Neighbor was raped last night..

My wife is freaking. She wants us to buy a dog. Any suggestions on breed and so forth?

a medium-large dog, but rather than go for aggressive (which will get HER in trouble) go for one with loyal protective instincts. She really wants the notice of something unusual (so she can call 911 or grab the pepper spray) and the deterrent factor-- rather than to rely on the dog going after someone. All too often dogs of the latter category DO go after someone, but usually it is an unintended neighbor or child.

A good mixed breed might do well too. But train the dog!!!!

They're usually much less "high strung" and very bright. Go to the local animal shelter and save a life -- or two.

before she takes on the responsibility of the well being of another creature.

flame me if you want but we do rescues and give homes to dogs that people get without thorough consideration.

Loyal, good with kids, aggressive when necessary, intimidating appearance and reputation.

But for a pal, I love mutts. :loveya:

I'll never pay for a dog; there are too many put to sleep every day. But for a "working" dog, I'd make an exception. A dog kept for protection is like any other tool on which your life may depend; go with the best you can afford.

as an example here is one of many lists.....

http://www.margatelibrary.org/rescues.htm

If (a) you live in an area where a winter-coat doggy wouldn't pass out from heat all the time, and (b) you're willing to have an "active" dog that needs a little recreation now and then (don't we all).

Here's why:

They look dangerous. But love people. Any intruder would find them intimidating, but the breed has a thousand-year history of living (to be blunt) inside the igloo with the kids. Since (historically) women were in charge of breeding, they'd only breed the ones that (a) could pull the sled, and (b) wouldn't bite the kiddies.

A wolfy-looking dog running at you to lick you looks about the same as a wolfy-looking dog running at you to eat your liver. Rescues abound -- I'd never get another kind of dog.

Adopted a collie from a local shelter. That dog was fiercely protective of them, but wouldn't harm a hair on a child's head. She was never agressive until harm (or perceived harm) was met out to my aunt or cousin--not even the husband or son could raise a hand to them without the collie come tearing into the room barking like mad.

I was rather impressed.

She was exactly as you described. Great dog. Sweet and cuddly but super smart and very protective. They're big enough to be a deterrent based on sight alone, but many also have extremely fierce-sounding barks.

go to the pound or animal shelter and pick a dog with lots of spirit. Most dogs are very loyal and will bark to protect their territory and their alpha master.

I have a pit bull and she is the sweet and gentle until someone comes near the house in the middle of the night or that she feels is a threat to me - then she barks like crazy. People that don't know her are automatically intimidated.

on edit - I had a Lab mix for years and she never left my side even when I was outside. If she felt either of my sons was threatening, she would place herself between me and him and wouldn't budge.

Preferably a mix. There are always plenty of needy animals in shelters.

and wishes to protect her self. Makes sense to me....

So get one you and your family will love.

Fact of the matter is, ANY dog adds a variable of dangerous uncertainty to a criminal mind, and anyone who would do harm to you will move on to easier pickings.

First rule of self-defense: Don't be the easiest target.

and for the neighborhood. That fear will linger for so long.

We got our grandaughter a pound puppy (boxer/lab mix). She is only 8 months old and already very protective, especially with us females. Always loved boxers and had 2 of them. Never had experience with a lab.

As a recovered rape victim I would also encourage you to consider all the angles here:
Does the neighbor who was attacked live alone? (making it more likely for her to be a target)
Is your wife at home alone frequently? (Or alone alot at night?)
Do the police think other deterrents, say good outside lighting, alarms, etc, could make a difference?
Are there others, children, that visit you frequently that would be impacted by your decision to get a dog?

I didn't buy a dog after I was raped, but I installed security alarms, etc. as deterrents. Please don't get a dog unless you are truly committed to having a loving pet in your household, and are willing to give the animal as much love and attention as it deserves.

I am very sorry for your neighbor and your wife and the climate of fear this bastard has created. Good luck with your decision.

Our neighbor is married. Her husband is out of town and won't be back until the weekend. She is staying at our house until her husband gets back.

My wife works during the day but gets home about an hour and a half before I do every night.

The deputies made a lot of suggestions from alarm to lighting and even neighborhood watch. One suggested getting a gun but that is out of the question. I don't want a gun in my house and neither does my wife.

I was also told that this isn't the first rape in the area. We've had four others since may.

As for getting a dog, I love dogs and so does my wife. We had a wonderful poodle that passed away two years ago this coming september. We've discussed getting another dog but we haven't done anthing more yet.

