Suggestions needed

[txshopper73]

My neighbor told me last night that a couple of weeks ago she was leaving for work (around 6:40 a.m.) and noticed 2 boys (jr high to high school age) between my house and our next door neighbors. She backed up in her drive way to watch them and said that they came out of one of our yards...she couldn't tell.

They went back and was acting like they were looking for something then left. Our gates are on the same side. They type of latch on the gate prohibits us from locking it.

I made a comment to hubby that we needed to get a Pit. Now, I'm not going to get a pit but seriously, I needed to get a bigger dog.

Hubby said that if we get another dog, it needs to be a hunting dog. Why? I don't know since he only goes hunting once or twice a year.

Any suggestions on a hunting dog that is also a family protector?

Thanks in advance!

Also, they are building a new high school in our neighborhood and I told hubby (and the neighbor) that vandalism and kids are going to be all over our neighborhood once it is built and we'll probably have to move anyway.

[red98vett]

IF I were you- I'd get a sign for my fence that says WARNING - SECURITY DOG ON PREMISES - (one of my neighbors has that in their window) ...when I walk the girls by that apartment I'm always a little more careful lol -

then I'd call your local police and ask them to do extra patrols thru your neighborhood -

and if your neighbor or you see these kids again - ask them what they're doing....I don't have any suggestions on a new dog though

[txshopper73]

Originally Posted by red98vett

IF I were you- I'd get a sign for my fence that says WARNING - SECURITY DOG ON PREMISES - (one of my neighbors has that in their window) ...when I walk the girls by that apartment I'm always a little more careful lol -

then I'd call your local police and ask them to do extra patrols thru your neighborhood -

and if your neighbor or you see these kids again - ask them what they're doing....I don't have any suggestions on a new dog though

Thanks, Vee! We do have wigns on our gates...BEWARE OF DOG...came with the house when we bought it.

I don't believe that they were in our yard because the furbutts would have been barking their heads off...but anyone can tell a small yappy bark to a big woof!

I think you're right. I'm going to call the police today and maybe they can patrol more often. Thing is, we have a DPS officer that lives 2 doors down.

[ladyj]

Originally Posted by txshopper73

My neighbor told me last night that a couple of weeks ago she was leaving for work (around 6:40 a.m.) and noticed 2 boys (jr high to high school age) between my house and our next door neighbors. She backed up in her drive way to watch them and said that they came out of one of our yards...she couldn't tell.

They went back and was acting like they were looking for something then left. Our gates are on the same side. They type of latch on the gate prohibits us from locking it.

I made a comment to hubby that we needed to get a Pit. Now, I'm not going to get a pit but seriously, I needed to get a bigger dog.

Hubby said that if we get another dog, it needs to be a hunting dog. Why? I don't know since he only goes hunting once or twice a year.

Any suggestions on a hunting dog that is also a family protector?

Thanks in advance!

Also, they are building a new high school in our neighborhood and I told hubby (and the neighbor) that vandalism and kids are going to be all over our neighborhood once it is built and we'll probably have to move anyway.

Wouldn't it be better to get a gate that can be locked? I wouldn't get a big, protective dog just because some kids are around. You can get in a lot of trouble with a big, protective dog.

[red98vett]

Originally Posted by txshopper73

Thanks, Vee! We do have wigns on our gates...BEWARE OF DOG...came with the house when we bought it.

I don't believe that they were in our yard because the furbutts would have been barking their heads off...but anyone can tell a small yappy bark to a big woof!
I think you're right. I'm going to call the police today and maybe they can patrol more often. Thing is, we have a DPS officer that lives 2 doors down.

I thought of that when I posted - BUT - I have a HUGE pitt living next door to me and he NEVER barks - they're actually trying to 'teach' him to bark...

Don't we wish we had THAT problem ?

Yorkies are very good 'security' dogs as far as alerting us - but you could revise your sign to be a little scarier. With a teenage daughter in the house I'd be worried too.....

[YorkieRose]

I had that problem years ago. I had to resort to a gate that could be padlocked. The key was kept in a flower pot inside by the gate...yes, it was a pain in the neck, but after a few kids left our gate open, it was nesessary.

The best watch dog we ever had was a male Doxie..Barney absolutely hated anyone who came in the yard or climbed the fence. My FIL begged for him after his garden was ruined by kids running in it...after Barney went to him, not one kid ever came in his yard again...Barney could beat any kid to the fence or gate..and many got a good butt chewing before they wised up...LOL

[txshopper73]

Well, I just went out to look at the gate. It has one of those lift-up handles to open it. I am trying out how to replace that but with the wood at two different levels...not flush, it's going to be hard to rig it up from the inside. We may be able to do it from the other side (front yard) but I'd be afraid it would be too easy to cut off.

Love the thought, Pat...but remember...hubby wants a hunting dog.

We had a German Shorthaired pointer once (he got hit by a car after climbing a 5 foot fence ) and he didn't like our cousin. Actually, he wanted to chew on him...but that was the ONLY person that he acted that way towards...what do they say...animals can judge a person better than a human can! LOL

[txshopper73]

Originally Posted by red98vett

With a teenage daughter in the house I'd be worried too.....

