Advice

sandford

Hi

Im looking to get a dog, but Im not too sure what one to get. I am a first time dog owner, but have worked with animals and had animals all my life, so Im used to all the hard work, training and cleaning etc.

Im looking for a dog that would not only be a good companion, but a good guard dog. I will be at home alone a lot and even walking around where I live in the evenings or at night can be sometimes dodgey. (Ive never had any trouble thank god, but some of my friends have been beaten up)

I was looking at an Akita, as they are good guard dogs but can be very affectionate. Im in college for about...maybe 4 hours a day?defo never more than that, But thats only 3 days a week, so Im home a lot. I enjoy walking, so the dog will get plenty of long walks and exercise! I love training and and behavior stuff, so I have no problem commiting to training.

Any help would be great!!!

Thanks:)

Bullseye1

Akitas are great but may not be suitable for first dog. Can you give more details on what size yard etc you have? Also are you ruling out smaller dogs?

sandford

oh sorry! ya ive a pretty big back garden, and i like small dogs, but would prefer a large or medium sized dog as my own pet.

I have heard akita's are not for first time owners. Im used to training horses not dogs, so I dont want the dog to end up unhappy with my lack of knowledge.

Ive read up a lot on training etc and prepared to do all work necessary

Bullseye1

Well I would recommend a German Shepard (working stock). Easily trained, loyal and great guard dog. Akita maybe suitable as a second dog once you have gotten used to looking after a big dog.

Remember working stock not show stock.

sandford

I really love german shepherds, and have always wanted one, ever since I was a kid. I was warned though, that if not properly trained they can be really agressive. I would be worried my inexperience would cause an injury to someone else? Im not sure how true that is, because friends and family have german shepherds and never had any trouble, but im sure you can understand my nerves!!

oh and how do you tell the difference between working stock when dogs are advertised?

thanks so much for your help, its really appreciated!!

Bullseye1

Well Akitas are larger and stronger than GSD and were once used for fighting in Japan so both are possibly dangerous dogs IF not properly socialised and trained. Having owned a GSD I can tell you they are easily trained and are very very intelligent.

Working dogs have a more level profile where show dogs have shorter rear legs and have serious health problems.

sandford

thanks for the help:)

will defo look into them further!

Cherry Blossom

GSD or a Boxer if you don't mind doggy drool
Was dying for a doberman myself, ended up with a Westie as I had the same concerns you do. Stubborn as hell but a complete breeze compared to my green, over-sensative mare! The only danger is letting training slip due to the fact that you may be more inclined to spoil a dog. I started off well with good ground rules, upstairs out of bounds/ no sitting on people furniture but she sleeps in my room now and is gradually working her way to sleeping in my bed :P Don't think i'd have been the same if i'd have gone with the Doberman though . . . I hope!

peasant

For a first dog, I would recommend that you pick one that's already pretty much fully formed, i.e. something about 1-2 years old (or older), from a shelter.
Shelters are brimming with large dogs, as they are difficult to re-home.

The problem with large dogs is that in order to be manageable, agreeable companions they need to be relaxed and easy within themselves first and foremost.
A novice raising a big dog from a pup may not always get that one right ...and a nervous / frightened / aggressive big dog is a nightmare (and a liability) to live with.
Find a good shelter that have assessed their dogs and get them to help you pick a steady, reliable big fella.

Once the two of you have grown together as dependable companions, the guarding element is easily encouraged. Just praise the dog when it does what comes naturally (bark at the fence) and you'll have the perfect home guardian.

As for walking (without getting beaten up ) a big, confident dog alone should do the trick, you won't need to train or encourage it to be distrustful/aggressive towards strangers.
Most dogs know instinctively when they are faced with dodgy people, no need to train them to be extra watchful or even aggressive, that would only backfire.

Steady, calm and self assured is what you want.

Bullseye1

I wouldnt recommend a dog shelter for a novice. Unless you get some professional advice.

peasant

With the hyper-aggressive breeding that's going on in some "working" GSD lines I wouldn't recommend a "working" GSD pup to a novice either

That's why I stressed the importance of finding a good shelter. Not a re-homing conveyor belt, but somewhere where the people actually know their dogs and are willing to give advice.

Bullseye1

Well a small GSD pup is alot easier to control (physically) .

sandford

adrenalinjunkie wrote: »

GSD or a Boxer if you don't mind doggy drool :DQUOTE]

Haha my boyfriend has a boxer and i LOVE her!but she couldnt guard a brick let alone a house bless her!shes hilarious, such a funny dog! I love dobies too, but I just cant decide!ive a massive list!!

I was recommended by a few trainers to actually get a puppy rather than adopt, because older dogs are harder to train as they are "set in their ways"? not sure how true that is though....so i would have to kinda go with bullseye1 on that one.I have had a look in a few shelters and only found some small terriers and lurchers.

Peasant, you make an excellent point, the dog will learn itself who "bad" people are and hopefully will have a natural defend the family insinct. And a naturally confident dog should do the trick at keeping mean people away!!

Cherry Blossom

sandford wrote: »

Haha my boyfriend has a boxer and i LOVE her!but she couldnt guard a brick let alone a house bless her!shes hilarious, such a funny dog! I love dobies too, but I just cant decide!ive a massive list!!

My uncles Boxer is the same, he does give a single bark at innocent passers by though, think the look of him puts people off more than anything. Suppose it depends what you want the dog to do really. My westie pup looks out the window 2 front paws up on window if she hears a noise, runs in and barks, runs back to the hall and growls at the window sill, when the 'intruder' comes in she throws herself at their feet on her back wanting petted ha,ha. A pity she isn't a Doberman cause that's exactly what I'd want it to do If I was a burglar though I'd don't think i'd be put off by a 3 month old Westie :rolleyes:

peasant

sandford wrote: »

[I was recommended by a few trainers to actually get a puppy rather than adopt, because older dogs are harder to train as they are "set in their ways"? not sure how true that is though....

Not true
A change of circumstances (new owner, new home, new rules) is an ideal training opportunity and dogs will be naturally keen to "fit in" as soon as possible.
If you know what you're (supposed to be) doing and stick to it, you will have a well trained dog in a very short time. Without the hassle of "accidents", chewed shoes & furniture and all the other "joys" that come with puppies.

Plus the added advantage that you can choose a dog that already has a developed character to choose from.

sandford

hehehe ya id probably want a bit more than that! mainly what im looking for is if while out walking, some....not nice person:( came up and started well... i dunno?being aggressive and hassling me, the dog would defend me! and if someone tried to break into the house that the dog would do the same. I dont plan on teaching it to attack or anything or send it to any of those type classes, id just prefer to have it do it naturally. Id be worried if it went to those classes it would be more aggressive to randomers on the street?

I just keep coming across conflicting information all the time, so i thought this site would be the best way to get honest real information!!!:D

sandford

thats actually good point! ive researched so much stuff and asked for a lot of advise from professionals etc and had a million different answers to the same question haha

ive had a look online at a few more rehoming shelters and found some nice dogs im going to enquire more about!hopefully ill make the right choice and give some dog a nice home!!!