Hello from Kansas

[faw3310]

I've been looking at and considering getting my first DS. So, I figured I'd come here and try to learn as much as possible before I make the purchase.

I have two boys (4 and 6) and two other dogs. We have an English bulldog and my wife has a little toy poodle. I would like a dog that would fit in and be good with our family, but could also be a protection dog as well. There have been a string of break-ins in the area, and I travel occasionally. It would make me feel better to have a protection dog at home.

That being said, I've talked to a trainer who locally has a good reputation or obedience and personal protection. Whatever puppy we get, it will go through as much training as needed. I'm anticipating I'll be getting trained as well.

I just wanted to say hello and see if anyone has any advice about whether or not this breed will work for us. And, if it will, any good breeders in Kansas?

[MultiPurposeK9]

Welcome. Get a nice German Shepherd. low to medium drive train 'em up in German, cue em to bark on command, put a few signs around your property and let the perception of "protection" dog work for you. The wife, the kids and the other two dogs will thank you and the trainer will have a nice dog to train

[Dutchringgirl]

A ds would not be a good fit just because you want a protection dog. Believe me when I say, my parents have a BAsset hound and they have never been broken into even though other houses in the neighbor hood have been. The basset has a HUGE bark.

Its the bark that counts, if someone sneaks up and they hear a bark they are more likely to go to another house. they wont take the risk of the bark alerting someone.

Any dog will be a good protection dog. All you need is a bark.

A DS is a working dog and needs a job that is more that watching the house. I would agree with Roger, you can get a nice quiet GSD that will do a great job or really, any other breed will be fine.

Even just a sign will work, leave lights on. there is so much you can do to protect our home besides getting a breed that is not appropriate.

Thank you for coming here first and looking for information. We want you and your family to be safe and happy and also for you to find a good fit where the animal will be happy as well.

[faw3310]

Thanks for the honest replies. There's a reason I decided to do some research here. I've always wanted a DS, but never owned one. After research on here, and your replies, I agree that this isn't the right breed for us right now.

Thanks again.

[Dutchringgirl]

Thank you for thinking of the animal first.