i have a 2 year old german shepherd who has went through ob training. he listens very well to the commands we learned. now i want to have him trained as a personal protection dog. i stay alone with a 7 year old and i'm terrifed that someone may one day break in on us. but i'm just as much affraid to have my dog trained. will he bite me or my little one? what happens if he hears a sound that was used during his training, will it set him off? i want him to stay the wonderful family loving shepherd he is now but i'm scared that if i put him through training he will be a loaded gun ready to go off. i have thought about a home alarm but honestly if someone comes in with a weapon they can make you disarm your alarm and even lie to the police when they call. i need something that i know will alert me and allow me time to get myself and my child to safety. i have talked to many trainers and they all tell me go ahead. i keep telling myself they just want the money and i'm at the point that i need help. please if anyone knows of a story or if its possible for the dog to turn on their owner or family member let me know????

Diane, train your dog to bark on command and get a cordless phone (program 911 into the memory). Unless you live in a truly awful neighborhood, it should be appropriate. A "Do not enter" sign with a picture of a snarling dog is good for deterence, but in the case of a bite and legal action (which sounds unlikely in your situation) it could be used agianst you.

And dogs don't "turn," there are always warning signs (IME so far).

If your dog truely has the correct temperment to be a personal protection dog. He will never turn on you or a family member. Get a good trainer though. One that will work with both you and your dog. It will do you no good if you do not understand what your dog has gone through to become you personal protection dog. You will also have to be a very responsible dog owner and be aware of what your dog may interpret as threatening. Owning a protection dog is like owning a gun. There is alot of responsibility that goes with it.

 Quote: diane thomas

i have a 2 year old german shepherd who has went through ob training. he listens very well to the commands we learned. now i want to have him trained as a personal protection dog. i stay alone with a 7 year old and i'm terrifed that someone may one day break in on us. but i'm just as much affraid to have my dog trained. will he bite me or my little one? what happens if he hears a sound that was used during his training, will it set him off? i want him to stay the wonderful family loving shepherd he is now but i'm scared that if i put him through training he will be a loaded gun ready to go off. i have thought about a home alarm but honestly if someone comes in with a weapon they can make you disarm your alarm and even lie to the police when they call. i need something that i know will alert me and allow me time to get myself and my child to safety. i have talked to many trainers and they all tell me go ahead. i keep telling myself they just want the money and i'm at the point that i need help. please if anyone knows of a story or if its possible for the dog to turn on their owner or family member let me know????

I haven't read anyone's comments yet, but:
First of all, I hope you read up on German Shepherds before you bought one. Second, if your dog is a family pet GSD, I won't feel sorry for anyone trying to break into your house.

D if you are that scared you should not have a trained dog. They are like a loaded weapon and should not be sent on a person unless your life is in danger. They can still be a nice house dog, but if you have a dog that will bite for real, it will make you just as un easy as you feel now. You will have a new problem because you will always wonder and worry about kids and friends that visit. Will he bite on accident?????? Having a trained dog that will bite for real.... Not just a high prey drive dog. One that will bite for real is a big responsibility. It can weigh heavy on the nervs and is a full time job. Just keep your dog fun loving and worry free.

Based upon your post, I don't think that a PPD would be a good idea for you - get an alarm system instead.

The words of Mr. Rambeau are wise indeed. With alarm systems, there is often an option to "disarm" them using a special code that will have the police sent to your home automatically.

I am concerned about your fear of the dog if it is trained. The advice to get your dog to bark on command is good. Once this is established, you can give the command ANY time you hear something that you want your dog to react to. It may be noisy around the house, but it will be a deterent.

An alarm would be a better solution to your concerns.

Luck!
-Jim

Will is correct. If you are that concerned get a handgun. Take classes and learn how to shoot. Keep the gun in a safe place and if someone comes into your home and you fear for your life - well that becomes a very simple solution.

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