Watch dogs are a time tested method of home security that has been around for centuries. Owning a dog can be a great way to feel more secure at home and offer companionship and fun for your children. Home watch dogs can serve a myriad of purposes depending on their training but in this day and age it is becoming more common for suburban families to use them as sentries rather than guards. A well trained watch dog can alert its owner to any unwanted presence on their property and give them extra warning should an intruder be planning to enter their home.
A modern ‘guard dog’ doesn’t have to be a large and vicious attack animal but rather needs only to alert its owners to suspicious activity. The key to this is training. Most untrained dogs will bark at the mundane so owners are often hesitant to investigate every single occurrence. With proper training your dog can become a reliable source of home security whose barks are to be heeded and investigated.
Another important concern for families seeking to own a dog for home security is safety for their children. This, again, comes with training but there are some breeds of dogs that make excellent and family friendly home sentries. Some of the desirable traits that can be found in popular family friendly watch dogs include: a mild temperament, loyalty, a protective nature, and patience. While aggressive dogs may make better guard dogs it is not a trait that will benefit a family with small children.
Almost any kind of dog can make a good family watch dog with proper training but there are some time tested favorite breeds among suburban families. These include but are not limited to: Akitas, Boerbels, Pyrenees Mountain Dogs, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, German Shepherds, Staffordshire Terriers, Komondors, Great Danes, Collies, Bullmastiffs, Bernese Mountain Dogs, Saint Bernards and any kind of labrador or retriever. These breeds are all on the larger side of the spectrum and offer an additional intimidation factor despite their mild temperaments.
One of the best ways to get a great watch dog is to get it while it is young and train it thoroughly. It will become more loyal and comfortable with your family this way and lessens the risk of aggressive behavior towards to your children or loved ones. It is also advisable to consult a professional for training rather than attempt it on your own. As always, stay informed and you will have no difficulty raising a watch dog for companionship and security for yourself and your family.
