With the increasing crime rates, more and more people are considering to get themselves a guard dog. Choosing a dog to become a guard dog instead of a regular pet can be confusing. You might not know that not any dog can be a guard dog, and there are steps that you need to take to get yourself the perfect guard dog. Here are a few factors that you need to consider before picking out the right guard dog for you.
Dog’s breed
Different dog breeds carry different personalities to the dog. It may even carry different types of health maintenances and life span. Do some research and consider all the factors that come with the dog’s breed, and adjust it with your budget. Some dog breeds may need higher maintenance, especially those with longer fur, and some need to be trained longer to socialize first so they won’t attack just anybody. This will cause you to spend more money, which is why you need to know how much you are willing to spend.
Type of family
Some guard dogs, like the great dane, may appear huge and dark, but they are very affectionate to kids and their own family. However, as a guard dog’s duty, they are also highly aware of their surroundings and will get sensitive when they sense a threat. Therefore, the great dane is a great guard dog if you have small children. Some dogs are not friendly towards kids, and they may become too aggressive. You also need to discuss what type of dog the rest of your family prefers. If a family member is allergic to fur, you might want to choose a guard dog that doesn’t tend to shed.
Environment
The environment of your home should also be considered when choosing a guard dog. If you choose a large sized dog, it may not be best to keep them in an apartment, where your neighbors can easily hear their barking. Some guard dogs need a large yard or nearby park for them to run around in since a lot of guard dogs are highly energetic. They can become feisty if they don’t let their energy out and tire themselves. You also need to make sure that there are no small children that can come too near to their guard dog unless the children are yours and had bonded with the dog.