How to Choose the Best Guard Dog
Before you select a guard dog, find out what qualities to look for and what to avoid.
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You Will Need
- Common sense
- Internet access
- A quality breeder
- Close observation
- An umbrella (optional)
Steps
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Step 1
Decide if you need a guard dog or watch dog
Decide if you need a guard dog that can deter or subdue an intruder, or a watchdog that will alert you of an intruder.
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Most dogs make good watch dogs because they are territorial and bark at strangers.
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Step 2
Learn the important qualities of a good guard dog
Learn about the important qualities in a good guard dog, including trainability, a protective instinct, a sense of territory, strength, and intelligence.
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Step 3
Look for the right kind of temperament
Look for a temperament that shows courage, loyalty, judgment, and stability.
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Avoid overly aggressive dogs which may be difficult to control, or large breeds in a household with small children.
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Step 4
Research breeds
Research breeds to determine which are best for you. Search online and in the library, and talk to vets and breeders.
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Step 5
Look for quality breeders
Look for quality breeders if you're buying a puppy. Ethical breeders keep their dogs clean and well fed, don't sell to puppy mills, and won't sell you a puppy until it's about seven weeks old.
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To evaluate puppies in a litter, pop open an umbrella to see which pups run away or ask the owner to feed them – the stronger ones will get to the food first.
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Step 6
Evaluate mixed breeds
Evaluate mixed breeds using the same criteria. Ask if you can take one home for a few days to observe its behavior.
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Step 7
Pick up your new guard dog
Pick up your new guard dog who, if trained with love, will love and protect your family and home.
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Rottweilers and bulldogs are thought to be descended from the earliest known guard dogs, which are believed to have lived in Tibet around 3000 B.C.