This used to be a very good area but the crime is seeping out of DC and making life here miserable. It may be time to move in the near future.

a dog and outside lighting are the ways to go. Outdoor lighting should be a combination of flood and motion-sensitive. It should cover avenues of approach to the house and areas which would provide concealment. Indoor light timers aren't a bad idea either. Alarms aren't going to hurt, but with police response time being what it is they aren't going to help a whole lot either. The main value in any security is deterrence; an ADT sign is about as valuable as an ADT alarm system. Also, a "Beware of Dog" sign is a help, even if there's no dog. Large bushes near windows can provide a physical barrier. Consider designating a "safe room" within the house that has a phone and a reinforced door. If you can't afford to replace any doors, a rubber door stop placed underneath makes it more difficult to knock one down. A bathroom off of your bedroom is usually the best canidate.

Beyond that, the only thing to improve your security situation is a weapon, and if your wife won't feel comfortable using a gun there's no point in getting one. Everything else is just a stationary barrier that can be penetrated. Stun guns are nearly useless. Pepper spray is a good tool but make sure you buy something with a practice canister-it's not as easy to put on target as one might think.

If you reconsider the gun, check out a short pump shotgun. It's easy to use, easy to kid-proof, doesn't over-penetrate into adjacent rooms and is very jury-friendly. The sound of the action being manipulated is by itself a very strong deterrent; the last thing someone in your house at three a.m. wants to hear is that chu-chuck of a shottie being pumped.

Good luck.

have no clue how to bypass or cut off an alarm system. A dog is HIGH maintenance however and is easily foiled. All you have to do is let it OUT and viola, gone dog, easy access, unless the dog is a schutzhund of course.

I have an excellent alarm system and 3 dogs. I STILL lock all my doors and windows at night. Common sense is the key to self protection.

A gun isn't a bad idea. The potential for a repeat event is unlikely for the victim, but for you as neighbors, updated security lighting, including (very affordable) motion detectors and secured fencing, in addition to barrier plantings under windows and along fence lines is a good idea.

to the best breeder/ seller I know of...

http://www.adlerstein.com/



and THIS is a serious working dog, for home protection...

I'd still contend that the main value of an alarm system is the sign. If somebody pays no heed to that they can either bypass your system or don't care if the alarm's going off. A dog is an active, physical protector, not an inanimate, inflexible barrier like an alarm system.

And is the shutzhund the same thing as a German Sheperd?

know how to stop an alarm, or disable it. Crooks are crooks because they're STUPID, not smart, that's for sure.

The main value is the VOLUME of my alarm. When it goes off, which is rare, that sucker wakes the WHOLE neighborhood and every neighbor I have will be on my doorstep in 12 seconds. I have the exterior speaker pointed out of the window in my attic. You can hear it a block away. And I have good neighbors...

Not a rapist on the planet that will keep going (or coming in) when that goes off. I have a keypad next to my bed, if I ever need to hit it for any reason.

Other very effective security measures are barrier plantings. Not just bushes, but spikey, painful bushes and plants under windows, along fences and in vulnerable crossing areas.

I have both sides of the house set with motion detector floodlights as well.

I had all my doors replaced with steel doors, designed nicely. No bars, but it would take a monster to get through them, even the french doors.

I had all my locksets replaced with the best quality locks possible, and had deadbolts installed in specific locations.

I imagine I spent about $3000 on security for my home, between gates, doors, alarms, lighting and locks. I'd say it was a bargain at 10 times the price. But nothing is more valuable than good neighbors who look out for each other...

and if your neighbors will be on your doorstep within minutes of your alarm going off, you've exceptionally good neighbors. Most will put their head under their pillow and go back to sleep. Actually reactive protection from an alarm depends on police response time. Very few people can deactivate an alarm, unless they're very dedicated. That knowledge does, however, exist. Got a battery back up for your alarm system? Does it have a seperate transmitter or is it phone line dependant? Got a remote? There are ways around alarm systems. And some people will go THRU alarm systems, although granted not your typical housebreaker.

My point is that the primary value of an alarm system is simply it's existence as a deterrent. Anyone who seriously wants to come in YOUR house will. Otherwise, predators will seek the weakest prey, softest targets.

The poodles I know are GOOD watch dogs. They seem to be ever alert. The standard ones are big enough to give an intruder pause, too. I have a 30-pound American Eskimo, also a great watch dog. Anything out of the ordinary gets a reponse. An alert dog is what you want. You want a dog IN THE HOUSE who will bark at anything unusual outside, but one that will stop barking once you investigate. You want to be warned before someone gets in. Even if the intruder does have a steak with him he still has to get a door or window open before he can throw the steak to the dog and by that time you'll know for certain that someone is there. Most, if not all, intruders will avoid a house with a barking dog.

That is absolutely awful and terrible. Raise hell, with your city council, anybody/everybody, because everyone in your community must and should know about that. Possibly a local serial rapist?? :scared:

looking at the pattern?

If you get a large dog, you may discover that he or she needs more room than a poodle. You also may want to make sure that you have a big enough fence so that your dog does not go exploring the neighborhood.

