Hi all,
Thanks to Ed and Cindy for providing this forum and for letting me post. Thanks in advance to any of you who might be able to help me learn about protection dogs.

I have a fair bit of experience with working breeds (working Jack Russells and working sheepdogs). We have 2 teenaged children, a middle-aged border collie and a young miniature poodle. Both of our dogs are females who get along amicably.

I am not sure if breed should be important to me or not. I see several breeds that seem to be most commonly used for protection. I think I need a trainer first and foremost, someone who would train the dog and train me to be its primary handler. I would like to have a dog that would keep a watchful eye on our rather isolated household but which would be reliable with the family friends (especially children) who visit our house. I also hope to try Schutzhund, but I would prefer to err on the side of a more laid back dog that might be not be a world beater but would be more likely to be very trustworthy with family members and friends.

I'm sure I sound like what I am, a complete noob, but any help you all could give me would be greatly appreciated.

I live in New England. I wouldnt mind buying a pup from pretty much anyplace in the U.S. or Canada, but I hope that I can find a trainer in the New England Area.

Am I asking the impossible?

Thanks,
Margaret

If you don't want to be competitive, any breed can be trained to do Schutzhund. I have seen a WSD and JRTs do it, though I'm sure their owners had to work harder.

I would pick a GSD - that's the only breed I can think of that would tick the boxes. Sometimes working litters produce lower drive individuals which would be perfect.

It sounds like you are going the right way about it. Good Luck.

Edited by Tanith Wheeler (06/07/2009 01:53 AM)
Edit reason: corrected my typo

I'd go with a rottweiler for the physical deterrent factor. They're great with company depending on how your bring them up, very loving with their family and friends, are pretty laid back dogs, and act a lot like really big house cats (for pets). On the flip side most criminals know the sound of a rottie's bark and the sight of a rottie will make most freeze in their tracks before the dog even does anything. Like Ed says, anyone who walks through that will likely need to be shot.

I'm a bit partial to the breed, though.

Hi Margaret!

We were all newbies once so don't be embarassed :-) My suggestion is to go to some Schutzhund clubs to meet people and see various breeds at work. Everybody is different and not knowing you and your family personally it is difficult to recommend a breed that will fit you best. Going to clubs to watch and learn will not only give you some insight into the different breeds but will also give you connections for future training and perhaps breeder referrals. Here is a list of United Schutzhund Clubs of America clubs in the NE region:

http://www.newenglandschutzhund.com/clubs.htm

And here is a list of DVG clubs in the Northern region of the US:

http://www.dvgamerica.com/ (go to clubs link on left side of page)

Good luck in your search!

I love the Rott, but the GSD would work wonders for you as well, and you would have a better chance of finding a great litter.

GSDs, on average, are a higher energy dog. Both breeds need to be worked, but the GSD needs more. They also are a little less stubborn (in general) and more of the pleaser type and usually easier to train.. Rotts can be stubborn and independent. But like Scott said, the Rott is a very intimidating breed that will stop most anyone in their tracks. A correctly bred Rott can be a very dominant breed as well, so be prepared for that if you get one… BUT, most will play in Schutzhund and go home to be your couch potato. And they are usually big cuddle bugs to their family if they are comfortable in their place within that family.

All in all, the GSD tends to be a better choice for most, but I will always have a Rott…

Others can give more in depth info on these toe breeds, and their are still others as well to choose from. Keep in mind that breed traits are just that, and that within the breeds, their are huge variances that will make up the personality of the dog.

You mention that you have experience with working collies, did you work them your self, or own working bred dogs? I have always LOVED watching a good Border Collie work a flock or herd!

True, true. I'm having a lot of fun with my GSD pup and he's already proving to be a decent deterrent. A bit on the energetic side, though.

Hey all,

Thank You ALL SO Much, for your generous and thoughtful replies!

I have to laugh at myself because I have been a great fan of Rotties for many years, but it hadn't occured to me to think of them as protection dogs. I suppose that's a testamant to the many lovely pet Rottweilers I've met in the course of my daily suburban life. I agree they are a substantial presence and would intimidate anyone who interfered with those whom the dog hold's near and dear.

I am going to take Ingrid's suggestion and visit some of the Schutzhund events in the New England Area.

Would it be appropriate to ask folks on the board to PM me if they think of trainers whom they know to be reliable and interested in working with new handlers? I tend to be very serious and compulsive with my young dogs. I traveled to my trainer twice a week with my sheepdogs and it was four hours round trip! I really wouldnt mind travelling that far on a regular basis in order to get a good start with a protection dog. Also, I would be willing to send the dog to be started as well if that was necessary, but I'd prefer to keep it at home if at all possible.

Thanks again for all your help and encouragement!

 Quote: Scott Garrett

True, true. I'm having a lot of fun with my GSD pup and he's already proving to be a decent deterrent. A bit on the energetic side, though.

I know! That is why the Rott is such a great fit for me. They match my personal energy level so very well.

Margaret, that is absolutely appropriate and encouraged. Wish I could help you there.

Also, don't limit yourself to just one club, even if you like the first. Visit a few and choose that way, but once you make a choice, try to stick with one club for training purposes.

 Quote:

I tend to be very serious and compulsive with my young dogs. I traveled to my trainer twice a week with my sheepdogs and it was four hours round trip! I really wouldn't mind travelling that far on a regular basis in order to get a good start with a protection dog. Also, I would be willing to send the dog to be started as well if that was necessary, but I'd prefer to keep it at home if at all possible.

I travel twice a week an hour and a half each way as well. I love it and wouldn't change for anything, as the club I train at is great and very experienced.

As for the sending away, I would not recommend it. The training develops a great bond, and you can and should do it all your self.

 Quote: JessicaKromer

 Quote: Scott Garrett

True, true. I'm having a lot of fun with my GSD pup and he's already proving to be a decent deterrent. A bit on the energetic side, though.

I know! That is why the Rott is such a great fit for me. They match my personal energy level so very well.

Margaret, that is absolutely appropriate and encouraged. Wish I could help you there.

Also, don't limit yourself to just one club, even if you like the first. Visit a few and choose that way, but once you make a choice, try to stick with one club for training purposes.

Hahaha. On the bright side, I'm getting in better shape.