[RLwhaler]

I agree! I take up the belief that how can your dog protect you if you A) cant take it out in public where most of the "threats" lie anyways or B) has to be crated at home when anyone else is around or because they are too crazy to stay out. What are you going to say to said threat? "Oh, dont pull the trigger yet, let me go let my dog out first" For specific reasons there's a purpose for everything, but for the "average joe" its a liability.

*sigh* ....2 generation Airborne..USMC here.I don't need my dogs to bite.I have no qualm dropping a hammer on anyone that is a threat to my family that includes my 4 legged family member.



I take my dog everywhere with me and I rely on his ability to deter and protect me in that sense (cause I feel once someone knows you have a big "scary" dog and decide to target you anyways 9 times out of 10 the dog won't be of any use once they verify the fact that they are prepared to handle the dog anyways that an attack is imminent) Some people need a little more confirmation that my dog is serious, and they should back the **** up but insist on advancing just to "test it out" but in the 3 situations where I truly believe my dog saved my life it never escalated to a point of full contact. They got the message and my dog did exactly what he was supposed to, and thats to run the threat off as efficiently and safe as possible as that is the easiest and least dangerous method vs a full contact brawl. My dog will stay at my side and most people aren't stupid enough to see if my dog will bite them for real and fully advance on me and thank God I didnt have to find out (if he actually would bite). Mind you anyone can approach my dog, some people he likes (or knows) and will solicit attention, others he just ignores as they try to get his attention and I've only seen him react in a defensive manner while training and in those 3 isolated instances.



You have got to be delusional if you think YOUR dog is with you 100% of the day.



I also agree with the other poster who said that you can't always judge a puppy's behavior into adulthood. The changes in my dog personally are that of night and day from adolescents to now. He may not be the most overly confident dog but I believe because of his strong pack drive and the bond we share that he will die for me without a second thought because I am his world. I can't imagine a dog without a strong bond to their family or person being able to protect their family with the intensity of a dog who views their owner as their whole life. My dog isnt glued to my side, likes to explore but he always comes back to "check in".

My whole point being, everyone wants a protection dog. But 99% of that protection comes from the dog's presence alone and if someone is stupid enough to keep on coming and risk getting mauled then I would bet that they already have a plan to take the dog out anyways. So if it gets to that point your gonna need a more secure type of protection anyways because anyone who risks getting mauled by a GSD is desperate for something you got and that very well may be your life. JMO

It only takes that one time to do harm...

 

[GSDluver4lyfe]

No he's not with me 100% of the time and I don't expect him to be my one and only source of protection. That was my point. When he's with me (and he can be because he's not a danger to society) he does his job by not making me such an "easy" target. Someone without a dog is a much easier option. My whole point being true protection isnt needed 90 something % of the time because by the time something escalates to the point where the dog will have to bite its more and likely too late for that option and your gonna need an alternate source of protection. I wasnt referring to you specifically. Just saying the look of a GSD is usually all the protection we need as pet owners. So one that is well balanced and can go out in public can only accomplish the task that much more than one that has to stay at home locked in a crate because its insane.

 

[GSDluver4lyfe]

It only takes that one time to do harm...

One time for what? Are you saying if I only rely on my dog as my only source of protection I can be harmed? Which is why I say if my dogs presence isnt enough to protect me, I will find a more permanent solution if my life or the ones I love lives are in danger. I'm not dillusional and won't hesitate to defend myself by any means necessary. My dog, I fully believe (when he is with me) has stopped situations from escalating to a possibly fatal threat to my life to where I would be forced to defend myself with the same intensity.

 

[bill]

If someone kicks in my door; they will have a Shepherd on their a.. " and a 44 in their head! My dog loves the granbabies and would die for them! He definitely will give us time too save ourselves! If the bad guy misses; I will save my dog! Bill

 

[RLwhaler]

If someone kicks in my door; they will have a Shepherd on their a.. " and a 44 in their head! My dog loves the granbabies and would die for them! He definitely will give us time too save ourselves! If the bad guy misses; I will save my dog! Bill

EXACTLY Bill!! The luxury of having a shepherd is... He/she can give me or my wife a few seconds to load up.Bill,these days,we hear. as you mention above,"kick door" home invasion.,Ask yourself this.." How fast can I get to my weapons".My long time friend of 30 plus years(Marines) Have taught at every law enforcement in the country suggested what he calls a "a floating 15 seconds".

 

[bill]

EXACTLY Bill!! The luxury of having a shepherd is... He/she can give me or my wife a few seconds to load up.Bill,these days,we hear. as you mention above,"kick door" home invasion.,Ask yourself this.." How fast can I get to my weapons".My long time friend of 30 plus years(Marines) Have taught at every law enforcement in the country suggested what he calls a "a floating 15 seconds".