When my wife is home alone normally a bad guy would have to get through five wolfhounds before he got to the bedroom, inside the bedroom usually two more on the bed and one that likes to sleep on the floor of the foot of the bed. Guess I should'nt mentioned the cocked and locked .45.

But being more serious, one make it hard to get into the house, good window locks and door locks, a good noisy dog helps, but remember sometimes a piece of steak works wonders to make a pesky dog go away. Good locks on bedroom door with a cell phone phone in the room.

so I reccomend male Golden Retrievers. They may have a friendly reputation but they are usually as protective as the more intimidating breeds and they are great with kids.

My neighbors goldens are huge but lazy and VERY harmless.

They smell and that's a plus. But that's it.

Trad

They're a little bigger than Goldens. They are loyal as the day is long and they have a protective streak a mile wide. (Without being territorial.)

I know when my dog is in my car with me, i could call one of the Chicago Bears (there training camp is 15 miles from my house) an "ignorant sissy boy overdosing on steroids" and even they wouldn't come over and pound me into the ground like a spike. The dog's too big to even consider it.

Not that i would call anyone names, but if the dog is with me, i could.
The Professor

You don't have to feed it, walk it, or clean up after it.

But a gun isn't something I want. My wife agrees. There are too many factors about guns that we are not comfortable with. I also don't think a gun is a solution and it puts the fact that it can be used against us into the mix.

Thank you for the suggestion though.

maybe not in the biological sense, pay attention to its maintenance and get some regular practice in handling (and firing) it, otherwise it is definitely more dangerous to you than its worth.

I'd suggest a great dane. They're very intimidating (due to sheer size), their barks are very deep and threatening-sounding, yet they're a very docile breed.

On the downside, they're not the smartest of breeds, and they don't tend to live very long.

Perhaps, but don't piss them off. A friend of mine has two great danes, and came home one night to find two burglars damn near bleeding to death and the police and EMS being held off by the dogs standing guard over their "catch."

All dogs are very protective of their territory and the bigger ones can be very successful at it.

I go for shelter dogs, btw. There's too many homeless animals out there, and too many unscrupulous breeders.

Your average mastiff can take several .44 cal hollowpoints and keep charging.

So can a pittbull.


Trad

I have one and they are wonderful watch dogs. And just the presence of the dog in the house will give people second thoughts about breaking in.

or those that do not have a large amount of patience and/or money for training. Those dogs must have their blood lines researched to ensure a non violent animal.

I would not suggest anyone them to those that do not have a large amount of experience with dogs.

My sister has a pit bull - they are actually very sweet by nature. It's the treatment that makes them frightened, and if they fear they will be abused, they will fight back. Pit bulls scored higher than most breeds on temperament tests. You can find a private breeder that doesn't breed them for fighting, or you can go through a rescue or shelter, and they can attest to the dog's temperament.

They're extremely loving and will do anything for their masters, and very easy to train. However, they are not very territorial, so forget about using them as a watchdog. If a rapist hid in your house when you weren't around, tough luck. They only protect people.

However, for personal defense the dog is awesome and I never saw a dog that was so obedient.

ON EDIT: Also, all of the "bully breeds" are really good, and if you can't handle something as powerful as a pit, you could get a smaller version like the AmStaff or the English Staffy - equally cute, loving, spunky and TOUGH.

I can't recommend these dogs enough - they're so maligned.

I myself have a shepherd - I love the guy, fantastic watchdog, but he is cranky and aloof most of the time, and he's bitten us on a number of occasions.

but you do not need a large amount of patience or money to train a Rottie. They are ultra intelligent and very easy to
train. My Legend is super smart and it takes me only a few minutes for her to learn something new.
The same with my Bear Bear, who died in 1999. And the dog will only be violent if the owner makes
them that way. Rottweilers have a bad rap because everytime a Rottie attacks a person, it is played
up in the media. I don't see any publicity when a Cocker spaniel bites someone.

but when you find a good line there is no better dog. A good Rott line needs to be taught to be aggressive but not to be responsive. I have two, one weighs 175lbs and his mother weighs 145. They are the sweetest most gentle dogs, BooBoo thinks he's a lap dog. Our vet wants us to breed him because he is so docile, when he barks at some one he backs up not forward but if someone doesn't know him he scares the &*^% out of them.

Rotts like to be around people, they are indoor dogs who want to be with their families, they will go between a child and a stranger and just stand their until their masters embrace the stranger. If you don't want a giant house dog don't get a Rott, but if you don't mind they are verry loveable.

