Good Choices, Bad Choices for Sentinel Dogs

[gunDriller]

I have a Nosy Neighbor situation at my Secure un-disclosed Location.


There are additional details involving a feud that started when 2 neighbors shot each other's dogs, about 10 years ago.

Then one of the neighbors died.

However, the less than mature neighbor has chose to continue the feud with the widow and brother of the deceased.

(that's the short version.)


I want a dog that is super-duper at alerting me when a human being comes onto my property. Also one that stays close to home & doesn't need to be tied up.

Preferably without attacking a visitor, most of the time when that happens it's a friend or a good neighbor.

If the dog gives a false positive by going into a barking frenzy when a deer walks by, that would be less than super-duper.


I don't know how it works with dogs. I imagine that they bark naturally and then some owners reinforce good warning behavior with snacks etc.

I just figure there must be some kinds of dogs that have that Natural Barking Instinct.


Can this kind of behavior I want be trained to some extent ?

My family always had airedale terriers and a fox terrier, and I rarely saw them perform as watchdogs.

[Bird dog]

If you go back to traditional working dogs rolls, the bullmastiff was used for exactly this purpose. Link I found.....

http://www.bestdogtrainer.net/Bullmastiff_as_a_Guard.pdf

[Hillbilly]

A border collie maybe?

[woodman]

Well, if you want dogs that bark all the time, you can take my neighbor's dogs. Please.

[milehi]

A Rhodesian Ridgeback is a great choice. Mine took his job seriously and didn't need to be tied up. He bit two friends that hopped my front gate but they were warning bites. He passed in May and I'm down to one Weimaraner who has the same characteristics but he's not normal for the breed and isn't hyper

[Bird dog]

A Rhodesian Ridgeback is a great choice. Mine took his job seriously and didn't need to be tied up. He bit two friends that hopped my front gate but they were warning bites. He passed in May and I'm down to one Weimaraner who has the same characteristics but he's not normal for the breed and isn't hyper

That would be a good breed too. Anything that can take down a lion is serious stuff.....

[milehi]

That would be a good breed too. Anything that can take down a lion is serious stuff.....

If you live in the sticks like I do, you're going to want a dog large enough to bleed a couple pints and survive.

[Libertytree]

I admit I'm partial but Newfoundlands are my favorite breed and seem suitable for your wants/needs. If you live in colder climates and there's water around then thats a big bonus too. Do some research, maybe it's a good choice?

[Santa]

A border collie maybe?

Border Collies are super smart and loyal and bond to one owner. They make great farm dogs. But remember, whatever working dog you decide on getting, they need a full time job... which means they need to be trained...which means you need to learn how to train them. You need to spend a great deal of time and intelligence with them when they're pups. Otherwise, if they're left lonely and bored, they become neurotic and unhappy.

[milehi]

Border Collies are super smart and loyal and bond to one owner. They make great farm dogs. But remember, whatever working dog you decide on getting, they need a full time job... which means they need to be trained...which means you need to learn how to train them. You need to spend a great deal of time and intelligence with them when they're pups. Otherwise, if they're left lonely and bored, they become neurotic and unhappy.

My dog goes everywhere with me. Even work. He also is trained and responds to both voice and hand commands. Hes so well behaved for a one year old I'm considering getting him a service vest of ebay so I can take him inside anywhere I have to go

[woodman]

Old thread here. My last dog, Ruby, has been gone since last summer. Sad day when she went. My wife is allergic to dogs and I think it is the hair mainly. Without a good guard dog I feel exposed. I have convinced my wife that we need another dog but it must have short hair because we don't want to keep it outside all the time; I just don't feel that it is fair to a family member, which my dogs inevitably become and should be.

I have never paid for a dog in my life so it is a little shocking to see what they are being sold for. I came across an American Bull Terrier/Boxer mix, but the lady wanted $300 for it. I don't know. I guess if one knew how the dog would turn out then it might be a very small price to pay.

Anyone have any input here? I want a dog that is vigilant and brave, but mostly will just alert me when anything is amiss, prowlers about, but will have common sense and I suppose put up an excellent front to keep jerks at bay. Must have short hair. I know a lot of this will be up to how I raise the puppy. I have thought about a shelter animal but that is a bit of a gamble too.

[hoarder]

I will gladly pay $300 or even $600 for the right dog that will be my loyal companion and watchdog for many years. I prefer the herding breeds myself.