I want to get a guard dog. Never owned a dog in my life. Suggestions?

A Rott, among many others breeds, is a dog who should only be owned by an experienced dog person with Alpha/dominate dog training. They are a very dominate breed and will take over the house and possibly bite you w/o the right owner. if you mean a trained guard dog that is a poor idea too but a black Lab or black large mix will scare off most people and be a dog you should be able to handle. To get a Rott or similar type dog is like throwing the kid off the deep end to see if he sinks or swims. Even a Dobe would be better if you choose carefully. I own a beautiful 28" at the shoulder, 78lb Dobe who barks like a fierce killer but would be less likely to bite than my field bred choc Lab. Talk to a reputable breeder or rescue. An adult dog from a rescue would be a great choice, responsible rescues have the dogs live in their houses around kids and/ or other dogs and cats. The dogs are housebroken, chew proofed and their quirks are known. Many Rotts, Pits, Danes etc end up in shelters as biters due to owners not knowing what they were getting into. A dominate dog will assume the leader role in absence of a fair Alpha leader and the consequences are not pretty. There is a great book, Succesful dog Adoption, which has a chapter on picking the right temperament dog for your situation. Most people are more scared of a large black dog of any breed so a large mix or black Lab should work out fine. Dogs require lots of time, $$ and commitment so think carefully b4 buying/adopting.

If you are just getting the dog to feel same and not because you actually want a dog as a pet I would recommend not getting one. Instead call your the city and request street lights in the area, get an alarm and call your local police and request increased patrol in the area. A dog is a lot of work and a life time commitment, not something just to be used as a tool to make you feel safe.

If you really want a dog....

Given that you have no experience with dogs at all I would recommend staying away from what are generally considered the guard or protection breeds. These breeds are generally what are considered dominant breeds, and you won't be able to control them if you are intimidated by them. While these breeds aren't inheriantly dangerous uncontrolled if just by the nature of there size and power they have the potential to be.

Any large breed will tend to be intimidating to a potential attacker as most adult dogs will defend there owner if necessary. I would recommend spending some time volunteering at your local shelter or a breed rescue to get the idea of the type of dog you like and feel as if you can handle. This is especially important since you have never seen or touched a dog except once at the vet.

Unless you have the dog professionally trained in personal protection, it cannot be relied on to protect you in any situation. Just because a dog is of a particular breed doesn't mean it will protect. I would recommend getting a gun if you are scared. Any dog will deter most criminals, whether it's a maltese or a mastiff. If the person wants to hurt you or break into your house bad enough, it won't matter what kind of dog you have. Even a dog trained in personal protection won't do much against an intruder with a gun or knife. My point: If you want a dog, get a dog that fits your lifestyle and home. Don't pick a dog based on how protective they can be, because that would be fooling yourself. All dogs can bark, and that will keep most creeps away.

I am going to suggest you learn more about handling a dog before you get a guard breed they are a nightmare if you don't train them properly they often won't let any guests in and want to protect their owner from any and every thing.

If you do insist pay some money and buy a protection trained dog from a reputable facility a good guard dog will back down immediately when you tell them too. You will also need to take some lessons in handling the dog.

If you just want a dog who will look scary and bark just get a big dog most dogs will bark as strangers approach your house but you don't want them attacking the mailman or the meter reader or you cousin who has never been to your home before

Where I live it is illegal to have a rottweiler in city limits so check your local laws first. Also depending on how populated your neighborhood your neighbors can call the police on you if your dog barks excessively past a certain time. (It's 10:30pm here). If you have a small yard it would be cruel to get a large dog because they need plenty of space. Unless you plan to walk him everyday. Believe it or not small dogs can ward off would-be prowlers because they are yappy. But they wouldn't do you much good protection wise. I would go to the pound and adopt a mutt. Make it young enough you can train it the way you like but not so young that it howls to come inside all night! 8-10 weeks may be a good age. But the mutt dogs can protect you just as well as a pure-bred. And since you say you've never been around dogs you will be amazed at the loyalty and companionship a dog will bring you. If you treat it right.

I can't say enough good things about Rottweilers except that you should not own one. They are very intelligent and loving dogs that when PROPERLY trained are excellent guard dogs.However a poorly trained dog of any breed is irresponsible and both to the owner and the dog. Add to that the power of a Rottweiler and you have the makings of a disaster. Having never owned a dog before and getting a Rottie is like having never driven a car and getting behind the wheel of a tractor trailer. I suggest you move to a safer area.

The rottweiler breed would not be for you! Please do not get this breed. Any dog can bark to let you know when someone is around. I don't know where you live, but sometimes its not safe for ANY dog, no matter what the breed. There are rotten people out there. I would suggest, since you have never been a dog owner, that you get a small breed. Dogs require lots of attention! They can't just be put out someplace and left alone. They need to be able to go inside, with you....and outside as well from time to time. They need walks, and space to play by themselves and/or with you. You simply don't just throw food at them, or on the ground......you have to buy them food bowls and clean them. Dogs require vet care. They can be expensive! Please consider carefully, and get the dog breed that is right for you. Good luck.

Educate yourself on the different breeds that would suit your lifestyle, and talk to a vet.. I`ve never owned a dog either and I just purchased my first dog..It took me a whole year of research before I actually approached a breeder..Rotties are great dogs, so , I`ve heard.But they need some TLC, and training.I have a Pomeranian, he may not look like a guard dog, but he is one in spirit!! He barks and chases strangers off the property, and at the same time he can be sweet and affectionate to myself and my family. Some of the breeds that you least expect to be great home protectors are great for guarding. My pom barks constantly until a stranger leaves..

You have no idea how much time and effort a dog takes, not to mention money (Annual exams-$200 yr, monthly meds for fleas and heartworm $200 yr, teeth cleaning $250 yr, sicknesses $???, food $200 yr, etc, etc, etc). You are not a dog person, obviously, as you've never even touched one. They aren't a piece of equipment. It would be cheaper for you and better for the dog if you just moved to a safer place. "I did some reading" just doesn't cut it. Dogs live, on average, 12 to 17 years. Are you REALLY willing to commit that kind of time and effort? A large dog CANNOT just sit around the house. Are you willing to walk the dog everyday for at least half an hour for 17 years? This isn't a toaster or chair that you can just throw away when you get tired of it. They eat and poop several times EVERYDAY, when they want to, not when you want them to. Borrow a friends dog for a couple weeks. Then decide. Don't chance ruining a dogs life if you aren't sure.

Hi, I understand that you are looking for some advice or resources to help fully train your dog or fix behavior problems. If a professional dog trainer is not an option at this time, or if you want to trt training your dog on your own (a great way to bond), I'd suggest you https://biturl.im/aU8Vf

A friend recommened it to me a few years ago, and I was amazed how quickly it worked, which is why I recommend it to others. The dog training academy also has as an excellent home training course.