No matter what kind of dog and no matter how well behaved Never leave a child alone with a dog

A dog that alerts you. I suggest a Beagle
- Will raise the dead with it's howl if someone comes near your home.
- Will not attack anyone and is a very friendly smart breed

A dog the protect you. I would suggest a Doberman.
- Will bark, scare, and rip any intruder dumb enough to ignore the first to warnings to pieces
- It requires professional training and can attack thoughtless neighbors

my heart goes out to your neighbor.
and your wife too.

i would recommend a German Shepard.

Spending thousands on a dog for protection without having an alarm would be silly.

short barrel, load it with "Home defense" rounds to minimize penetration of the walls.

Look at it like this, if an intruder hangs around to see what happens next after hearing the "RACK-CLACK" of the action being cycled, you're doing the Gene Pool a favour....You only have to "feed" it while your using it, and it doesn't shit on the floor or chew up your favourite shoes.

And frankly, with the way the genetics and temprament have been fucked-up in the so-called "Protection Breeds", you have a greater chance of a loved one being killed or maimed by the dog than the shotgun.

I understand your wife's feelings. And if you decide to get a dog, please oh please do some real research into what dogs really are.

A dog can only do two things for you in terms of protection, realistically. (And I adore dogs, none of the following is anything against dogs.)

1) If it is a highly trained guard dog, and you are totally in control of it, it possibly can provide you with real physical protection. Possibly. But this requires intense and ongoing work by both a good trainer and the owner. The owner must understand the dog fully, and be dedicated to safe handling of it. You don't just go out, get a trained guard dog, push the button to set it, and walk away like it's a car alarm.

2) A normal pet dog that will bark at intruders. That's all. It won't be guaranteed to attack or provide any physical protection. It will bark. Make that, =might= bark. And in addition it might or will bark at birds, cats, neighbors, kids. So when the dog barks at night, you never know if it's a rapist or a rabbit. Cause to the dog, there's no difference. Not the dog's fault.

All dogs come with all the accoutrements of doggyness. They need socialization, exercise, companionship, variety, protection from the elements. They have all the doggy vices, they shed, they may chew, they may have accidents, they become hyper if they they are cooped up. If the dog was poorly socialized as a puppy, or kept confined too much, it may become highly territorial and bite people or other animals out of fear or aggression. Even if it has been well-socialized, some individual dogs and some breeds tend to have dog or people aggression issues which have to be handled by a very savvy owner or trainer. Again, a dog is a living thing, not a security system.

There are so many cases where people get a large dog for protection and then keep it in a backyard where it gets no exercise or socialization, and becomes unpredictable with other dogs and people. It becomes difficult to handle even for the owners, and ends up at the shelter. This is NOT the dog's fault--never never. The dog is being what it is, and doing what a dog does.

A dog can't know what people know--who's the good guy and who's bad. They only know their own territory, and their people, and their guardian instincts.

Get a dog for companionship, for the love of a wonderful creature, for a member of your family. Know that you are bringing a new doggy person into your home and your life will change. You'll have to have someone take care of the dog when you leave town. You'll have to take it to the vet, keep its vaccinations updated, spend money on it. You'll have to make sure you can contain it on your property with a good barrier of some kind. You'll have to give it walks and exercise. You'll have to train it and keep up with training, because training wears off. You'll have to deal with whatever bad habits it develops, and they all develop a few. Every dog is different; they are as variable in their personalities as people are. They are not security machines.

For security, get an alarm system with a panic button that directly alerts the police.

For love, craziness, laughter, exercise, commitment, joy, and a lot of hair on the sofa, get a dog.

Dogs aren't the best for protecting property. A burglar will find a way around the situation if he really wants to. However, for sexual predators, the presence of a dog might be intimidating enough. You'd really have to know something about the profile of the criminal and the details of the crime, though, to be really prepared.

From what I've read about rapists, though, they're much more chickenshit than a burglar, and pick women because they think they're easy prey. It's a crime of opportunity and not one of careful planning. A dog with an intimidating bark might just be enough to scare him off.

But I agree - the dogs need love more than anything, so just getting one as a security system is bound to backfire. However, I feel so safe with both of my dogs - nothing like having a dog in your bedroom when you're home alone.

but read my post (45) below.
In 30 years of having German Shepherds we've had 2 attempted (with the accent on ATTEMPTED) break ins. Both foiled by the dog, and both by people who didn't know we had the dog. Shepherds come with a reputation and a history, even if the individual dog doesn't quite live up.

No question at all. But they come with a LOT of baggage. Way too many people who don't understand dogs get them as "protection" and then find out they have a lot more than they bargained for, and the dog ends up at the shelter.

