Looking for a good, kid-friendly, guard dog - Page 1

I am a single mom with an Autistic daughter. I have recently moved and am unfamiliar with the neighborhood, but already have learned that I have drug dealers on the block. I am looking for a good guard dog, preferably a retired police dog, but I am open to suggestion. I do not have much money to purchase the kind of dog that I am looking for, but I can promise that the dog will have a caring, loving, and nurturing home if someone is willing to work with me. I am a lover of animals, having two cats already, but the animals seem to calm my daughter and I want this dog mainly for her protection. If anyone can help me, post back and let me know. I live in Detroit, Michigan.

HAVELI, GOOD LUCK ON FINDING WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR.

you should seriously consider moving.  autistic daughter and drug dealers on the same block ---- not a good mix.  while a dog might  slow down an intruder, i've yet to see one that can stop bullets.  please give some thought to finding a safer neighborhood;  the sooner the better.  good luck to both of you.
pjp

How much money can you realistically spend on a dog?

Siegen.....Moving is easier said than done and im sure the person has thought about it.  Crime happens everywhere also.

How old is your daughter? What level of activity would you be able to provide the dog?


 

forget the dog move to the countryside near a good medical facility where your daughter can get proper care.

1. Move. It isnt a good enviroment for you and for your daughter.
2. Have you check in your local shelter/rescue? Maybe they have the dog that you're looking for.

Sometimes moving, no matter how badly you want to, is just not an option. I've been trying to for years now, there is always an obstacle! Haveli have you taken note of the threads about retired sch 3 dogs in shelters? I'd check out the GSD shelters in your area, call a few rescues, they might be able to place a very nice dog with you. As mentioned, even a good dog won't deter someone who's really determined, but just having the dog there might change the thinking of anyone who might have thought of you as an 'easy' target. And a good GSD should respond well to your daughter, & hopefully, she to the dog. My female has no formal training, but instinctually acts much like a service dog, that bond between your daughter & the dog might be even more beneficial than the dog's 'protection' quotient. I wish you luck in your search, & send all the best to you & your daughter. jackie harris

I forgot to add in. Go to petfinder and enter your zipcode to find local dogs. The site is great. I eneded up finding my 2 special (and very spoiled) Guinea pigs using the website.

 While I agree that moving away from said activity may be the best course of action. None of us know if moving into a better neighborhood is a realistic possibility for her right now, so there is no need to jump down her throat about it. Also Autism is a spectrum condition, meaning that their is a wide margin of affliction magnitude. It can range from barely noticable to debilitating. Isn't it crossing the line just a bit for us, the peanut gallery to be assuming what kind of care her daughter needs, and that she isn't already getting it.



Haveli,

Important questions to answer so that people can help you better:

What's your past dog experience? How much time can you spend training / exercising your potential dog?
How old is your daughter?  How comfortable/confidant are you in handling a strong willed big dog?

Realize that having a toddler, being inexperienced, and having limited time isn't a deal breaker, but it's important to know to better suit you with the type of dog that won't develop related issues, and won't drive you crazy in the process.

I think what you want is a stable, super loyal, kid loving dog, that looks intimidating, but is calm and collected until a need arises for it to be otherwise.  Am I correct in thinking this?

Many dogs advertised as Personal Protection dogs, DO NOT fit that category so please ask a lot of questions, and be sure you know what kind of dog you will be getting up front.  Please be aware that not everyone trying to sell a dog are as honest as they seem or as knowledgable as they think they are.

Things to consider:

Dog's are a great deterant for random crimnals looking for a quick and easy pay off.
But not so great if you have someone serious and determined to get you and/or your stuff.

Aside from the drug dealer on the block does your neighborhood have a notable record of other crimes ie break ins? or random acts of violence? Ask the police what kind of issues they normally see in your area, and how best to prevent any incidents.

While most people understandably hate having a dealer anywhere near them,  It doesn't always mean the complete downfall of the neighborhood. I've seen a drug dealers hanging out in an extremely low crime neighborhood with Million dollar houses and limos parked in the driveway.

I wish the best for you and your daughter,
sorry that I could not be more helpful.