That's right! I too am ex. Military! One thing for sure the dog is not intimidated! Buy looks or a weapon; and when a dog meaning business is coming at you; it gets your undivided attention! That's all the time I need! What a sad world we live in. Bill

 

[RLwhaler]

That's right! I too am ex. Military! One thing for sure the dog is not intimidated! Buy looks or a weapon; and when a dog meaning business is coming at you; it gets your undivided attention! That's all the time I need! What a sad world we live in. Bill

Yes Sir.I truly believe you know the protocol and timing one have to engage.Just need a little "tick tock" and we'll be right back to engage.
Indeed sad Sir...Different times we live in.Be well Bill,Best Regards! Richard

 

[bill]

Yes Sir.I truly believe you know the protocol and timing one have to engage.Just need a little "tick tock" and we'll be right back to engage.
Indeed sad Sir...Different times we live in.Be well Bill,Best Regards! Richard

Thank you! No sir required! Just Bill: I was an enlisted man.lol thanks anyway! And yes sir you are right. Have a save night Richard! Bill

 

[bill]

Safe

 

[Blitzkrieg1]

There are plenty of strong independent type pups that take a while to really bond with their owners. I dont see a huge deal with a pup of 4 months wanting to do his own thing. I do see it as a potential fault if the dog is glued to you all the time, could be insecurity.

I have said it before and Ill say it again, a dog that cannot protect my family and property wont eat my food or live under my roof. He/She better be able to offer more then just a "deterrent".

 

[bill]

There are plenty of strong independent type pups that take a while to really bond with their owners. I dont see a huge deal with a pup of 4 months wanting to do his own thing. I do see it as a potential fault if the dog is glued to you all the time, could be insecurity.

I have said it before and Ill say it again, a dog that cannot protect my family and property wont eat my food or live under my roof. He/She better be able to offer more then just a "deterrent".

Very well said! A dog that just barks; is just a lot of noise! A true guard dog; guarding a property; trained right stays hidden and quiet! Until time too engage! Unless you want a bullet to his head! P.s. I'm not talking about guarding car lots! Lol Bill

 

[GSDluver4lyfe]

There are plenty of strong independent type pups that take a while to really bond with their owners. I dont see a huge deal with a pup of 4 months wanting to do his own thing. I do see it as a potential fault if the dog is glued to you all the time, could be insecurity.

I have said it before and Ill say it again, a dog that cannot protect my family and property wont eat my food or live under my roof. He/She better be able to offer more then just a "deterrent".

I never said they can't offer more than being a detterent. All I was saying if it escalates to that point where true protection is needed all that dog is going to provide you is time to take up another form of protection. And I never said my dog was glued to my side. Everything gets so twisted. LOL Its rediculous. My whole point is not to rely on your dog as your only source of protection. It has nothing to do with your dogs capabilities but the capabilities of the one who wants to hurt you and the deadly weapons they can use to kill your dog. Its always about putting someone else's dog down, ALWAYS. Well my dog has protected me and I could give a **** why, I'm still here breathing and typing this response arent i. I'm going to go play with my nervebag ****ter of a dog now.

 

[GSDluver4lyfe]

Very well said! A dog that just barks; is just a lot of noise! A true guard dog; guarding a property; trained right stays hidden and quiet! Until time too engage! Unless you want a bullet to his head! P.s. I'm not talking about guarding car lots! Lol Bill

LOL my dog rarely barks. Oh, well that must be another flaw. Barks too much he's a ****ter doesn't bark enough he's a ****ter. What an obvious trend. Sticks to my side, nervebag, too independent, still a nervebag. Let me ask a question? Is there a dog that ISNT a nervebag? Let me guess only the one laying under your feet right?!

Well my last comment on this is I absolutely love and am so grateful for my nervebag! I know what he's got he's proven it to me. The proof is in the pudding. I know whats coming next! "But you said he never bit" LOL doesnt matter I'm alive because he did not back down. And de-escalated the situation before it became a fatal fight. He could have been ****ting his pants for all I care on the inside but he was strong on the outside. May have even been strong on the inside *GASP* Have a nice night!

 

[bill]

LOL my dog rarely barks. Oh, well that must be another flaw. Barks too much he's a ****ter doesn't bark enough he's a ****ter. What an obvious trend. Sticks to my side, nervebag, too independent, still a nervebag. Let me ask a question? Is there a dog that ISNT a nervebag? Let me guess only the one laying under your feet right?!

Well my last comment on this is I absolutely love and am so grateful for my nervebag! I know what he's got he's proven it to me. The proof is in the pudding. I know whats coming next! "But you said he never bit" LOL doesnt matter I'm alive because he did not back down. And de-escalated the situation before it became a fatal fight. He could have been ****ting his pants for all I care on the inside but he was strong on the outside. May have even been strong on the inside *GASP* Have a nice night!