I have a Great Pyrenees, bred for livestock guardian, and she's a wonderful girl. I like to have her with me at night, because no way someone would get in w/o waking me. She's big and intimidating. The problem is, she barks at coyotes so far away I can't hear them, and if I leave her out at night, the neighbors complain. Inside, she barks so loud it's like a clap of thunder that jolts me out of bed at 3 am. This would be fine if it WAS a rapist, but according to Folly, our enemies are everywhere. ;) So pretty soon, when she barks, I just roll over and tell her to be quiet. So what happens when it IS a burglar? How do you explain to a dog the difference between a coyote and a burglar? As far as she's concerned, they are equally pernicious. ;)

These are just the issues that people who aren't familiar with dogs don't always think through.

I definitely feel safer, and probably I am, with her. For all I know she's foiled a hundred rapists who ran off when they heard her. I'm know she's caused bears to avoid the house. But I'd never consider her very certain protection; I know she's something of a deterrant but mostly just a rather unpredictable alarm.

Plus I worry that any malevolent person would do something to HER. And that would be nearly as bad as something happening to me.

but i'm sure i wouldn't have done it nearly as well.

"2) A normal pet dog that will bark at intruders. That's all. It won't be guaranteed to attack or provide any physical protection. It will bark. Make that, =might= bark. And in addition it might or will bark at birds, cats, neighbors, kids. So when the dog barks at night, you never know if it's a rapist or a rabbit. Cause to the dog, there's no difference. Not the dog's fault."

I have found that I can tell what my dog is barking at. There is the "big truck out front" bark, the "car in the driveway" bark, the "someone at the door" bark, the "cat meandering across the street" bark, etc., etc. I most definitely can tell if my dog is barking at a person messing around outside or a rabbit. I can even tell if she is barking at a cat or a bird or another dog. I'm not psychic, I've just learned her doggy language pretty well. I don't know if all dogs are this discriminating, she's only my second dog. The first one didn't bark at anything and it was a terrier!!!

Thank you.

but don't stop there. Find a good local martial arts school that concentrates on grappling, like Judo, Ju Jitsu, Aikido, Hapkido (my chosen style), or Krav Maga.

Avoid "Women's self defense classes" or other purported short term martial arts solutions.

I keep a aluminum bladed samurai sword ($79 bucks from any of several martial arts dealers) in my house. These swords are imposing, relatively well balanced (for half-tang swords), and unsharpened. But the vaaaaast majority of people don't know that. If the attacker is able to get this away from you, it's essentially useless as a weapon, but again, they don't know that.

I also keep a Shinai ($25 from any of several martial arts dealers) or bamboo sword as used in Kendo handy. With a little practice on technique it's possible to immobilize someone with one of these.

For close quarters, a simple Kubaton or yawara stick ($5 from any martial arts dealer) also provides an effective defense tool. They can be used to poke ribs, eyes, or temples, lock joints (wrist, elbow etc), and when gripped make your fist hard as a rock.

As a 7-year vet of aikido, let me say this: most of the traditional martial arts like the ones you mention take a very long time to learn. It took me like 2 years to even figure out what was going on in aikido...although eventually I got it together and was able to rely on the skills I'd learned when it counted.

There ARE good women's defense seminars, but it's something that also needs to be revisited a few times a year for refreshers. They're worthwhile if you can find a good one. Joe's Karate School versions may not cut it, call your local police dept to see what they think is reputable.

For home self-defense I'd suggest a knife. Get a quality one from Spyderco or the like and get some training on how to use it. Gun disarms at close range (as in your house) are far, far easier than a knife disarm...many cops who have much more gun training than the average gun-owning homeowner get shot with their own guns.

a five year vet of Parker Kenpo, a former bouncer, and former competing Judoka.

I agree with you that mastering any of the arts I mentioned takes years. However even novice students will gain confidence and some skill in the first few months or first year. I say avoid women's self defense courses precicely because I've never seen one that effective short of teaching the most rudimentary skills like keep your car keys in your hand when walking through a parking lot, check your surroundings. Short of that they offer relatively complex techniques that without constant repetition and practice offer little practical self defense worth.

I have yet to experience a pure self defense course that even mentions the ideal situation in which they train versus the real-world in which their students will enter when they leave the session.

Sure a punch to the nuts and kick to the shins will stop an attacker... for a few seconds maybe. But what next? What if the attacker is really big? What if they are doped out? What if they are drunk and determined to hurt you? These are all things to consider when confronted with any self defense scenario, and kicking a guy encrusted in protection, or learning to scream really loud (fire and not rape as rape doesn't get a response) isn't going to save you.

That's why I recommend studying an actual art. The weekly (or bi weekly or daily) training sessions will build solid confidence and a solid foundation of self defense common sense right from the first class.

I'm with you about 99% :-) I still think that the women's self-defense classes offer benefits in the short term for those who can't devote the time to master the traditional arts...but I think we agree more than not here!

If you're ever in the NH area it'd be fun to throw techniques on one another.

