Ted,

There is a middle ground between "a cuddly family pet" and as Jenni so colorfully puts it, "a junk yard style attack dog that eats everything that crosses the property line" <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> And that is good (ie proper) training and a sound temperment! When I first started to decoy it was with Leidenschaft in New Brunswick, Can. They breed Dobies and one of them (Atlas) would fight with me like a maniac when he was in drive and told do so. Then afterward he would be told "friend" and the dog instantly calmed down; Atals would like my face and romp and roll with me after kicking my a** and he was SO gentle! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> He was really amazing "play-mate". So, Ted, YES there is a such thing as a happy trustwothy PPD! But Jenni puts it very well, when she explains that no dog should be taken for granted alone with family or strangers for that matter (unless you want him to bite of course) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Will, I'm thinking I'm not saying what I mean clearly. I don't have a problem with the type of dogs you're talking about. In fact, I don't disagree with one thing you just said, so I don't think I'm going to change my opinions <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />.

I should've specified which type/purpose PPD I was referring to. I'm talking about the dog that is trained as more of a precaution than as a reaction to a specific danger. The dog that is a family dog trained to protect the family should the need ever arise. Not about the dog whose job it is to protect day in and day out, like the situations you suggested.

My personal situation is that I need this dog for protection against one specific person. I don't live in an area where it's practical to have a "barrier" protection dog, as I often have kids climbing my fence <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />. Thankfully, I also don't live in a neighborhood where my neighbors are a danger to me. ARRGGHH! I can't think of the right way to say what I really mean!<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" />

Actually, I don't really care if my dog likes children; he mustn't attack them, but he does not have to tolerate being harrassed by them. I don't make him sit still and allow children to pet him. He doesn't like being touched by strangers, period.

Do you think it makes a difference whose children they are? Can they be good with the family's children, part of their "pack", and still be able to work in a real situation, in your opinion?

My problem is with the undeserved image owners of these dog have in the eyes of the uninformed public. They think any aggression from a dog for any reason is unacceptable, and it drives me nuts, in case I haven't made that clear.. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Would you aree that many people who want a personal protection dog don't really need one to do much more than an intimidating bark and hold? I've heard a lot of that lately-PPDs as a "just-in-case" type of thing. These are the ones that have a better chance of being the family pup that all the kids love. (But would it actually protect them?)You're in the business-whaddya think? Is this true in your area as well? I'm very interested in different styles of protection dogs, and if you ever had the time, I'd like to PM you....

Will, You'd have a sore set of feet if you tried to step in THOSE slippers! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I'm not completely nuts! I only have the slipper on the right. That was the night before he was shipped to me. No one needs two Dustins!!! I think I maybe picked the wrong slipper sometimes! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Hi Jenni,

I have to say that I can't get over how clean and white your dog's teeth are! I was wondering, is that from feeding RAW?

RAW? Never. Science Diet all the way <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />!

Yep, that's pretty much what feeding raw gets you! Which I can't help but tell everyone who asks... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

Hi,

Sorry Jenni, just to be clear, "Science diet all the way!"..was sarcasm? I have been reading a lot about the RAW diet on here and suggested web sites from this board (thinking of switching) but have not SEEN anything for myself. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

 Quote:

...Sorry Jenni, just to be clear, "Science diet all the way!"..was sarcasm?....

I feel very confident here in answering for Jenni that yes, the Science Diet recommendation was sarcasm. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Thanks, Connie <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />. I actually had some work to do here at work, and signed off for a bit... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> TOTAL SARCASM

I believe there definatly is a middle ground. You can go extreme in either dirrection though. For instance my male GSD does SCH and I have just started PSA with him. He will bite the suit and the hidden sleeve. Will he bite a person that comes up non threatning to him in a neutral environment? "probally not" I guess for stability you miss that all out "attack" dog. But this is the balance I want and it fits my life style. My wife is a Special Ed teacher and the dog is great with kids with disabilities as well..hope this helps...

Wow, thanks for all of the thoughtful replies! Sounds like it's not quite black and white.

Ted