If you plan on getting a dog for protection, expect to pay a LOT of money. You can't just get a "tough" dog, and train it yourself - training a dog to be agressive is a tricky thing! You have to be able to teach it who to look out for, when to be on guard and how much agression is needed in any given situation.
By doing it yourself, you're probably going to get a dangerous dog who is badly socialized. If you have the money to do it properly, it might work, but it's a big expense.
And to feed & house either one (not to mention BOTH) of those dogs wouldn't be cheap, and you couldn't have them in an apartment. so I hope you plan on being rich when you're 18 or 19.
Honestly, I think you're better off taking a self defence course and being aware of your surroundings. And if you still want a dog for protection, don't convince yourself that you need a big tough dog - I have a 37 pound basset hound, and when someone comes to our door, she barks louder than any dobie I've met!
2006-12-12 08:31:15
·
answer #1
·
answered by idatedashton_didyou 2
·
0⤊
0⤋
I researched Great Danes and about the only quality that make them good body guards is their size. Great Danes are often described as little dogs in a big dog's body. Do some research on that breed. If you really need a guard, a doberman would be the choice out of those two for a dog that can and will really really scare people. Dobermans have that reputation, Great Danes not so much. Just be ready if the dog ever hurts anyone. It could get you in some deep water.
2006-12-12 08:26:11
·
answer #2
·
answered by nike54_la 2
·
0⤊
0⤋
I have owned great danes for 12 years now and I can say they will definately protect you. But I would request that you give serious thought to owning a great dane. They do require attention as all dogs do. Great Danes are known as the "gentle giants" and are usually very open to other people and dogs if they are socialized properly. Great Danes can be expensive to feed and veterinary care with any medications could get costly as most medications are dosed by weight for animals. Great Danes can also go through most chew toys in a matter of minutes, so you will need the more expensive indestructable toys. I did have an incident once with a drunk trying to assault me and it was my dane that saved my life. She was only 9 months old at the time. I also own a german shepard who is more of a body guard than my current dane. With my shepard, you really have to prove to him your OK before he will accept you. Shepards are some of the smartest dogs and that's why you see so many of them as working dogs, like search and rescue or police work. Great Danes can be a handful, they grow really fast and if they aren't trained at an early age, can be hard to control. Dogs are still puppies even when they first become full grown, so with a dane, you will have a puppy that weighs over 100 pounds. I don't know much about dobermans except that they can be high energy. I'd say though, you really only need one dog for protection. Any dog that is loved and cared for by it's owner would lay down it's life for them. The dog you chose should be well suited to your living arrangements. Apartment verses house with a yard, those sorts of things. Please, just make sure you want a dog because you love dogs. Not just for protection. If you don't love dogs, I would recommend you consider other forms of protection. Having a dog and training them to be aggressive could result in a law suit or charges for harboring a dangerous animal. Not good for either of you in the end. If you are feeling you are in need of protection because you are a young woman and feel vulnerable, I suggest you talk to a police officer or attend a workshop given by the police department on personal safety. You should do this even if you get a dog. It will help boost your confidence in other areas of your life. I have taken several self defense courses and they had a remarkable impact on many aspects of my life. This was long before I ever owned a dog. I hope this was helpful to you. Good luck!
2006-12-12 11:47:11
·
answer #3
·
answered by Mary W 2
·
0⤊
0⤋
If you're really looking for a guard dog a doberman would be a better option. Even though they may require a much more disciplined handling they're great dogs. If you're just looking for a dog to, say, scare someone off, a great Dane would be better.
Dobermans can be aggressive when trained to guard and may not be the best route for the inexperienced owner, especially if you're using him/her as a guard.
Great Danes a over-sized lap dogs and are very friendly, but there is a rare one that can be aggressive.
2006-12-12 10:20:46
·
answer #4
·
answered by lupinsmyman 2
·
0⤊
0⤋
Doberman has more of a Reputation of a guard dog in my opinion.
However if you are in condition of sorts that you can do take some Self Defense Classes. It will be more beneficial than the dog and in the long run probably less expensive and in many cases you will be able to care for yourself much better than a dog could.
If you get that big of dog they eat enormous amounts of food and water. Then there is the Classes that Train not only the dog but the handler-you. And if its a pup it will no doubt have a bit of fun around your apartment or house eating and chewing up things. But hey you only live once and a dog can be a great friend...
2006-12-12 08:32:39
·
answer #5
·
answered by Scott 6
·
1⤊
0⤋
I understand your concerns, but I would stick to something like a golden retriever or lab. Both are very protective and are menacing when provoked, but have friendly, sweet dispositions otherwise. I wouldn't want a dog that I had to be concerned about when I had friends or family around, much less further down the road if/when you have children. Not trying to stereotype Dobermans or Danes, but things do happen once in awhile with them.
2006-12-12 08:26:57
·
answer #6
·
answered by harlowtoo 5
·
0⤊
0⤋
First, there are many dogs that make great "guard dogs." It has much more to do with instinct and training, than breed alone. Second, have you thought about where it is you will live that would allow a dog of that size? Some places even ban certain breeds due to reputations. Third, before you settle on anything go to www.petfinder.com and check out the animals in the area you (will) live in. All are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and temperament tested. And the group will be able to help "train" you so you have the most positive relationship with your new pet. Pets are a huge responsibility, physically, emotionally, and financially. I recommend that when the time comes you set aside a certain amount every month for those unforeseen costs involved with having a pet, and even check out health insurance for them. Good luck!
2006-12-12 08:31:14
·
answer #7
·
answered by WashingtonGirl1 2
·
1⤊
0⤋
Your simple answer: Great Danes will always be Great Danes... Dobermans are programmable. If you desire true protection and are willing to train for such, choose the Doberman. If you desire shear intimidation without a real risk of unprovoked attack, choose the Great Dane. Danes are naturally sweet dogs... changing this is not a good idea (it generally involves abuse or attack-training). If your goal is protection with simple training, take the Doberman.
2006-12-14 13:24:15
·
answer #8
·
answered by redwine77 2
·
0⤊
1⤋
Doberman
2006-12-12 08:23:06
·
answer #9
·
answered by FOXY 2
·
0⤊
0⤋
The best guard dog you can get is a Rottweiler/Lab mix. Great Danes are good dogs but pretty much lanky and lunge type dogs. Dobbies are excellent guard dogs but hyper and sometimes hard to deal with. If I had to choose between a Dane and a Dobbie I choose the Dobbie...
2006-12-12 08:28:11
·
answer #10
·
answered by ? 4
·
0⤊
0⤋