What is the best type of guard dog I can train from a puppy?

Answer 1

I don't know the best guard dog--wouldn't it be safer to get an alarm system?

Make sure you check with your home owners insurance before you go about getting a guard dog--most companies will not cover them or any injuries they might cause.

Answer 2

The question you have to ask yourself is are you willing to commit to long term training? Because the only appropriate protection training is schutzhund, which takes a lot of commitment on the part of the owner. it involves a large amount of obedience training so that the dog learns to follow its owners commands reliably every single time. This effectively the training that police dogs go through and it is also a competitive sport. Anything less is irresponsible. An untrained guard dog is just dangerous because it cannot distinguish between the UPS man, a child or someone who is a real threat. If you can't do it right, get an alarm system instead or a friendly dog that barks when strangers approach.

If you are serious about schutzhund, the most common breeds used are dobermans and German shepherds.

Answer 3

Just about any breed you choose could make a good guard dog. As long as the dog barks. I have 4 Miniature Pinschers. My 2 adults let me know when there is someone in my yard and on the porch. My male more so because I have had him longer. The others are catching on quicker than you think. I would probably recommend the Doberman Pincher, Rottweiler, German Shepherd and a few others. There is a site you can go to to research several dog breeds and mixed breeds. I would recommend you going there to see for your self what would interest you most.
Go to: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com
there will be 3 different icons to click - 1. purebred list / 2. hybrid list / 3. all breeds list
I hope this helps. Good Luck!

Answer 4

I found a book at my library a while back. It's called "The Intelligence of Dogs." Sorry, I don't remember the author, but I think it was David _______. He has a list of what makes a good guard dog, even lists the best breeds.

Also, here's a site that I've used- it's a worksheet that you fill out, and it will give you the most fitting breeds according to your commitment level, desires and needs, etc.

http://us.iams.com/iams/en_US/jsp/IAMS_Page.jsp?pageID=DBS&paidkw&source=ps06


Good luck- and thank you for doing your homework before getting a puppy- much better than getting a dog on a whim or according to trends/fads.

Answer 5

Any large dog can be trained to be a guard dog.
But you need to understand that training a guard dog comes with additional insurance and reliability, they are cracking down on mean dogs, and in the United States home owner insurance have the option to drop your coverage if you have a mean dog for liability reasons and if you post a be ware of dog sign any where on your property you are stating you have a mean dog.

Answer 6

Doberman, Bouvier Des Flandres, German Shepherd, Rhodesian Ridgeback...

The list goes on...

Decide if you want small, medium, large.
How much hair and grooming maintenance you can/will afford.
You are talking guarding, so make sure you calculate in obedience.
And Vet bills: For each breed, make sure you understand what could possibly happen just with regular health issues (hopefully you purchase from a reputable breeder who has your puppy tested and 'guarantees' against certain things particular to that breed)
And Especially for emergency. Heaven forbid some clown does decide to take on your dog, but you want to have that reserve to make sure you can get him the care s/he needs should the occasion arise.

Answer 7

Any dog can be trained to be a good guard dog. They just have to be trained. It depends on what they are guarding, building, people, livestock etc. Some dogs are better at guarding different things. It also depends on what level of protection you want.

Answer 8

German Shephard's or Doberman's are awesome family guard dogs! These two breeds don't do well unless they are made part of the family. Invite one into your home and they will be the most loyal friend you've ever had! I have a doberman/shephard mix, and he is amazing! Very protective, but such a big baby at the same time. I wouldn't trade him for anything!

Answer 9

If you wanted something guarded hire a security guard or get an alarm.

No dog is good as a guard dog anymore...any crook will figure a way to distract the dog and you'l only be instilling aggressive tendencies in your dog.

Answer 10

I dont think that you should TRAIN a guard dog. I think when you raise a dog and show it that your are its family or herd that they will instinctively protect your or your home. Austrialian shepherds are great guard dogs, you never have to train them. They are very loyal and protective of their people and place. AND for the love of pitbulls dont get one of them. they are such good dogs and people are such dumb @$$es about them. they dont know how to treat them or respect them, but mostly respect. they are awesone dogs and if they are raised correctly they are wonderful protectors and family pets also, but in the wrong hands they are what gives all the rest a bad name, it isnt the dogs fault it is stupid owners.