Big Dogs at Home

[Walter45Auto]

I agree totally. A chihuahua or pomeranian can do as good a job (Well those two breeds do it better than some) as some big dogs at that. Protection training aside, The thing I like about big German Shepherds, Dobermans, and Rottweilers, and the like, is when I'm NOT home, they're a deterrent, because they bark louder than thunder, and to the neighborhood crackheads and Gang bangers, they look SCARY! Had a friend who had a German shepherd 29 inches tall, but he LOVED EVERYBODY and rarely barked. Yet EVERYBODY who saw him thought he was protective, cause he was the biggest shepherd they'd ever seen. Nobody bothered her when she walked him.

[seeker_two]

My 14y.o. Yorkie/Poodle mix, Butch,  is know as "Daddy's Little Target Indicator".....if only I could find a way to mount a laser on him.... 

I'm trying to train our new Corgi/Cocker mix to do the same....but she's too much of a scrapper to stay behind me....

[Walter45Auto]

My 14y.o. Yorkie/Poodle mix, Butch,  is know as "Daddy's Little Target Indicator".....if only I could find a way to mount a laser on him.... 

I'm trying to train our new Corgi/Cocker mix to do the same....but she's too much of a scrapper to stay behind me....

Somebody at your house likes fluffy long haired dogs, don't they??

[god45644]

Dogs are great! I have a large German Shepard Dog myself, he is a great companion and a wonderful deterent, however that is where his usefulness ends when it comes to reliable self defense. Since I never spent the money or time to have him properly trained I cannot rely on him 100% to get the job done. That is not to say he hasn't or won't but it is not something I trust my life on.

I have to say that because they are a great companion, this is simply a bonus.  Favorite dog I owned, a Rottweiler/German shepard bitch.  She knew who belonged in the house and who didn't. She was also the sweetest with the kids (cousins, nieces and nephews) and wary of any adult that she knew/felt we didn't trust.  She would "watch" a stranger without appearing aggressive and also stopped a thief in their tracks when my wife thought it was me coming through the door = she was in the bedroom and I got off work at 11pm, the dog was standing watch til I got home and shortly before I got there someone came in the door, saw/heard the dog (face-to-face), closed the door and left; didn't get a foot in the door.  I used to "play" with her by punching her and letting her bite me in the arm (think police attack dog), she knew not to do this with the wife any kids, but knew her role when it came to a stranger in the house (she thought it was "play time").  She was also in complete control when in public and could be let off leash without concern.  After this dog, I believe that animals can learn situational awareness the same as a person.  Sadly she died last year of natural causes, you'll be missed Daisy.

[tombogan03884]

It's not so much "Learning situational awareness". As an animal their survival depends on "situational awareness".
What is important is a dogs ability to learn the rules of engagement, in the "unnatural" human world.

[Sponsor]

[Wolfgang1952]

  The Wolf in my avatar was Apache Ten Toes 98% Wolf, 2 % Malamute.  These are some of Apache’s offspring.  They are 86 ½% Wolf.  When these pictures wear taken they wear only six months old







This Bruits and Sammy.  Bruits is a Rottweiler and Chow mix and Sammy is part Wolf 50%.  



Now this was Bear 98% Wolf



  One thing about it I don’t have many visitors.  People call first before they come to visit.  The Game Wardens won’t even come on the place.  At one time I had over 60 Wolfs of different percentages and seven of those wear registered 98%ers.  There is only one Dog on the hole place, and he is the only thing that barks.  I just tell people if you are going to climb over my six foot fences, just take your Tennis Shoes off, so the Rubber won’t make my Wolfs sick when the eat you.

[2HOW]

1st pic is our 2 that our gone now, my shepard and our big male cat, gracie our pup shes a boxer/bulldog, then sassy , willie and Boo

[fightingquaker13]

I think that "Bear" alone would get my undivided attention. As far as 60? That's three mag changes with an AR/AK if you're good. I do wonder if the gangs use your house to haze new members though. Yo, dawg, to get in you have steal a hubcap from this guy. Oh, and don't forget the cannon".
FQ13

[Wolfgang1952]

Never mind the Cannon, be wear of the Win. Mod. 12……..

[Tyler Durden]

The thing that sucks with dogs, even moreso with bigger breeds is you might be able to get a 10 year life expectancy out of them.  It really sucks putting them down 

Ten years is just too short.

My mom is now on her 2nd Boxer.  She inherited the first one when my sister died.  I am really surpised at how little both boxers bark...which is like never.

My Vizsla on the other hand seemed to bark at everybody, which made him a good watch dog.

slight thread drift ahead...

If you are looking for a dog, please, please take a look at the Craig's List pets section first.  It is surprising how many people are being forced to get rid of their pets.  I guess it is the economy.  Since I am in the St. Louis area I check west, east, north and south on Craig's List...so I check Kansas City, Indy, Chicago, and Memphis.  I have seen some really gorgeous full bred GSD's and puppies lately.

If you can't find what you are looking for on Craig's List...then try petfinder.com next.