[apollia]

Right now, we don't have any pets [though we all really want one] due to issues with dh's grandmother --- essentially, she thinks any dog is "dangerous" unless it is tiny or a golden retriever... and black dogs are plain "bloodthirsty". Neither here nor there, however.

At any rate, I have been seriously tossing about the idea of getting a german sheperd or doberman to raise with the kids and train up as a protector for them in case SHTF.

Just wondering if others feel it is a boon or burden to adopt a dog right now. And if it's a good idea, what breed and why? Also -- neutering good or bad idea?

[And I'm not opposed to mixes... have been thinking about getting a shep/lab mix possibly]

TIA,
A---

 

[Garden_Knight]

i say Yay and Nay if you can feed your self/family easily then yes but if you cant then no cause thelast thing you want in a PSHTF senerio is an extra and important mouth to feed.

 

[User4024]

Do you want it to be indoors or outdoors?

Do you have time to walk/run the dog?

Are you a pack leader ala Dog Whisperer?

A shep/lab is a nice mix. :thumb:

I don't know much about neutering...

 

[DaveyDoes]

I agree with GK, if you can afford a dog, have the room for it and make arrangements to feed it during an emergency (just like a member of the family) I say go for it. If you can't afford it and don't want to put the time and effort into an animal with baths, vets, playing and training...don't waste your time.

We have a Doberman mix, Chow mix and an elderly Jack Russel and they're great with our kid. In fact, I think they would rush to protect him faster than they would the adults in the house...which is as it should be. Dogs can be good protection and wonderful companionship and even if aggressive with strangers, gentle as a lamb with family (assuming you get the right breed). A lot of shelters will let you have meet and greets with animals before adoption to take your kids in and you can all pick out something you can all agree on and are happy with.

If you pick a shelter animal most will insist on fixing them before you take them home and to me that's not the worst idea...I've had a "surprise" liter and wasn't happy having to have to find homes for them but, that's a personal choice.

 

[Highlander]

If Dh grandmother is living with you---get a dog if you want one.

If you are living with her--respect her wishes.

Snip it unless you want to breed it.

Nothing wrong with a rescue dog but get it as a pup and avoid abused ones.

This is hunter. Got him from the Humane Society in Sept 08.

Hunter @six months old in December 08

Hunter Today

 

[heyward]

We have 2 dogs , a West Highland Terrier and a Boxer , both rescued dogs .They have a problem with roll reversal and the westy is a terror , and the boxer is a lap dog. Seriously , get a good mixed breed as some purebreds have genetic problems. I had a chow-shepherd mix that was the best dog I ever had as far a training , protection. Have also raised Dobermans and love the breed despite some of the problems they are prone to . A small dog can be a excellant alarm system . Most humane societies require the dogs to be neutered/spayed before adoption , which is a good thing. Second that on any dog that shows signs of abuse , aggressiveness or extreme shyness.

 

[brutalsun]

I've seen tiny dogs be more vicious than a rottweiler. Anyways I couldn't go wothout my pups, not only do they fulfill my protect the house and kids needs but they provide us with companionship and entertainment something that could be useful during hardtimes.

 

[urban]

I have a German Shepard and i couldnt ask for a better dog. He's 10 weeks old now and getting his ready to start his schutzhund training. I'm very hopefully he will be able to fully complete it. Like humans, German Shepard's have aptitudes. I would recommend one but they are high maintenance and besides in a shtf scenario you can always eat it.

 

[Kregener]

Dogs are the most wonderful critters on God's earth! Get one, train it right, and never regret it or look back!

 

[squeak]

I have a German Shepard and i couldnt ask for a better dog. He's 10 weeks old now and getting his ready to start his schutzhund training. I'm very hopefully he will be able to fully complete it. Like humans, German Shepard's have aptitudes. I would recommend one but they are high maintenance and besides in a shtf scenario you can always eat it.

I have a GSD too, and have just bought another one that was born last week. My female is 10 months old. I'm looking forward to the new male.

But you must spend time with your dogs. If you have small children, I would advise against it just bc your time is spent training them. Now that our kids are older the dog gets all of the attn from someone, and if you don't exercise their bodies and mind (gsd's must be trained) then they will cause you problems in chewed up house and dug up yards.

