Hello Molosser Fans,
I have often wrestled with this question since we do have some working dogs at home with goats and chickens. Working dogs are demanding animals and require much care and attendance to stay in condition and do their job. They are rustic and healthy but still require good diet, vaccination, grooming to remove debri from their coast and constant vigilance to ensure they do not hurt some unsuspecting person... They can defend against criminals, burglars, and trespassers all they like.
So let's hear your thoughts - are working dogs still necessary in urban and suburban households where they really do not have a job? Or should only people with space for them to roam and do their jobs keep these awesome animals? Let's hear your thoughts please.
So much Yes, urban households when they properly understand and appreciate a solid working dog can completely utilize the animal. Not only for property deterrent, but as a alarm (barking) when someone is on premise. As someone who travels alone a lot I feel 100% confident when I travel with dog(s). Because not only do ppl give me my desired space, but I am confident that If something happened I can use my dogs as a means to escape. Sending a dog at a intruder and/or just to ward off a possible theft. A dog tends to make the person pause.
BUUUUUUT, the problem is far too many elect to purchase a dog that doesn't fit their lifestyle or they just don't have the knowledge/understanding to contain, handle and train such animals. Which is why so many end up on the streets or shelter. We as breeders and enthusiast need to take the time to address this, turn away the wrong homes and send them in the right direction. It can't always be about the sale.
That was well said. This reminds me of a customer who was buying a dog from me. He had sent me all of the money for the dog. He had other contacts for me that were beneficial monetary wise for me. He was excited to get his dog. The only thing left to do was pay for the shipping. He was asking for pictures everyday. It was a pup. It was going to change a lot as it matures. He should know this. He had another Presa. The more he talked the more red flags I started to see. I had a conversation with my family. I decided to give his money back. They agreed with me. He called again I told him I spoke with my family and we decided not to sale him a dog. He was going to give me his male Presa. He didn't want to train him for protection. He wanted it to be hot (mean). No one can guarantee that a dog was going to be aggressive and mean with no training. Working dogs should be trained to do what you want and when you want. His male was chained up in his yard. He couldn't send me a pic of him because it was too cold. Well if it was too cold for him it should've been too cold to leave the dog outside. I told him that he doesn't want a Presa. He wants a Fila. I sent him 2500.00 the next day. Never heard from him again. I turned down NFL players from his connections and other men that were in business with him. But I want to make sure my dogs are in the right homes.
I was once contacted by an associate of an NFL player looking for a Caucasian to guard his kennel of Pitbulls.
I did not like the vibes I got so decided they would not get one of our pups. Shortly after that NFL star was busted for dog fighting.
Go with you your intuition.
In my case he was an business owner that was doing well. His wife was a former NFL cheerleader. He knew nfl and nba players I'm assuming because of her. He had business partners that were into dogs. I assumed he knew the breed because he owned one. The more he talked the more red flags I got. I'm glad we didn't sell him the dog. I would have love to make those connections. But it wasn't worth it. If I sold him the dog he would have left the dog outside in the freezing cold. He would have gotten rid of the dog and not given me the first right of refusal. I imagine the dog suffering from neglect. I'm glad I'm in a position that I can keep an entire litter if the right home is not found.
Working dogs have been an integral part of human society for centuries. They have been used for various purposes such as hunting, herding, guarding, and even as therapy dogs. However, with the advent of technology, the question arises whether we still need working dogs or not.
According to a recent study, researchers from Charles Sturt University (CSU) in Wagga Wagga and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Canberra are testing specialized drones to see if they can replicate the work of farm dogs in mustering sheep. The study found that drones are likely a more ethical way to herd sheep as they cause less stress to the animals. However, drones are not yet capable of performing all the tasks that working dogs can do.
For example, dogs can detect drugs, explosives, and even cancer3. Dogs are also used in search and rescue operations, where they can locate missing people and even bodies. In conclusion, while drones may be a more ethical way to herd sheep, working dogs are still needed for various other purposes3