Gsdl hi I was not talking about your dog at all; I am sorry if you thought I was. I was talking to Richard in general conversation about home invasion; and guard dogs! And yes your dog did a great job as a detterent! Have a great day! Bill

 

[GSDluver4lyfe]

Gsdl hi I was not talking about your dog at all; I am sorry if you thought I was. I was talking to Richard in general conversation about home invasion; and guard dogs! And yes your dog did a great job as a detterent! Have a great day! Bill

I shouldn't have quoted your post, because it wasn't meant to be directed at you. I was just commenting on how things get so twisted over the internet. I don't care what my dog's motivation is, if it saves me from death or serious injury then thats all I need. And my dog flying out of my van's window running to me hundreds of feet away and passing me to stand in between me and someone approaching me in a threatening manner, standing his ground growling (ears up, tail up slightly swaying, no hackles) escalating in his intensity the closer this person got is hardly what I would call cowardice behavior. IDK if he would have bitten because this person got the hint eventually (think they were intoxicated. I mean they had to have been to have kept advancing the way they did) and he was still far enough to elicit a warning from my dog but didn't cross his threshold for feeling a bite would be necessary. It gets frustrating when you can't get your point across over the internet and I apologize for getting heated. I love my dog and critisizing him and his ability to protect me (which he has done and I owe my life to him on 3 seperate occassions) makes me a little defensive. He may not be the strongest dog but he's my lifesaver. There have been many times I wished I could of gotten a different dog but now I couldnt even dream of my life without him.

My simple point is I rather my dog show restraint and if it has to get physical I will handle it. He can de-escalate a situation so much easier than I can, so that is doesnt have to get to a physical level that's my whole objective to stop something before deadly force must be used. He drives the threat away so I dont have too. And yes, I'm the moron who will try to protect my dog from injury or death. So him actually going for a bite (without my consent) would probably make me flip out, try to protect him and make everything worse. His job is to deter and drive the threat away (though I feel he is capable of more) and if that doesn't work its my turn. We are a team not a one man show. And we all probably agree on alot regarding this topic, its just difficult to get your point across online.

 

[bill]

Sounds like you have a great dog! That loves you very much! And yes on the team! You look out for each other. I had a arrogant 6 ft 5 300 pounds guy years ago talking about taking my dog in hand to hand combat! I told him if that dog bit someone for no reason; I would have him put down! If he bites its something serious going on; and I have not meet anyone yet that could whip both of us! Lol this is true their are some crazy people in this world! Have a great night Bill

 

[GSDluver4lyfe]

Sounds like you have a great dog! That loves you very much! And yes on the team! You look out for each other. I had a arrogant 6 ft 5 300 pounds guy years ago talking about taking my dog in hand to hand combat! I told him if that dog bit someone for no reason; I would have him put down! If he bites its something serious going on; and I have not meet anyone yet that could whip both of us! Lol this is true their are some crazy people in this world! Have a great night Bill

That goes to show you just how crazy people can be! Who in their right mind wants to take on a GSD? Teamwork is always better! There is power in numbers but beyond that there is unbelievable strength and power that comes from loyalty. And you can't be part of a functioning team without it. You have a good night as well Bill!

 

[Blitzkrieg1]

My comments were general in nature, I dont know your dog maybe he is a nervebag maybe he isnt. I dont really care.
A lot of people make comments on here that tell me they have no understanding of human nature and those who prey on others. Nor do they understand conflict dynamics and the huge effect a dog that not only barks but can actually back up its display of aggression has. Its irritating because they speak as if they have actual experience when its obvious they do not.

 

[mharrisonjr26]

I think alot of peoples dogs maybe 90% or more would rather run then fight. A gsd generally speaking probably wont naturally defend the family when in real danger. Mainly because show and pet lines are the most popular. Nevertheless I believe it to be true. Everyone with a dog more then 40 lbs has most of the protection
they need. I think if your dog hasnt been put into a real situation, you cant say for sure he would give his life for you or your family. Most peoples confidence in their dogs protection ability comes from wishful thinking, ignorance,and arrogance. Exactly why color and size is secondary in the selection process. I think that the heavy hitters are giving you the best advice.

I'd like to add that I have seen many many dogs that bark, and would eat you up in a second, and then go lay down or go play with the family. But to each his own. I like the old guard dogs Dani is a facebook friend. I think the dogs arent for the average joe.

 

[eddie1976E]

I think alot of peoples dogs maybe 90% or more would rather run then fight. A gsd generally speaking probably wont naturally defend the family when in real danger. Mainly because show and pet lines are the most popular. Nevertheless I believe it to be true. Everyone with a dog more then 40 lbs has most of the protection
they need. I think if your dog hasnt been put into a real situation, you cant say for sure he would give his life for you or your family. Most peoples confidence in their dogs protection ability comes from wishful thinking, ignorance,and arrogance. Exactly why color and size is secondary in the selection process. I think that the heavy hitters are giving you the best advice.

I'd like to add that I have seen many many dogs that bark, and would eat you up in a second, and then go lay down or go play with the family. But to each his own. I like the old guard dogs Dani is a facebook friend. I think the dogs arent for the average joe.

All you have to do is look at the videos of "pretend intruders" out there testing peoples dogs, dobbies, rotti, GSD, mutts, labs, etc....99% of them don't protect. In fact on one such demo, the woman and her baby were in the house, and the GSD went and hid behind her while the attacker approached her aggressively. That dog does not deserve a single kibble in my mind. If a GSD can't protect (at least attempt to anyway), if a retriever doesn't retrieve and is afraid of water, if a border collie doesn't herd, what purpose do they have? I hate how the fight has been taken out of "protection" breeds. I would hope a well bred working line GSD would have the basic instinct to protect and you could harness/grow that with the proper training to what ever degree you want.