FAMILY DOG

It's getting scary out there but a well-trained PERSONAL dog, whether trained to protect or not, can help insure your safety and emotional comfort.

PERSONAL SECURITY AT YOUR SIDE

Tam Cordingley, CSI Instructor, SAAB Member

Those of us who have dogs know the feeling of security it gives to have a well-behaved dog always with us.  If you don't have a dog, this information can help you decide on breed, size, and type of dog for your personal safety or that of your family. See the complete List of Dog Breeds below.

A personal or home protection dog need not be a large breed “guard dog” because even a toy breed barking to defend it’s master will ward off most criminals.  Why? The one thing criminals thrive on quiet. That is why they will almost always give the victim and any witnesses the command to "be quiet or I’ll kill you." Try that with my 18 pound Fox Terrier! So what is the would-be robber going to do?  Shoot my dog?  Possibly but more likely, he will immediately flee the scene.

Home Invasions Can Be Prevented By A Personal Security Dog

At the first sign of a window or door opening after bedtime the dog gives loud alarm. This wakes everyone in the household and destroys the criminal’s need for stealth. The point is that a personal protection dog is not a dog in an outside kennel to be poisoned by crafty burglars or one locked in the garage where the family can't hear its alarm barking.  The security dog is in every sense, a family dog, lovingly keeping watch in or near the bedrooms of the family. All dogs will naturally protect their territory and pack members.  Always. Even a shy dog will bark.

My eighty-four year old mother recently moved next door to me with her ancient Pomeranian. While at my house for dinner one night she kept petting and admiring the resident German Shepherd. We asked her if she would like a big dog and her answer was a resounding “YES”. Mom has always been fearful, probably from growing up in Chicago.  She is no longer afraid after getting Dozer, a Great Pyrenees-Lab cross, huge, yellow, 10 months old.

When that big gangly puppy met little old Mom and her tiny Pomeranian, his eyes literally lit up. He had his flock.

The Great Pyrenees is bred to protect sheep from predators and thieves. The whole group of “guardian breeds” is so interesting because of their strong sense of responsibility. Dozer combines the Pyrenees' strong sense of responsibility with the naturally obedient Labrador.

When anyone comes to the door, the big dog steps between Mom and whoever it is.  He raises his huge head and thunders a warning. Mom has quit worrying about people looking in the windows, stealing her things, or about getting murdered in her bed. She now has 24-hour personal security, an ever-watchful protector.

My UPS driver said “you must sleep well at night” referring to my barking dogs. Of course I said yes, and then thought about it. I am never afraid.  I walk freely around the farm and drive comfortably in my car, all because I always have one or more dogs by my side. The dogs will let me know if anything is not right, even a fallen branch or a wheelbarrow out of place is noted.

Most breeds will fulfill the purpose of personal security. You do not need to rush right out and buy a German Shepherd or Rottweiler; a Chihuahua will do. But do purchase a predictable purebred dog.  For example, the only dogs that don’t always give the protective alarm barks are hounds and sporting dogs. Bred for hunting, their primary instincts are therefore hunting, not guarding. A notable exception is the German Shorthaired Pointer which will also guard and in fact many are downright "sharp" watchdogs.

The Territory A Personal Dog Guards Is Wherever YOU Are

My personal dog is Rosie, a small Smooth Fox Terrier. She is always at my left side. Riding in the car, on the couch, in bed, walking around the farm. Rosie is sweet with people and good with other animals but no one can approach my car without being greeted by a low growl. No car can enter the drive without an alert bark. When walking outside, if there is any unusual noise she is out there sounding a warning to the intruder.  No matter where I am, she assures my security and peace of mind.

If you are tired of worrying about security, forget the expensive electronic system. Any personal protection dog in your house will make the burglar or kidnapper long gone by the time the police get there. Get a good protection dog, have it trained or train it yourself, and sleep soundly. No one can cut the wires to your security system. No one has to remember to set the thing. Just enjoy the company of a good dog and reap the benefits.

See Training The Personal Dog by this author and the Complete List Of Dog Breeds can help you decide on a particular breed for personal security or simply as your most trustworthy and devoted friend.

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