Don't know where you're situated, but consider this an open invitation :)

Some martial arts schools are very expensive. Not only do you end up paying for classes, but you may end with unexpected expenses such as testing fees for belts. While I certainly would not discourage a woman from ever taking a martial arts class, I would recommend that she fully explore all aspects of the martial arts before joining a studio.

A lot of insurance companies will not insure you if you have specific breeds of dogs.

I found out the hard way.

but so does letting a dog inside your house.

j00 cr4zy.

fine for farms and backyards, but I wouldnt let one in my house.

I HATE people who leave their dogs in the yard and never let them in. Dogs are social creatures and suffer when seperated like that.

grrrr

BTW - Dogs are cleaner then most children, and far less annoying.

When Gypsy died and we were all busted up she said "Well, she's ONLY a dog! What are you carrying on for?".
I tried not to harm her as I kicked her out of our house.
There are dog people and not dog people and you are definitely a NOT.
You're missing a lot.

filthy creatures that I don't want in the house. ALL mammals can be filthy creatures or very clean. Healthy animals tend to want to be clean. Dogs have a distinctive odor and, like all omnivores, are attracted to smelly things. So you bathe 'em. Kids are smelly and dirty too, but people would probably take offense if you called 'em filthy creatures. Dogs are by no means unique in being occasionally grubby.

at OUR house.

Preferably mixed with a larger dog. I had a pit bull/great dane mix (don't ask how, it's a long story) and he was a fine fine companion. Very intelligent dog, very gentle dog(loved kids), yet it I or somebody he was close to was threatend, well they had better move quick. Looked very intimidating, the giant pit bull look. But any large mix would do well. I've met lots of pit bull/lab mixes and they have all been great dogs also.

On the stationary obstacle front, if you have any low level windows I(and my local police) would recommend planting some large, pointy, thorny bush in front of them. And if you do decide to get a gun, all law enforcement agencies and the NRA recommend a 12 guage pump or double barreled shotgun. Easy to use, easy to aim, and just the noise of a 12 guage pump will scare most burglars off.

Axman. That's truly scary! I hope she is/will be getting help and counseling.

I would go with the lighting and alarm suggestions. Proper lighting goes a long way as a deterrent. Nobody about the do something illegal wants to be seen doing it. This is something that I need to do at my house. I do keep lights on at night, esp if I'm away for the evening. I like the house to always have that occupied look.

I'm not a dog person by nature, but I can see how someone would find a large dog helpful. Best wishes for recovery for your neighbor. I hope they find the bastard. :grr:

1. Google "German Shepherd rescue" and you'll find lots of places that need homes for GS's.
2. We've had a German Shepherd for over 30 years. Nasha is the current one and we "adopted" her at age two.
3. Through experience we have found that females are a little less aggressive and calmer, although we've had some great males.
4. Get the youngest one you can who's learned the fewest bad habits you'll have to deal with.
5. German Shepherds come with a built-in "rep". Just their well known profile and appearance is enough to deter most people. Nasha is vehemently "non-violent". The worst an intruder could expect is a severe tongue licking, BUT THEY DON'T KNOW THAT. She's a protector on reputation alone.
6. They are pack animals, and with a little effort you'll be the pack leader, especially with a female. They want to be with you as much as they can. If you can't have them sleep in the same room with you, they'll be terribly disappointed. They much PREFER to sleep with you, on your bed, as close as they can get. How the hell can they take care of you if they can't be with you. It's their job and they understand it very well. It's bred in them. There's nothing more fun than turning them out in the back yard with 4 or 5 3 year olds and watching them circling and circling, always trying to herd the toddlers back into a group, nudging here, blocking escape there. ;-)
7. They are the most intelligent dogs I have ever seen. I could go on for paragraphs about what some of ours have done. Absolutely amazing.
8. The best book I have ever read on the personalities and training of German Shepherds is "How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend" by the Monks of New Skete, NY. The title says it all. The order breeds and trains German Shepherds. I visited the monastery several years ago, and for a dog lover, especially a lover of German Shepherds, it's heaven.

OK, one brief story: Several years ago my wife and 3 year old daughter were home alone one night, watching TV in our bedroom. Max went to the window and pawed. No growling, no barking, no noise, just a silent pawing. Helen though this was a new "I want out" signal (which, as it turns out it was). She let him out the front door. He was gone like a flash, around the corner to the window. She heard an "OH SHIT!" footsteps running out to the street. Then a car pealed away. Max came back with a strip of cloth in his teeth. A few days later, after I got home, we were gardening and I found a 3' crowbar in the bushes under the window.
What amazes me about this story is Max's silence. He didn't bark because he didn't want to scare them away. HE WANTED A PIECE OF THEIR ASS! Looks like he came close to getting one.

For a good family pet, an excellent deterrent to intruders, and just an all round great dog, nothing beats a German Shepherd.

