Are Flock Guardian Breeds suitable for suburban life?

[cheebamaster]

As question states,

I was recommended to come to these forums to get some help/knowledge from people who own a flock guardian breed dog. I live in the suburbs and am considering purchasing a Caucasian Shepherd. I have done extensive research for the past two years and am comfortable training and owning large dogs. However, for obvious reasons I have reservations about owning a guardian breed when I have close neighbors and kids running around.

Could anyone share some insights?

Thanks a bunch

 

[ruthcatrin]

Tell us more about your dog experience, what large breeds? Any primitives? How did training your previous dogs go?

Tell us about your property, is it fenced? How large?

---------- Post added at 12:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:34 PM ----------

Oh, and your household, how many people? On what schedule? Do you have guests often?

 

[ruthcatrin]

Oh, and your household, how many people? On what schedule? Do you have guests often?

 

[cheebamaster]

I own a working class GSD and have worked as a vet tech so I'm pretty comfortable around dogs. Training always goes excellent. My current dog is extremely well behaved and is well trained. I'm a pretty stern guy. I set rules and they're followed.

My property is fenced...although I'll only be there for the next year before I'm moving to a bigger place. Yard is medium/large size in a residential neighborhood.

As far as guests go...the occasional person pops in but my house is never flooded with people running in and out.

Thanks!

 

[ruthcatrin]

When you say caucasain shepherd do you mean the breed sometimes called central asian shepherd or caucasain ovarcharka?

I promise all the questions have a point

 

[cheebamaster]

The Ovcharka

 

[BlackShadowCaneCorso]

Glad to see you found it here... there are few LGD on here that will be great with offer some insight

Ahhh see Ruth is already on it

 

[ruthcatrin]

K, I'm on my ipad at work, so bigger post later when I get home if no one beats me to it.

We do have a member here who owns CO's hopefully he'll pop in and add his input.

I've a Tibetan Mastiff, they're not identical, but there are some things that go across the breeds.

A LGD alerting to something he percieves as a threat is LOUD. Their full voice is often called a "roar" for a reason. Though you can train a "its ok" command they WILL alert, to cars pulling in, the mailman, the kid chasing a ball up the drive....

TM's have a rep for going over 6ft fence, and I've seen video of a CO damn near going over a 7footer. The owner said the dog had actually made it over at least once.

With proper socialization you can teach the dog to allow people into your house with your permission. Chances are very good however that the dog will NEVER allow anyone else in without your express permission.

They are not off leash dogs. Its not a matter of training, its a fact. When they say an Aussie HERDS and a bloodhound TRACKS? Yah, a LGD GUARDS. That instinct will overcome training in a heartbeat.

 

[angelbears]

Isn't that what Oak has. If so your in luck. She is one of the most knowledgeable dog people on this board. Hopefully, she will see this.

 

[ruthcatrin]

Isn't that what Oak has. If so your in luck. She is one of the most knowledgeable dog people on this board. Hopefully, she will see this.

I believe she's got a CAS but there will be simularities, and additional experience, for input.

 

[BlackShadowCaneCorso]

she has a CAS and Brad has/had COs

 

[ruthcatrin]

Brad was who I was thinking of but was drawing a blank on his name.

 

[Duetsche_Doggen]

Just curious any particular reason your interested in the breed?

 

[cheebamaster]

Thanks all,

Interested for a ton of different reasons really...I find their demeanor to be very appealing. I'm not a fan of hyper-energy dogs. I prefer more laid back and independent. I'm attracted to their looks/temperament/size/rarity...the fact they haven't been bred with other dogs. I also am located near a city and going to have children soon so the guardian/protect status of this breed is legendary and also appealing. I will enjoy the amount of work/socialization needed for this kind of dog. It really was a hobby of mine when I got my GSD and I brought her to so many puppy classes/personal training...trips etc just to desensitize her and she's a GREAT dog.

I have all good intentions and have done my research...I just don't want to overstep the bounds of my responsibility and possibly put neighbors at risk if for whatever reason the dog got out. That's not fair to those around me.

 

[ruthcatrin]

The "problem" with one in an urban setting is that they WILL protect. They don't understand that the neighbor kid has always hopped the fence to retrieve his frisbee. They don't understand that the cat from down the road has always fence walked this route. The child isn't a child, he's an intruder. The cat might get a pass, he's on the fence not in the yard, but he might not too. The neighbor's dog who digs under the fence to come play might get a pass, but he might not too.

A properly socialized and bonded LGD shouldn't be aggressive off his property, assuming his humans aren't in danger, however that doesn't mean he won't chase down a threat if he decides its needfull, even if in chasing he ends up off his property.

