A Guard Dog…Provides Great Protection For You and Your Family.
A Guard Dog is the only defensive weapon that can’t be used against you!
Statistics tell us that most burglaries are residential, over half of them are committed in broad daylight and as a result, sometimes the occupants suffer violence.
A guard dog as well as being the family pet in every day life, will always be alert and can offer great protection for you and your family, from being targeted by criminals, both at home and while out and about.
This type of dog should be professionally trained to alert its owners to the presence of intruders invading its territory, by barking or acting in a threatening or disturbed manner.
Many working and herding breeds show a natural instinct towards the protection of their territory and family. However their obedience, sociability and general control requires training for the guarding job.
It is very important to match the guard dog to your personality and lifestyle e.g.
If you live in a low security locality, you may want a dog that will warn you when an intruder is present, but is more relaxed in general and does not expect an attack from every person it meets.
However, if you are facing a high security situation, you may prefer a dog that is more aggressive and constantly looking for threatening strangers.
The Best Guard Dogs Chow Chows, Doberman Pinschers, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Bull Mastiffs, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds, have built-in instincts for guarding the home, which is why they make the best guard dogs. Also their sheer size and deep powerful barks make them a great burglar deterrent.
The Characteristics of Dogs The use of dogs by man in a working role comes from two innate traits i.e.they can be trained relatively easily, and they are loyal with a willingness to work with man.
Selective breeding by man has developed the characteristics of certain breeds. But the four characteristics, which make dogs useful for a guarding situation are, their acute sense of smell, hearing, speed and courage, which are enhanced by proper training.
Guard Dog Training Since the best guard dog breeds have a strong self-preservation instinct and likely to attack if they feel threatened, they are not as tolerant of teasing, petting, or abuse as other dogs. For this reason and recognizing that guard dogs are potentially dangerous animals, your chosen guard dog should have good professional training.
Ideally you need a dog whose instinct is to protect your family and property, which you can confidently control!
Both male and female dogs can be trained to make good guard dogs. However do make sure you buy a puppy from a breeder with a good reputation.
You should start socializing with your dog, around people and with other dogs as soon as possible. Regular walks will help them to become accustomed to traffic and other noises in your locality.
Trainers usually prefer to work with dogs that are 6 to 12 months old, though older dogs can master the necessary skills with professional training.
Your dog should initially receive basic obedience training, where it will learn to obey your basic hand and voice signals and to walk at your side under control, both on and off the leash.
A Guard dog requires further training known as Controlled Aggression Training, which takes about 3 to 6 months. This is where the dog is encouraged to develop it’s instincts to protect your home and respond to your command to attack.
The objective is to make your dog as courageous, powerful and confident as it can be and to create a passion in your dog to protect you and your family.
It is important to realise that owning a trained guard dog, is just like having a weapon and you must take responsibility for its behaviour!
So make your neighbours, friends and relatives aware of your watchdog and warn them not to visit unexpectedly.Also remember to warn tradesmen and other strangers who intend coming to the house that you have a dog protecting the premises.
Guard Dog UK – The Law.
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
The Dangerous Dogs (Amendment) Act 1997
Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 prohibits four types of dog:-“The Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro”
“It is an offence to own or keep any of the above types of dog, unless it is on the Index of Exempted Dogs and is in compliance with the stated requirements.
In any event it is an offence to breed from, sell or exchange (even as a gift) such a dog, irrespective of whether it has been placed on the Index of Exempted Dogs.”
More information here:- www.defra.gov.uk
The Best Guard Dog…Is Impressive, Large and Strong, Ideal For The Protection Of Property And People.