There's a Belgian breed that looks nearly identical to the German Shepherd - I can't remember their name. I heard on NPR a Border Patrol officer saying that they prefer them to the GS breed because the Belgians had far less health problems (esp. the hips) and were otherwise nearly identical in training and temperament.

The Belgian Malinois, that's it. Just another data point here.

are what many of the military K9 units are going to. I seem to recall that they're hellaciously expensive.

All the herding/herd guard breeds make fairly good pets and reasonable watchdogs (NOT attack dogs - I don't think any household pet should be trained as an attack dog - the training's too hard on 'em).

One of my cubemates raises Bouviers de Flandres - big, intimidating-looking, smart, athletic, friendly dogs who are fanatically loyal to their own pack, not dangerous to others, protective without being aggressive, and have a LOUD bark. Bouviers are good dogs for a person with some experience training dogs (they're pretty wilful).

Myself, I have a soft spot for Bernese Mountain Dogs.

But your best bet to stop neighborhood rapes is what the cops suggested - the lighting, plantings, better window and door security, neighborhood watch, and monitored security alarms. Keep 'em out in the first place. Make your neighborhood unattractive to crooks.

We had one when I was a teenager and Buttons would make sure everyone was tucked into bed before she would settle down to sleep in the hallway. She'd get up and do a bed check every so often just to make sure everyone was were they were supposed to be and if you got up to use the bathroom she'd follow you and make sure you got back to bed. She never hurt anyone but was territorial and our friends and the paperboy were terrified of her. Heh.

Several years ago in St. Paul a German Shepherd police dog, Laser, was killed in the line of duty protecting her human partner. The perp shot the officer, then had to shoot Laser several times to stop her because that dog was determined to get that perp. The perp was eventually caught and is now rotting in jail. Laser was buried with her partner. The funeral procession was something to see--hundreds of police cars from everywhere plus the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (who were in town for a State Fair show). Not a dry eye in the city that day.

Thanks for the story.
If Nasha and I went at the same time, that's where I'd want her.
Right by my side where she's been (unless Mrs. t.'s around) for the last 9 years.

The St. Paul K-9 unit sold them as a fund raiser for their unit.

that have been investigated in your neighborhood since May -- I would look for and commonalities that might help you determine which route you will take as far as protection.

How were the victims attacked? Was forced entry used? Was someone hiding in the bushes and attacked them as they entered the garage? Were the perps let in the front door?

Was the victim assaulted when other family members were away? (Could be someone staking out the houses to see when women are home alone.)

Where did the rapes take place?

Was it a stranger rape? (If three of the four are date rapes you might now be having as a big a problem as you thought.)

Were the victims attacked when sleeping?



Looking at all these things can help with decisions of security.

Motion detector lights on ALL sides of the house are vital -- make sure they are mounted high enough to stop someone from easily monkeying with them.

Use extra security latches on all windows, entries, and sliding glass doors.

Have a neighborhood meeting about the incidents and advertise it with fliers so any perp can see that this neighborhood is paying attention.

Place security signs in front of your house and on every street level window. My neighbor has a "This house protected by Smith & Wesson" sign on the one, easily accessible street window -- he actually doesn't HAVE a gun, but strangers don't know that.

I have read that you can place doggie items for BIG dogs (food/water bowls, toys) in the back/front yard so that anyone casing the property will get the impression they will have to deal with a nasty animal.

I have a little something special (non firearm related) in every room in the house plus the garage and car that I can get to if needed.

I also have a street side fence on one side of my yard that I planted some of the most prickly, bushy climbing roses all across to deter anyone climbing over the fence. It's worked beautifully -- we used to get folks running from the cops jumping in the backyard to hide. No more.

Have your wife take a self-defense course from a women's center. In the Bay Area we have BAMM - Bay Area Model Mugging in which women are placed in full contact fights against a man. Helping your wife gain self-confidence in her abilities to know WHAT and HOW to protect herself could only be helpful.

All my best to your neighbor -- that's a damnable thing to happen to a womman.

:thumbsup:

These incidents might be related. And the suggestion to take a self-defense course is also excellent. It can help restore your sense of control.

I would also recommend having an escape route out of the house, if you sense things will go downhill for you. I.E. out the window and to a neighbor's.

How is she doing? Did they catch the bastard?

They are Large, Intelligent, Quite unless aroused, and very tolerant with children.

They see them selves as the top dog and will challenge all commers.

more...
http://www.akitaclub.org/web/info/akita_info.html

peace

A dog that is loved can be great protection and a great companion. Please, if you get a dog, make sure you get one for the right reasons -- a good, happy, well-trained, well-exercised medium sized dog, like an AmStaff or a small lab will protect its family. Please don't go getting a "guard dog" unless you intend to make it a family member!

really ought to make you all feel better quick.