Except I can't stomach the thought of eating mine.

 

[Kregener]

You can spend 20 minutes a DAY training your dog and he will be crushing ice and rescuing damsels in no time.

 

[urban]

I have a GSD too, and have just bought another one that was born last week. My female is 10 months old. I'm looking forward to the new male.

But you must spend time with your dogs. If you have small children, I would advise against it just bc your time is spent training them. Now that our kids are older the dog gets all of the attn from someone, and if you don't exercise their bodies and mind (gsd's must be trained) then they will cause you problems in chewed up house and dug up yards.

Except I can't stomach the thought of eating mine.

GSDs are the greatest dogs ever. Period. If you have kids give the up for adoption. They do not compare to a German Shepard.

 

[urban]

OH i'd eat the kids first.

 

[Lamb]

My girl is a GSD/pit mix.
She has rushed to my defense on more than one occasion.
I will never EVER be without a good dog again, period.
My next will be a pure bred GSD.

 

[urban]

Hustler
1992
Mirror, Alberta. Hustler, a three-year-old German Shepherd is credited with saving the life of his owner, Debbie Inions. After a fall from her horse left Debbie seriously injured and unable to move, Hustler repeatedly fought against vicious attacks by two preying coyotes until they were discovered nine hours later.

That's a dog!!!!

Heres a link to other GSD heros
http://www.angesgardiens.ca/ANG/Famous.htm

 

[Valkyrie144]

kitty cats for me please-

 

[Sapper6]

I couldn't imagine having kids without dogs to protect them. I have a male boxer who I am convinced would readily go to his grave for my wife or daughter (although he would most likely stand and watch as I was bludgeoned to death).

If you do opt for a dog, store food for it. If we're realistic, we won't be eating our dogs (unless of course our children are literally starving). I have heard the bravado, but I don't necessarily buy it in most cases.

If you attempt to store dog food, know that dry food does not store well, but canned dog foods store for approximately as long as canned soups and other canned "people" foods.

 

[JustaFarmgirl]

Right now, we don't have any pets [though we all really want one] due to issues with dh's grandmother --- essentially, she thinks any dog is "dangerous" unless it is tiny or a golden retriever... and black dogs are plain "bloodthirsty". Neither here nor there, however.

At any rate, I have been seriously tossing about the idea of getting a german sheperd or doberman to raise with the kids and train up as a protector for them in case SHTF.

Just wondering if others feel it is a boon or burden to adopt a dog right now. And if it's a good idea, what breed and why? Also -- neutering good or bad idea?

[And I'm not opposed to mixes... have been thinking about getting a shep/lab mix possibly]

TIA,
A---

DH's grandma is an idiot. Get a black lab! They're SUPER docile, friendly, sweet, affectionate, love water and travelling, bond STRONGLY to the family- and most importantly for a SHTF scenario- make LOTS of noise if someone comes onto your property. Dogs are great companions and if you have kids, GREAT guardians. Nobody will come after your children if there's a barking dog coming at them. If you're in a SHTF scenario, dogs are THE best alarm.

 

[hiway]

Mixes are the best. My doggies are my best alarm system, and they are, of course my best and loyal friends. . My major consern though, is being able to feed them when the SHTF. It's almost like having to worry over children. I do keep a few months supply of dog food.

 

[oktx]

I have 4 big black dogs. Two are certified therapy dogs that work with the elderly and children (the two biggest ones). Sometimes people are initially worried about animals based on their looks but when they have time to adjust, they change their minds.

I have found that some people in certain cultures have an irrational fear of large dogs and of large black dogs in particular. It may not be something that they can easily overcome. For an elderly person, it could be particularly difficult to overcome a lifetime mindset.

If the dog is going to be around the elderly person every day, I think that you should try to make sure that she is included in the process of choosing the pet. Otherwise, get what you want and put the dog in a different room when she visits provided it's short visits.

Of course, all dogs need training and take work and time. As an owner of 3 GSD's, I have to say that they are awesome dogs but as previously stated, often very high maintenance.