That's what my neighbor thought...if they were in my backyard, maybe they were peeking at my daughter...who turns 13 tomorrow!

[Misti1]

Just wondering...are your utility meters inside or outside the gate??? Mine are inside so I can't lock mine, and you don't want MLG&W guessing at your bill.

[cesar49]

Originally Posted by Misti1

Just wondering...are your utility meters inside or outside the gate??? Mine are inside so I can't lock mine, and you don't want MLG&W guessing at your bill.

SERIOUSLY catch these punks.... lock everything and do not ever let your dogs outside unattended.. thats why i am telling no one i have puppies.. and i will not advertise in the local paper ever.. get a gun.. not a big dog.. anyone who would steal a pet needs to be shot in the ass

[red98vett]

Originally Posted by cesar49

SERIOUSLY catch these punks.... lock everything and do not ever let your dogs outside unattended.. thats why i am telling no one i have puppies.. and i will not advertise in the local paper ever.. get a gun.. not a big dog.. anyone who would steal a pet needs to be shot in the ass

LOL !! Dont' hold back your feelings so much !

It's possible they really were looking for something - but these days - you can't be too careful

and Kim - have your neighbors all keep their eyes open and be on the lookout for anything odd....the kids will be out of school so it's that time of year

[tatertot15]

There are alot of great hunting dogs to choose from....labs are awesome dogs....blue ticks....german shepherds (born protectors)....there are alot and as long as they are raised as a puppy around your furbutts and trained right they will get along fine. My husband wants to get a Neopolitan Mastiff in the next couple years. They are HUGE dogs....but they are awesome dogs. My Husband is a big time Hunter (so am I) so I understand the whole hunting dog thing because my husband is the same way lol. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

[Tnyorkiemom]

Originally Posted by Misti1

Just wondering...are your utility meters inside or outside the gate??? Mine are inside so I can't lock mine, and you don't want MLG&W guessing at your bill.

im from TN also...here in my county you are not allowed to have a fence where the meters are....not even if you dont have a lock.....my mother-in-laws meter was inside her gate because of a swimming pool.....and they told her to move the fence..or unlock the gate...she told them are you telling me to go against the law....because at that time you had to have a lock on the gate that went into a swimming pool area....he says well move it or we will charge you by the year....she says well how much would that cost her ....and he says lady just move the fence....it will cost you 5,000 a year if we dont read the meter every month....she says well maybe i just need to talk to your supervisor...and he laughed and says .....lady i am the supervisor...such a butt.....well he isnt there now...but right after that they made home owners here move their meter boxes or move their fences and they fined the people who didnt

[cesar49]

Originally Posted by red98vett

LOL !! Dont' hold back your feelings so much !

It's possible they really were looking for something - but these days - you can't be too careful

and Kim - have your neighbors all keep their eyes open and be on the lookout for anything odd....the kids will be out of school so it's that time of year

sorry.. i think i got angry when i read this...

[whitney_faulkne]

Originally Posted by txshopper73

My neighbor told me last night that a couple of weeks ago she was leaving for work (around 6:40 a.m.) and noticed 2 boys (jr high to high school age) between my house and our next door neighbors. She backed up in her drive way to watch them and said that they came out of one of our yards...she couldn't tell.

They went back and was acting like they were looking for something then left. Our gates are on the same side. They type of latch on the gate prohibits us from locking it.

I made a comment to hubby that we needed to get a Pit. Now, I'm not going to get a pit but seriously, I needed to get a bigger dog.

Hubby said that if we get another dog, it needs to be a hunting dog. Why? I don't know since he only goes hunting once or twice a year.

Any suggestions on a hunting dog that is also a family protector?

Thanks in advance!

Also, they are building a new high school in our neighborhood and I told hubby (and the neighbor) that vandalism and kids are going to be all over our neighborhood once it is built and we'll probably have to move anyway.

I own a goldendoodle. I love goldendoodles and golden retrievers. They will not be agressive to others unless somebody is actually hurting you. They bark as a warning to let you know somebody is there. They are both very smart. My goldendoodle was sitting, speaking, and potty trained when by the second week home (10wks old). My golden retriever I had when I was younger was just as smart. They are very loyal and loving. Read up some information on them...you will be convinced! Labs have more hyperness in them until they are around 2-3yrs. Golden retrievers are much more laid back and the poodle cross leaves you with an even more laid back personality...smarter...healthier...and less/no shedding (depending on coat types). Golden retrievers are excellent hunting dogs (for ducks and such) and poodles were originally used for hunting in winter (which is how they got their poodle cut). If you purchase from a breeder, make sure you get a genetic health guarantee for 1-2yrs. Most great breeders offer this. Also check for personalities in the parents and for genetic testing in the parents. I know a lot about these breeds, because we have had labs, golden retrievers, goldendoodles, and great danes all my life.

If you need any information besides what I have given, feel free to contact me.

Also, if you just want protection....check the shelters. Often they will get some great hunters and some of the best dogs! Many shelters now are screening their dogs and in NC some shelters send dogs to training in the DOC for 8wks, before adoption.