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[Fair Use: For Educational/Research Purposes Only]

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1999

by Michael Hyatt

Taking self-defense to the dogs

A commonly overlooked option for self-defense is one that may already be sitting at your feet. Dogs have been used for thousands of years to offer protection from intruders and as early warning systems for visitors due to their heightened senses of hearing and smell.

Depending on the breed of dog that you own or are planning to purchase, its presence may serve as a show of force, deterring would-be intruders before they even enter your home.

One law enforcement officer recently wrote to me. He said that in the hundreds of burglaries that he had personally investigated, only three had occurred when a dog was present. His conclusion was that criminals avoid dogs like the plague. Even if you don't own a dog you may want to put a "beware-of-dog" sign, large dog dish, or other dog paraphernalia by your front door and hope that it has the same effect.

Depending on the type of family that you have, different breeds of dog may fit better than others into your home. My philosophy is "the bigger the dog, the better." In order to pick out the right breed, visit your local pet store and spend a few minutes explaining your situation to a pet specialist and ask him what breed of dog would do best with your family.

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-- snooze button (alarmclock_2000@yahoo.com), December 09, 1999

Answers

For the other side of the "man's best friend" discussion see: Wild Dogs Pose Post-TEOTWAWKI Danger

more on dogs

Three True Tales of Wild Dogs

-- Linda (lwmb@psln.com), December 09, 1999.

When the pet food runs out, I figure many people will turn Fido out to fend for himself. One of my last minute purchases will be a large bag of cheap dog food, with which I will lure my new "alarm system" into my house. Fortunately, dogs are grateful for kind treatment, and will be loyal.

-- Pearlie Sweetcake (storestuff@home.now), December 09, 1999.

dropped a = on that link.. here it is again:

Wild Dogs Pose Post-TEOTWAWKI Danger

-- Linda (lwmb@psln.com), December 09, 1999.

I have 2 Rottweilers, 125 lbs & 140 lbs. i do not worry about my wife when i'm away from home. my wife and i didn't lock the door for over 3 years. We only started lockin the door because someone we don't know just walked in and got bit. They thought they were at someone elses house? Anyhow dogs are the greatest protection system i can think of.(I don't think "they" can ban them) I strongly recomend them to people who want safty.Just make sure you can be a Responsible dog owner.

Dogs are a guest in your house, treat them as such

I own many firearms, but because of the dogs i do not feel the need to keep them at my side.

-- happy rottweiler pack member (mydogsare@work.guardingmystuff), December 09, 1999.

When I was in Nam, we always fed the dogs that hung around our compound. When someone or something tried to get through the wire, all hell would break loose. Good idea to "adopt" the local strays should things get ugly. Will get the dog food, just in case. Can always give to relatives that have dogs, should all this only be a BITR.

-- Jsyk (Justsoyou@know.com), December 09, 1999.

My cat is a heavy hitter. Beware of the kitty.

-- Mara (MaraWayne@aol.com), December 09, 1999.

Dogs love rice. At least ours do. They will eat whatever you do. If dog food runs out, we will always have something to share with them.

gene

-- gene (ekbaker@essex1.com), December 09, 1999.

I've got a nice big German Shephard. Fritzi is the best of both worlds, looks and sounds like a big butt biter, but all she wants to do is lick you.

-- kozak (kozak@formerusaf.guv), December 10, 1999.