to humans', so if all you want is to be alerted to anything untoward, any breed will do. My Havanese puppy weighs in at 5 pounds but wakes me up in the dead of the night if she hears someone coming in the gate; the gate's so far away that I wouldn't hear it even if I were awake!
2006-12-10 05:57:09 · answer #3 · answered by pinkpiggypig 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
pretty much any dog can be a good watch dog sense it's natural for dogs to be protective of their owners. However will you only be getting this dog to be a watch dog and not because you want pet and a companion? Because if so you'll probably be better off just getting an alarm system instead. Dogs are a lot of work and you really have to make sure your prepared to take care of them. You really should only get one because you want a dog to love and care for as well. Not just because you need an alarm system.
They need to be feed, taken to the vet for shots etc, played with, walked, trained etc. Are you sure your up to all this? If so you should read up on some breeds and see what ones fit in best with your life and living situation. Different breeds need different things and need to be taken care of in different ways. You don't want to end up with a dog that is more than you can handle.
2006-12-10 05:47:17 · answer #4 · answered by Chihiro00 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd agree with most everyone that a German Shepherd would be a great watchdog. Be careful though, they *can* (definitely don't always) develop a mean streak.
Personally, if you've got the space in the new house, I'd get a black lab. Very friendly dogs, incredibly smart, with a very good protective nature to those that he's bonded with. They don't tend to be stubborn, which makes them easy to train. They're common enough that you can get a mix without breaking the bank. Good hearing and good loud barks.
I'd head down to your local dog pound. The folks there know unending amounts about dogs, and will be able to reccommend the perfect dog for your situation.
2006-12-10 05:35:37 · answer #5 · answered by bendavisbendavis 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The ONLY reason you should get a dog is because you want a loving companion. You should not get one because your boyfriend has the heebie jeebies about his precious girlfriend staying *gulp* alone in a house! The dog will need feeding. Walking. Vet bills. Shots. Love. Attention. Training. Holiday arrangements.
Please do not get a dog. You've just admitted you know nothing about them! A dog needs a good caring owner who wants him for a personality, not an alarm system. That's why burglar alarms were invented. They need so much care and dedication. He will be around for over a decade. Please don't tell me you're planning on throwing him out at the pound once you break up, or move into one of your boyfriend's numerous houses together.
2006-12-10 05:42:24 · answer #6 · answered by Emily 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Girl, I hate you. Are you actually asking because you need a dog, or are you just trying to make us fat, happy dog loving women jealous because you're pretty and have a rich boyfriend? Lol! I'm just kidding, really, well, kinda, but I would have to agree that a German Sheperd would be the way to go. We have had one for four years and he has never given us any problems, but sometimes he will growl, though that really doesn't mean he's going to hurt you. But please take care of it and don't be one of those chicks that tosses pets like they toss men. I hope you know that the majority of animals brought to the pounds are put down? It is a sad situation.
2006-12-10 06:15:27 · answer #7 · answered by xxcupcakes_glitterbunnyxx 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A dog barks, that is why it is good to have one. Barks alert you to someone being outside, if the dog is inside. A barking dog regardless of what breed it is , is a known deterent. Do bark is what wakes you up, makes you look out and see what is going on. If person hears dog barking, they are not sure if the dog will attack them or not. If you get one, you be the only master. Do not let everyone pet him, or he will be friendly to everyone. If you see a stranger , encourage him to bark by saying " get him" in a serious way and serious voice. Voice tones is what animals usually go by. I think your boyfriend is right. If you live alone, a dog is good to have.
2006-12-10 05:35:25 · answer #8 · answered by m c 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
tell your b/f to buy you a dog then since he wants you to have one so bad . I would reccomend a german sheppard or fila brasario or something of that nature and learn about the breed before you get one do your reasearch and read. Library has some excellent books on dogs . good luck and god bless.
2006-12-10 10:44:42 · answer #9 · answered by Kate T. 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I highly suggest you learn about dogs before getting one at all.
Read about different dog breed, consider how much it will cost to feed, alter and give shots to your new dog. Really make sure you take in consideration all the dogs needs. What will you do if your boyfriend and yourself seperate? Who will take the dog?
2006-12-10 05:29:23 · answer #10 · answered by lunar_flame 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