caught a thief in the act, my dog was attacked, perimeter defense

[pax]

Tourist,

You're getting just a mite personal, calling folks cowards for wanting to own working dogs that do the job they've been bred to do.

For the record, I don't own a dog and don't mind being called girlie -- since I am a girl -- so I really don't have a dog in this fight. But insulting the manhood of everyone who disagrees with you is Just Not Right.

We've had a bit too much of that on TFL lately, folks who think it's okay to hurl blanket insults at other people or groups of people. It is not okay. Please don't do it.

All,

Let's try to keep this thread on-topic. The question is: what specific things can a homeowner in a bad area do to reduce the risk of property crime or worse?

If you can stay on topic, please post here. If you want to talk about something else, do it elsewhere.

Thanks,

pax

[pax]

To repeat: If you can stay on topic, please post here. If you want to talk about something else, please do it elsewhere.

pax

[ISC]

thanks pax, I spend quite a bit of time on base teaching MOS-T and BNCOC classes so I rely on my dog for security while I'm out of town and my friends stop in and check on/feed her daily. Hershey is a very happy and playful dog if your escorted into the yard, but is incredibly territorial about the yard. That's exactly as it should be.

I'm thinking about putting up a 6' privacy fence as an alternative to the electric fence.

Pluses:
1) no potential for legal liability (small concern, but a concern)
2) keeps Hershey in and the horney dog accross the street out
3) allows me to load my vehicle for range trips without being observed

minuses:
1) expensive (I could buy a NICE new M14 or 50 gun safe for the cost)
2) It would be alot of work
3) it would prevent Hershey from seeing my driveway and front yard to alert me about intruders

[Epyon]

Dogs have a good sense of smell and hearing. I'm sure even if your dog can't see out to the front of the house, she can still alert anyone that comes close. I have a friend who owns a small dog that knows EVERYONE who comes to the house just by the sound of their car engines, and voice. The only time he EVER barks wildly is if there's a stranger anywhere near the house, be it in the front or back yard. If he knows you, he'll keep quiet but come up to you wagging his tail.


Epyon

[Socrates]

HMMMM.

I recommended a Rott because some of my fondest memories in protection work were with my bosses Rott, Dax. Dax was the most loveable, sweetest, attack trained dog you would probably ever be around. During a 3 day power outage in 82 we hunkered down in a restaurant, providing 24 our protection to our place of employment, and a few hundred grand. Somebody shot a gun across the creek, and, we heard a knock on the door. I got elected to go, it was very dark, and, I was covered by two or three guys with battle rifles, AR 15's and M1A's, and, I took Dax with me, off lead. I opened the door, and, it was a police officer. We exchanged comments about the gunshot, I told him it wasn't us, and then he looked down, and saw Dax. Dax was solid black, and, all you could see were the canine teeth in the dark. Dax was ready, but, he had assessed the situation, and, while alert, was just watching and protecting. He said something like,
"It looks like you're in good hands." Looking at Dax, and went on his way.

That same dog would jump up on your lap on the couch, and you'd have a 120 pounds of lap dog. The owner of that dog was one of the best martial artists I've ever trained with, a trained by the United States trained killer: a Green Beret, who reupped in Vietnam and Korea until both conflicts ended. He LOVED war. Now, that was his solution to a similar problem, except he actually had a kennel full of pups in the back yard.

Some genius drug addict jumped his rather high, 8-9 foot fence, and, Dax didn't take kindly to that. Dax bit the guy in the butt. Apparently the more the guy tried to escape, the harder Dax bit. Finally the guy stopped moving, Dax eased up, and the police came and took him away. The man's girlfriend had been raped in her house, in another town, and, she no longer had that fear with the rotts around. Since it's Florida, a short haired dog is a good choice. Otherwise my favorite are Great Pyre mountain dogs.

By the way: I've been in the ring with Dennis Alexio, 70-2
world full contact heavyweight champion at one time. 15 rounds of 'sparring' where he only broke the end of my rib. The owner of the Rotts was NOT someone you'd EVER want to mess with...

Just because some bad people own a breed, it doesn't mean the breed or bad, or doesn't do the job it's intended to do...

Rotts are VERY smart, provided they haven't been over 'dobermanized': i.e. bred to a point where they have a small, narrow head that limits brain size.

And Tourist: I started boxing and martial arts in about 75, and, stopped active sparring, boxing in about 95, when I had to get my nose opened up, since I could no longer breath out of it. I've fought my own battles for a long time, and, I'm pretty much over that at this point, though I do enjoy working out in our local Gracie gym every once in awhile.

Dax's owner was someone who killed people, legally for a long time. Not anyone I would ever want to face...

The only down side for ISC is dogs need love, and, having to leave them for extended periods would be hard on them...

[Chui]

If you're not an experienced dog owner then axe the plan on purchasing a working dog for protection. Please.

And why in Hades would I resort to using judo/jujitsu with some zombie/hobgoblin when I can "release the hound", so to speak???

I was "assaulted" while in high school by a tough guy while I was walking my own 62 lb Pit Bull. I released the leash. Game Over. Crushed hand. Lots of crying. Breaking stick to pry him off and I beat feet. That day was a good day. I wake up laughing from time to time dreaming/remembering it. I'll never forget that jackasses face nor his panicked screams. Nor will I forget others laughing at him. Nor will I ever forget the gentleman who grabbed me through me in his truck and took me home before the aftermath of it all. Get real, dude. Dogs are a first line defense. They get injured such that you can live.

You're also confusing gamebred Pit Bulls with Personal Protection dogs. NOT the same thing. What Vick was involved in was bloodsport not self-defense.

And I don't think he'll have many problems behind bars. Though I could be incorrect here. He's not a loudmouth, he's very athletic and he's got a huge following I'm sure with the Blacks in prison. He'll be protected. As would you if you were a famous individual.

[OJ]

My neighbor across the street confessed he was on his way over to complain about my dogs barking late the night before and found a couple of guys trying to steal his radio out of his Jeep - that's what the dogs were barking about. He wanted to give them a medal - he's a retired Lt Col - Army.

Tonight we had a bear in the yard - but he didn't stay - guess he didn't feel like playing.





They aren't the least bit vicious and are well mannered -



Works for us -

[packa45]

Wow! Those are some massive dogs.

[OJ]

Wow! Those are some massive dogs.

Yep - little sister Katie (brindle) weighed in at a dainty 199# last October at her annual check-up while big bro Charley was an even 202#. Their bark is their only weapon - other than image (which is everything for some).



They even guard the trailer when camping in the summer - their defense strategy is, if strangers aren't intimidated by size and bark, drown'em in drool.

[bikerbill]

did you have to get a second job to feed those pooches? sell all your guns? they could sit on the BG and he'd be toast ...

[Odd Job]

Indeed, that Charley is only 5lbs lighter than me!!

[OJ]

Thanks, guys - actually, they eat about half what you might think but, it's still quite a bit - they're worth it. We've had Mastiffs going on three decades and showed them some years - got titles - mostly in obedience - but now, we just enjoy their company. These two have had obedience training from day one but they just think it's a fun walk.

Katie: "I'm a lady."



Charley: "When does pre-season begin?"



Some think we indulge them???

Even "little" sis Katie outweighs me 15# when I'm fully dressed (5# of which is a Colt government model 45 and spare mags). Everybody in our neighborhood knows them by name - even those who can't remember "Bonnie and OJ".

[pax]

OJ, those sure are beautiful dogs.

This thread has gotten quite a ways away from its original topic, so I'm closing it now. Thanks to all for the interesting discussion.

pax