Consider a Canine
Overcome a threat, win a fight, take care of a problem. First, you have to know there is a problem.
Maybe some people can remain in a constant state of alertness. I can't. I want a warning. There are cameras, alarms and motion sensors but this topic is regarding dogs. Regardless of breed, a dog has not become over-civilized like most humans. A dog has a territory where everything is normal and quiet - hopefully the dog is, too - or there has been some change within the territory and the dog lets you know. At that point, you get to go into the situation with some warning.
Already have a dog? Watch what he or she does when startled or alerted. In time, you can learn from your dog's reaction what kind of event is happening.
Don't have a dog yet? When you get one, you and your dog can learn together. Every dog will have an "alert" reaction but it probably won't be the same reaction in all dogs. With nine dogs at home, each will tell me things, but each has a different way of doing so.
What kind of dog? I have read that very smart breeds are supposed to have the equivalent intelligence of a five year old child. Something to keep in mind if thinking of some kind of killer attack dog - a very powerful five year old. Having said that, big dogs do have big barks, which may tell your particular threat to go elsewhere. Rhodesian Ridgebacks make a good choice and are extremely protective. I've seen increasing mention of the Caucasian Mountain Dog but am told they are not for everyone. The current big dog at home is a German Shepherd. At 85 pounds, he is a very good alarm system with some additional capabilities. The best alarm at home? A 10 pound Jack Russell Terrier. Size isn't a prerequisite for being alert and watchful. A Boston Terrier was my first alarm - he would wake me if something happened at night and then I would take care of it. He had done his job.
Maybe some people can remain in a constant state of alertness. I can't. I want a warning. There are cameras, alarms and motion sensors but this topic is regarding dogs. Regardless of breed, a dog has not become over-civilized like most humans. A dog has a territory where everything is normal and quiet - hopefully the dog is, too - or there has been some change within the territory and the dog lets you know. At that point, you get to go into the situation with some warning.
Already have a dog? Watch what he or she does when startled or alerted. In time, you can learn from your dog's reaction what kind of event is happening.
Don't have a dog yet? When you get one, you and your dog can learn together. Every dog will have an "alert" reaction but it probably won't be the same reaction in all dogs. With nine dogs at home, each will tell me things, but each has a different way of doing so.
What kind of dog? I have read that very smart breeds are supposed to have the equivalent intelligence of a five year old child. Something to keep in mind if thinking of some kind of killer attack dog - a very powerful five year old. Having said that, big dogs do have big barks, which may tell your particular threat to go elsewhere. Rhodesian Ridgebacks make a good choice and are extremely protective. I've seen increasing mention of the Caucasian Mountain Dog but am told they are not for everyone. The current big dog at home is a German Shepherd. At 85 pounds, he is a very good alarm system with some additional capabilities. The best alarm at home? A 10 pound Jack Russell Terrier. Size isn't a prerequisite for being alert and watchful. A Boston Terrier was my first alarm - he would wake me if something happened at night and then I would take care of it. He had done his job.
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