TM's are NOT food/treat/toy driven, which presents extra challanges for training. From what I know CO's are similerly minded. Protection training is NOT recommended for these dogs, their instincts interfear with the training.

 

[Duetsche_Doggen]

Thanks all,

Interested for a ton of different reasons really...I find their demeanor to be very appealing. I'm not a fan of hyper-energy dogs. I prefer more laid back and independent. I'm attracted to their looks/temperament/size/rarity...the fact they haven't been bred with other dogs. I also am located near a city and going to have children soon so the guardian/protect status of this breed is legendary and also appealing. I will enjoy the amount of work/socialization needed for this kind of dog. It really was a hobby of mine when I got my GSD and I brought her to so many puppy classes/personal training...trips etc just to desensitize her and she's a GREAT dog.

I have all good intentions and have done my research...I just don't want to overstep the bounds of my responsibility and possibly put neighbors at risk if for whatever reason the dog got out. That's not fair to those around me.

I'd be cautious about approaching a breeder wanting pups because of "rarity" or "looks" its what gets many breeds in trouble. Also reputable breeders might not sell you a pup because they might think you want the breed for the wrong reasons.

Personally I would probably wait until after you have children, things change and usually not in favor of the dog......

ENSURE that the dog doesn't get out, otherwise you will have a serious lawsuit on your hands. Especially in this sue-happy nation and with this breed of dog.

I also agree with Ruth about the "urban" setting. Since the breed is "rare" they were bred for a serious purpose in mind. Although ( sad to say) there are breeders breeding for the "gentle giant" temperament. No matter what environment you place the dog that temperament is going to be there some stronger than others. Just be sure you can keep the dog physically as well as mentally stimulated.

Not sure if Brad is still around but he's had about three I think. Hopefully he can give you some more insight. Good luck in your search. If your wanting guarding these are the dogs to go I just can't imagine brushing all that hair. I thought chows were bad

 

[ruthcatrin]

I just can't imagine brushing all that hair. I thought chows were bad

Can't speak for CO's but TMs (at least the non-Chinese-Lion coated ones) are a once a week brush unless they're shedding. WHich is cool.

I do have to agree that waiting till after the kid(s) arrive might be a good idea, kids ALWAYS change a household and its often not for the better lol.

I'd be cautious about approaching a breeder wanting pups because of "rarity" or "looks" its what gets many breeds in trouble. Also reputable breeders might not sell you a pup because they might think you want the breed for the wrong reasons.

Very good point.

Actually my next question was had you found a breeder? My suggestion would be to find a breeder (as local as possible would be cool, but for these kinds of dogs its not always possible), and approach them with a "I find these dogs very interesting but hard to find out about cause they're so rare, can I pester you with a bunch of questions?" sort of attitude. A good breeder should have no problem with that sort of attitude, and should be delighted to answer questions. Which doesn't mean that they'll sell you a pup if they decide they don't think its an appropriate setting for the dog, but it'll build a relationship, and give you a head start on things. Oh, and report back here, people often have questions about LGD's in general so I try to pick up as much info as possible!

WHich doesn't mean that you can't ask questions here, please continue to do so and we'll answer them to the best of our ability!

 

[ruthcatrin]

dup post

 

[cheebamaster]

Thanks Deutsche_doggen

Don't get me wrong...the rarity/beauty if NOT what makes me interested in this breed...it simply adds to it if that makes sense. Naturally we prefer certain "looks"

The other dog I was highly considering is the "Estrela Mountain Dog" I'm REALLY leaning towards getting one of these guys but want to be SURE it's a wise choice. I really prefer a VERY large dog and the Estrela would be roughly the size of my GSD. If there's any other breeds you all want to suggest feel free

---------- Post added at 06:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:13 PM ----------

Thanks,

Yes I've been in contact with Tamara Follet. I realize there is some contreversy surrounding her because of the Nat Geo clip...however, she offers extensive warranty on her pups as well as an insane amount of health garuntees/heart check with pups etc...she has been very helpful in providing info to me AND answering my questions. I think she is just brutally honest with her assessment of the CO's and others disagree.

 

[cheebamaster]

Thanks,

Yes I've been in contact with Tamara Follet. I realize there is some contreversy surrounding her because of the Nat Geo clip...however, she offers extensive warranty on her pups as well as an insane amount of health garuntees/heart check with pups etc...she has been very helpful in providing info to me AND answering my questions. I think she is just brutally honest with her assessment of the CO's and others disagree.

http://www.Thunderhawkcaucasians.com