Ways You Can Assist Herding Dogs in Need

Guard dogs often face difficulty finding suitable homes, due to their unique set of characteristics such as independence, territorial behavior and an overwhelming protective instinct – qualities which need experienced hands to care for properly. Unfortunately not all animal welfare organizations who rescue four-legged friends from abroad know what makes HSHs special, though good intentions alone may not suffice when keeping and raising these special pups – here you’ll learn what aspects you should pay attention to if you truly wish to help guard dogs!

Animal welfare activists from abroad sometimes bring guard dogs in need to Germany with good intentions but limited experience, placing them with unsuspecting dog owners who may be incapable of managing the breed’s territorial behavior and protective instinct. Should this become too much for their owners to bear, an unfortunate odyssey for these poor creatures begins whereby they move from family to family or shelter to shelter before ending up back on the streets – something you can help avoid with these tips.

Help for guard dogs in need: breed characteristics

Herding Protection Dogs, commonly abbreviated HSH, refer to dogs that exhibit herding characteristics with primary protection qualities and secondary herding qualities; thus indicating their primary function being protection rather than herding use qualities – meaning these breeds of canines don’t act as shepherd dogs as implied by their namesake. Sheepdogs – also called herding dogs – are intended to keep the flock together under the guidance of a shepherd, while protecting it against predators, thieves and attackers even without its owner present. These canines have also been specifically trained as guard dogs who provide additional security against potential dangers, including predators like predatory birds. Genetically speaking, cattle have the innate instincts necessary to remain calm yet vigilant and quickly respond with defense in the event of danger. By acting independently they make decisions as to what constitutes threats to their herd and territory and which threats cannot be tolerated.

And while guard dogs might seem like great family pets and family companions, their thinking and behavior remain unchanged when suddenly kept as family pets or family pets. Instead of protecting a herd of livestock or herders as guard dogs do, these domesticated guard dogs (HSH) tend to watch over their caregivers and their self-established territory instead. Unfortunately this can lead to issues since HSHs consider everything within their view a potential territory, including pathways and surroundings not belonging to him – such as passerby or other dogs approaching him, thus switching into defense mode when approached – then moving out into defense mode before eventually attacking. Furthermore a HSH that does not receive enough mental stimulation may develop strong hunting instincts.

Herd Protection Dogs in Distress: Be Wary of Misunderstood Animal Protection Services

Animal welfare organizations around Germany do an admirable job rescuing street dogs and other four-legged companions in distress overseas and nursing them back to health before finding homes for them here in Germany. Unfortunately, however, some animal protectors approach their work too casually or with too little knowledge; other organizations appear less committed and want to turn a profit off these poor creatures.

As a result, this can result in guard dogs or mixed breeds among cold-blooded breeds being available as family or companion pets, who may not fit well as such animals. Yet since most people want a companion animal for themselves and their children, inexperienced animal brokers describe these particular breeds as fond of children, people-oriented, friendly and affectionate – creating false hopes among potential new owners who then must give them back because their expectations were over-stated – having to give back herding dogs may have been better off in life than living on the streets!

Know when a guard dog is the appropriate solution.

Right side of this article you can find a selection of HSH breeds. When helping an insecure or abandoned HSH puppy, be wary and do not let his adorable presence draw you in too quickly; take time to carefully consider all available breeds before selecting an HSH puppy as your own pet. If you lack experience with guard dogs, another breed might be more suitable. However, being familiar with their needs will go a long way toward keeping your four-legged friend happy and content. HSH prefer the countryside or an isolated area more than cities; large gardens with fences designed specifically to protect guard dogs can make an excellent home. An ideal situation would be keeping farm animals yourself that your HSH can look after, while during walks he or she should always remain on leash, with an individual strong and tall enough to hold onto him if his hunting or protective instincts get the better of them.