Are you thinking about buying a family protection dog? Family protection dogs are a relatively new concept in the UK. Family dogs have always been popular in the UK. Gun dogs such as labradors and retrievers make very good family dogs.
Dogs for protection is something totally different. Unless, you have experience or is prepared to get the right advice, it is not easy to know what is the best dog for protection and family.
On this page, we are going to look at some of the breeds you may want to consider and a few of the points which are important to bear in mind.
More Than A Protection Dog
Do you want your dog to be more than just a protection dog? In that case, you certainly need advice from a specialist breeder or trainer. Not all dogs are suitable for families. Before you go ahead and contact a breeder or trainer, make a few notes of what you expect from the dog you are going to bring into your home. Consider these points before you decide on what breed is right for you:
Do I want the dog to be a friend to my children? How much time do I have to exercise the dog? Can I take my dog on holiday? How much energy does the dog have? Does it need specialist food and living protection? How can I keep my dog safe?
The point about keeping your dog safe may sound unusual. But, when it comes to family protection dogs, it is hugely relative. Not only are many of these dogs good at protection. Breeds that are selected for protection are also very often athletic.
A Safe Living Environment for Your Dog
Your dog is there to keep you safe. At the same time, it is your responsibility to make sure your dog stays safe. If you only have a low wall in your garden, many of the more athletic breeds are out of the question. Dogs for protection often need to be kept under certain conditions. Remember that your protection dog is going to be trained to look after you.
This means your dog may well be bite trained and trained to attack. Anyone walking past your home or coming into your home is often seen as a target by your dog. An athletic protection dog is more likely to try to scale a wall to do its job properly.
Exercising Your Dog
Your dog will need exercise. Most dogs bred as protection dogs are very intelligent. If they are not kept stimulated through play, mental agility exercise and physical exertion, they easily become bored.
A protection dog will rely on you for more than leadership. Yes, you must be able to “command” the dog. At the same time, it is important that you forge a strong bond and relationship with your dog. This is often done through play and exercise.
Many breeds that are used for family protection do need a lot of physical exercise. It is up to you and your family to provide physical exercise and stimulation to keep your furry protection friend happy in a home living environment.
If you like a dog that is more relaxed around the home, you should perhaps consider a German Shepherd. Although they do like exercise, they are more “chilled” and less intense when compared to other protection dogs.
Can My Children Play With the Dog?
Many protection dogs like to form relationships with children. As a matter of fact, they often guard and protect children and young people more than they protect adults.
The only problem is that protection dogs don’t make the best buddies when your kids come home from school. The Belgian Malinois is quickly becoming a popular breed when it comes to protection. This is a very intelligent breed but they can be snappy.
Originally bred to herd, they will often nip when protecting a person. They don’t do this to harm, they do it to keep the herd under protection. Although there are no records of Belgian Malinois biting children, it is not always the best family dog for protection.
On top of that, Belgian Malinois need a huge amount of exercise and protection on an ongoing basis. Unless you have several hours every day for play, exercise and mental stimulation, this is not the right dog for a young family.
Mastiff Breeds
In Africa, mastiff breeds have for a long time been considered good dogs for family protection. When trained and reared in the right way, mastiffs are not a bad breed when it comes to family protection dogs. Compared to other breeds, they need a bit less exercise.
They often get on well with other pets which may be a factor you need to take into consideration. The only problem is that when they do bite, they inflict a lot of damage.
However, with the family, they are often very affectionate and loving.
What About Dobermanns?
In the United States, the Dobermann dog is known as a Doberman Pinscher. Over the years, Dobermanns have become surprisingly popular dogs when it comes to family protection.
Not only are they very good at protection duties. They also have slightly goofy personalities which make them fun for children to play with.
Are they dangerous as a family protection dog? There is no doubt about it that this is a breed that takes its protection duties very seriously. At the same time, they are fun and often very playful.
Dobermanns can inflict serious damage. In the UK, there are very few problems reported with Dobermanns living as part of families. They often form strong bonds and relationships with family members and like to look after them. Dobermanns are very obedient when trained well but are also happy to be active fun-loving family members. A well-trained Dobermann is often a joy for families to own.
Final Thoughts
It is not easy to know what the best dog for protection and family is, so it never hurts consulting with professional family protection dog trainers such as https://www.totalk9.co.uk/. Never try to train a protection dog yourself. It is always best to buy your family and protection dog from a specialist breeder and trainer.