Some insurance companies now need to know if you have some of the dogs listed as solutions here. I know my insurance comapany sent out a notice to homeowners and I distinctly remember Pit Bulls, Akitas, and I think Doberman's being on it. You don't want to invalidate your liability insurance because of the dog you pick.

Now please don't anyone go into a rant about how this or that breed SHOULD NOT be on the list. The fact of the matter is that they ARE on the list. Deal.

are in the top five smartest dogs in the world. They consider themselves part of the herd (family), and they will become very attached to your family. They will protect their herd with their lives. Average weight is around 35 lbs. Most are house broke at 10-12 weeks old, mine was at 9 weeks. Don't let the small size fool you, these dogs are extreemly strong and FAST! They were bred to work all types of livestock, and will not hesitate to take on a 2200lb bull!You will of course need back up, for the serious intruder. I recommend a Glock 9mm - nothing kills the sex drive of a would be rapist like a gaping chest wound!:D

I have several suggestions. Newfie is my top one though.

Newfoundland: A huge black dog, my old one weighing almost 160. We purchased her from a breeder in Maryland and brought her to Colorado, where several times we got calls from our neighbors saying 'that a big, black bear is in your backyard'.

Doberman: Great dogs, the sterotypical guard dog, and just ask my brother, being attacked by one hurts.

Pitt bull: Vicious little things. Well, not necessarily little. They have killed several children, and I believe they are outlawed in Denver, but they could give hell to a rapist.

The pit bull is the most unfairly maligned breed EVER.

Pit bulls are the most athletic breed out there. They have been used for fighting and guarding for a long time. If someone is abusing their dog, it will be vicious.

People get their ideas about pit bulls from the media, where very often, they say the dog is a pit bull, show the picture, and it is very clearly NOT a pit bull.

These lies anger me to no end, because my sister has a pit, and rude people scream at her when she is out walking her dog. A mastiff tore a hole in her dog's ear, then said that my sister's nasty pit bull was the one who attacked. One asshole neighbor tried to get her thrown out of her building by making FALSE complaints that the dog is "vicious". My sister's adoption of this pit really opened my eyes to the nasty hostility that petty, uninformed people are capable of...all because they need a "demon" to make themselves feel superior, or more safer, or whatever. I have learned a great deal about the ugliness and deceitfulness that people are capable of since she adopted this breed.

What is painfully ironic is that the pit bulls I have met are the sweetest, most affectionate dogs I've encountered, and they LOVE children and small dogs.

Please read this:

http://www.realpitbull.com/myths.html

http://www.realpitbull.com/agg.html


:grr:

But I used to live in Denver and I remember them mentioning that. Sorry for generalizing...not very scientific of me.

I'D say wroughtriler (sp?) but shes not so go witha Boxer. they get close to the family esay and love kids and will ripe the arm off anyone that shows them self as a threat.

The Inuits used to use them to babysit infants and protect them from predators when the adults were out hunting.

1) Dial 1911

2) once threat neutralized, secure area.

3) Dial 911

My wife and I discussed the matter and we are going to get two dogs. Both German Shepards. Now begins the search for the right ones.

Everyone's input was helpful and I appreciate your time.

;-)
Good luck in your search.

1. Don't get a dog as a guard. Get a dog because you want a loving family member. Guarding is an extra benefit.

2. If you've never had a dog, stick to the easy, lovable, friendly breeds: golden or lab. A lab loves everyone, wouldn't hurt a fly, and yet is also very protective of their family/territory. You don't want a dog you have to worry about when it comes to the safety of kids and friends around. A pound dog could work, but many of them have been abused and have issues.

3. Enroll yourself and your dog in some sort of obedience course, and read up on what to expect from a dog around the house.

4. Be aware that dogs are pack animals, and need companionship to be happy, healthy, and well-adjusted. The human family becomes the pack, and the dog needs to live with the family to be well-socialized.

As for a dog that is fairly easy to have around the house, but will make someone breaking in think twice, my personal breed of choice is the Staffordshire Bull Terrier:



I've got two of the critters myself. Personality of clown in the body of a "pocket pit bull"

Everyone thinks my dogs are midget pit bulls and then are surprised to find out what total creampuff dogs they are once you approach them in a friendly manner.

here's some more great Staffie pictures:

The "staffy" is my favorite. It's a "little tuffy" and they are just the cutest.

Glad to see another bully breed lover here.

Seriously, dogs are great, but you can't take them with you everywhere. If your state has right to carry laws, she can get a permit to carry concealed most anyplace she goes. There are some very light revolvers made these days out of titanium (I think). Just the sight of a gun will cause most attackers to desist.


We live in urban area of CA so it isn't an option for us.:(