Should I Get A [Guard Dog] Or Protection Dog
In these increasingly unsafe times, people want to feel safe and secure for both themselves and their families.Others feel a need to protect their businesses from burglars and intruders. A lot of people prefer a protection dog to a burglar alarm system. With some breeds, this kind of guarding and protecting is a natural instinct and dogs have been performing this job for centuries. And so,if you decide to get a dog for protection , you need to decide if you want to get a guard dog or a protection dog. Is there any difference?
The fact is, yes, there is a big difference between a guard dog and protection dog. You need to understand this before you adopt or buy a puppy. Look at it this way– a guard dog will guard your property but a protection dog is going to protect you and your family.You want to make sure your protection dog is not a threat to you or your friends and family.
A guard dog is taught specifically to be a working dog, not a pet. k9 or guard dogs are trained for the police or military and can’t just simply turn off their training. Guard dogs are trained for three different and separate roles.
1) Alarm Dog- Usually this type is large and intimidating with a loud,deep bark. He’ll almost certainly sound the alarm any time somebody approaches, but will take no action. Most of the time, the alarm dogs bark is sufficient to deter unwanted visitors.
2) Sentry Dog- This type of guard dog is usually used to protect larger areas or property, like a shipyard or a warehouse. The dog can patrol his territory freely without close supervision. Since they are trained to attack anyone who trespasses, they are perfect protection for this kind of situation.
3) Attack Dog- A trained attack dog is taught to attack and even kill if given the order by his trainer or owner. These kinds of dogs are meant to be used as police K-9 or military service dogs. Dogs that have had this type of training should not be taken as personal pets.
Protection dogs are basically family pets who defend their family in nearly any situation they think is threatening. Some of the most popular breeds for protection dogs are: Rottweilers,Doberman Pinscherrs, German Shepherds and Giant Schnauzers.
The Doberman is the exception: it can be bred as a guard dog but also doubles as a personal pet. These breeds are incredibly dependable and become true members of the family. They can be socialized with children and other pets, along with other family members, friends and neighbors.
These types of dogs should never be trained specifically to do what comes naturally to them. They should be bred with respect for their natural instincts to be protective. You need to train these dogs properly and make sure they understand their role in the family. They are often dominant, so you should establish your alpha role. It’s important to let these dogs exercise regularly to keep them behaved and well adjusted. These dogs are large and physical and require frequent activity.
The distinction between a protection dog and a guard dog depends on the respective training. You should always seek out a dog trainer when you’ve decided what you need from your dog.
