Should I get a gaurd dog?

Question

Ok, so here's the story. I raise rabbits. Recently someone had broken into my house, and destroyed it. They also broke into my bunny barn and kicked and beat one of my rabbits so badly, that I'm still not convinced he'll pull out of this... He's still at the vets, almost a week now, in critical condition.

I've now placed security cameras in my barn. But, in your opinion, would it be a good idea for me to get a guard dog? If so, what breed, in your opinion would be best?

I live on a large farm, and don't really have anyone near me.

Also, in your opinion what is the best way to train a guard dog?

Let me explain, by guard dog I do not want a dog that is just mean and vicious. More of a large, loud barking dog, that would knock an intruder over late at night.

I do not intend to just leave a dog outside all the time. And anyone who does is just down right cruel.

Answer 1

Well it's a unique situation. I too have had to have a guard dog where I live, being burgalized many times. There are two different types when you talk about "guard dogs"....

There's guard dogs that will aggressively protect the home (meaning it will bite).

Then there's watch dogs which simply bark when intruders are present. Only professionals can train a dog to be a GOOD guard dog. But many dogs are naturally a good WATCH dog, and many will even nip if barking doesn't get the message across.

Many breeds would make a good watch/guardian dog. I would think the best would be a Great Pyrenese (I always spell that wrong) They are natural livestock guardians. A German Shepherd or Rottie would also make excellent deterents. Usually just the very SIGHT of these dogs will make an intruder walk the other direction (such as my 100lb black German Shepherd).

Australian Cattle dogs are fierce protectors of their family, and come in a nice small package.

But WHATEVER breed you decide on, you will need to keep a few things in mind....one, you'll need to keep them away from the bunnies (Great Pyre's may eventually become acustomed to them if raised properly). Also, these crooks could also simply poison or shot the dog. And finally, you sound like a person who cares about animals.....so just remember the dog still needs attention and love just like any pet....not just be a "guard dog". My german shepherd sadly spent 4 years of his life as a warehouse guard dog. He's now learning how to live a normal life, goes for LONG morning runs with the bike each day...and an excellent family protector as well :)

Answer 2

Most any large dog will sound the alarm if there's an intruder on the property.

The best way to raise a good guard dog is to treat him as a member of the family. Treat him well, and more than likely, he will bark a warning. If all you do is buy a dog and leave him outside, he'll bark all the time, and won't be a good guard dog at all, since you'll tune out the constant barking.

I'd worry that a dog might attack your rabbits...you might try getting a dog that's bred for working on a farm...Australian Shepherd, Collie, etc. Not a German Shepherd or a high-prey drive dog, because they will see your rabbits as dinner.

Answer 3

It sounds from the info you posted yourself that what you really want is a good watchdog, not a guard dog. As someone said, a true guard dog is one that has been trained by a professional and can easily cost you several thousand dollars. A vicious, poorly trained dog can be a recipe for disaster. You are exposing yourself to potentially serious liability issues by having such an animal on your property, not to mention possibly compromising your OWN safety. I strongly agree with the idea that you should only get a dog if you intend it to bond with and be a part of your family. A dog that forms this type of bond with you will naturally be protective toward you. I used to have a 160 lb. German Shepherd/Rottweiler mix who put more than one person with ill intentions off my property. The Boxer mix I have now is very sweet and actually a little timid sometimes, but her size and appearance also scared off an unwanted visitor for me. She was a pound puppy. I would suggest at least taking a look at rescue dogs.

Answer 4

you do no longer. Like Nekkid Bootie suggested, encouraging guarding behaviors without understanding what you're doing can and usually does produce aggressive canines that don't discriminate: they're going to finally end up biting your little ones or the community paper boy. Then they would be taken away and positioned to sleep. in case you elect for secure practices, get a house secure practices device. do no longer count number on a pair of poorly experienced canines. Who on the earth gave you 2 domestic canines at as quickly as? maximum respected breeders does no longer (except you have been an experienced proprietor knowledgeable concerning the breed.) you will need your ands finished in basic terms coaching those canines manners and the place to potty - do no longer difficulty with any style of preserve coaching....

Answer 5

Don't get a dog just to use as a guard dog. Dogs are alot of work and need lots of your time. And, if you just go out and buy a dog, it may or maynot turn out to be a good guard dog. Buying a trained guard dog will cost you thousands of dollars. If protecting your house and rabbits is what you want, get a security system.

Answer 6

If you do decide to get a guard dog, then the only way to train it is by a professional. That is something you don't want to attempt to do yourself unless you have many years of canine guard dog training experience - something could go horribly wrong if not trained properly.

Answer 7

You don't necessarily need a guard dog but a large dog that is a deterant. I have great Danes and people often think twice when they hear this robust bark and was often is viewed as a small horse.

Answer 8

Yes. A Bouvier Des Flandres

Answer 9

No. As an animal owner (and one that stands out in the crowd here for being responsible and taking care of the animal's medical needs) you should be aware of the problems dogs can have when trained for aggression.
A large dog that is trained to be a guard dog must always be wary of strangers, and is trained to bark when they approach. This can be frightening to your friends and family, besides being annoying.
If you train your dog to attack intruders, you invite a whole load of other behavoiral problems into your home.
Install new locks on your windows and doors, and if you have the money, look into a home security system.

Answer 10

Well I have a German Shepherd from Germany he is a very good watch dog and nobody really dares 2 come near our house...... Even police say the best weapon against robbers/ crime people are dogs. And they are lovable and great pets!!