Many people adopt dogs for home security. Unlike a home security system, dogs bond with your family, and are mobile: they can exercise and travel with you. They’re your own personal bodyguard, no matter where you are.
Certain breeds are really geared to guarding, and they fit in great with family life. All dogs have different temperaments and needs, though, so you’ll want to consider each breed in advance.
Ask a few questions as a family:
- What breeds are we interested in?
- Will the dog be indoors, outdoors, or both?
- If outdoors, is our backyard ready to go?
- If indoors, what is the family schedule for exercise?
Your new home security companion should meet your family’s needs, and make everyone happy!
Great Guard Dogs
While many dogs can be trained to guard well, these 5 breeds are born to do so:
- Rottweiller – this breed is an excellent family bond. They’re very sweet and adore their families. Every stranger will get a once-over, however, as they don’t readily bond outside their family.
- Rhodesian Ridgeback – another excellent family companion, the Ridgeback is extremely alert and very mild. They get along beautifully with family members, and size up anyone else.
- German Shepherd – a classic guard dog, these dogs are great to raise. Feed them lots of German Shepherd puppy food, and they’ll grow up to be as smart and brave as you’d expect.
- Akita – one of the most loyal breeds, the Akita is an excellent family guard dog. They bond well to those they’re with, and they are very brave.
- Giant Schnauzer – a highly trainable breed, the Giant Schnauzer is very calm and mellow. They are also very loyal, and will be a great guard for your family.
Introducing Friends and Family
Since guard dogs are there to protect you and your family, many need a different way to be introduced to strangers. They will need to know who is friendly and who is not. A guard dog, by nature, may bristle and growl at anyone they do not know. Careful and consistent puppy training is necessary to teach proper habits and cues.
Obedience training is highly recommended. Guard dogs, bred to protect, must be in control. You can find great classes at local pet stores or with private trainers.
Retrain as needed during the puppy months to get your dog used to defend, attack, and stop cues in particular. Everyone loves and respects a good guard dog; you never want your dog to guard when it’s not necessary, so they need to be trained well.
You want your new guard dog to fit in as easily as possible with their new family. Puppy proof your home and backyard to make certain the dog is safe. Get every family member involved handling the puppy’s new things; that way, the puppy will smell them from the beginning and see them as family.
Post warning signs on your house so intruders know in advance who they’ll meet. It’s one of the best ways to deter a potential thief.
Lastly, enjoy your new faithful and protective family member. They’re there to keep you and yours safe.