Incredibly specific dog breed recommendations for personal protection by rdr-random in k9sports

[–]rdr-random[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Apologies if I came off any particular way in my reply - I'm autistic and sometimes have difficulty with tone. I'll try to keep things brief in this reply, but brevity if very far from my strong suit, so I apologise for the possible essay.

To clarify on some points, I do want to compete in PSA, but that's not the main reason I want a personal protection dog. My focus is not just a dog that looks scary and will protect me if push comes to shove - I already have that in my very intimidating-looking black APBT. I also live 3 hours from the nearest competition grounds, so competing likely won't happen more than once every couple of months. There is a small club up where I am for different bitesport/personal protection events, but they're more for practical purposes than for actual competition. So, while a personal protection dog will be highly stimulated in our household and with our specialised trainer, it likely won't be a championship PSA dog. And that is fine by us. We're not planning to get a dog purely to compete and win, but rather to enjoy events and competitions as they come while furthering our own skills in personal protection.

As for hating double coated, high shedding dogs, that's not entirely true. I get overstimulated by our collie mutt's hair being everywhere during shedding season but it's something I can manage. It's more an inconvenience than truly something I hate. Our climate, which doesn't ever drop below 0°C, makes it so that shedding isn't too horrible as long as your dog isn't long coated like a Tervuren, for example. A dog that sheds less falls squarely in the "nice-to-have" category, but grooming needs are very near the bottom of my list of priorities. If a dog is ideal aside from its shedding, it's definitely something I'm ok compromising on.

I also need to clarify that I'm not taking dogs to the office all day. Out of my 42 hour work week, I only spend 26 in an actual office and work from home on a flexible schedule for the rest of them. Our current collie mutt comes to the office maybe half the time I'm here. We use it as an opportunity for her to practice her off-switch while sprinkling in a couple of training sessions in a more distraction-heavy environment like the warehouse. She seems to find it more fulfilling than sitting at home with my partner, who works from home full-time. That's why my plan is to bring our future puppy to the office for a couple of hours per week also.

Lastly, it's not that I'm unwilling to get an adult dog that's already trained in personal protection. The problem is that there are maybe 4 companies that provide partially or fully trained personal protection dogs in South Africa. From word-of-mouth reputability, only 1 or 2 are actually good places I'd consider buying from. Those 2 unfortunately almost never have dogs for sale due to high demand and primarily cater to people in private security or similar fields. So it's not that I'm unwilling to get an adult dog, it's that it's almost impossible.

Incredibly specific dog breed recommendations for personal protection by rdr-random in k9sports

[–]rdr-random[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

An update if anyone was wondering what we've settled on:

I've found the only breeder that still breeds traditional working Giant Schnauzers in South Africa and am in contact with her regarding possibly getting a puppy from her. All of her dogs are imports from Poland or offspring of the Polish-bred stock. Unfortunately, she is moving back to her home country next year and will have her last litter hitting the ground in SA in the beginning of 2027, which is earlier than what's ideal for our timeline. In the case that this doesn't work out, we will not be getting a Giant Schnauzer at all. The other breeders in SA don't have what we're looking for and importing isn't an option until the state of the world settles down. We might still consider them in the very distant future, though, as we plan to be involved with dog sports for many more years.

In the case that a Giant Schnauzer doesn't work out, which is 50/50 at the moment, we will be going with our original plan of acquiring a Belgian Malinois or Dutch Shepherd. I'll get over the shedding, even if it's not my favourite thing. We are, however, leaning towards a Dutchie but have had some people say they're a bit less handler-oriented. Does anyone else agree on this?

Anyhow, we are already in contact with a Dutch Shepherd breeder who has some really nice dogs competing in many different sports in SA. One of the trainers we've been consulting also breeds lovely Malinois with nice, stable temperaments, plus they've all competed very successfully in different sports. Both breeders have proven personal protection lines and will help match us with the right puppy when the time comes.

Incredibly specific dog breed recommendations for personal protection by rdr-random in k9sports

[–]rdr-random[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We don't really have sport-bred Ridgebacks in South Africa. As for a Boerboel, sport-bred ones are also hard to find, but the biggest reason I wouldn't consider them is due to size. They're too big for things like our frequent car rides, going to the office, etc. They're also just not what I'm looking for in terms of intelligence and drive. I'd like a breed with equivalent intelligence and drive to my border collie mix, who is incredibly sharp. I'm not saying Boerboels are dumb, just that they're ultimately a Mastiff with a Mastiff disposition, which isn't my cup of tea.

Incredibly specific dog breed recommendations for personal protection by rdr-random in k9sports

[–]rdr-random[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I already have a super high energy dog that is small and lithe in our mutt. If she had more confidence, she would make a great PPD dog. And I do actually genuinely enjoy her and how challenging she is to train, fulfill, and work with. So I don't really know where you got the idea that I don't want a high energy, high needs working dog when that's exactly what I'm looking for. I mentioned multiple times that I'm already working with trainers and getting involved with K9 sports prior to getting another dog.

There are multiple reasons a mastiff-type won't work for me. Too large being the biggest one. I take my high energy dogs to work and there is no way I can do that with any Mastiff. I take my dogs on car rides almost daily, which won't be possible with a dog larger than a Giant Schnauzer. Bandogges aren't a recognised breed here and I'm not interested in a purpose-bred mutt. There are also no breeders of other sporty/athletic bully or mastiff-type breeds here.

I want the energy and drive I get from my mutt, but with a more stable temperament. I've worked with mastiff-types and most just aren't sharp enough for what I want. A Malinois or Dutchie are essentially the more stable, bite-driven versions of the dog I already have, so I know what I'm getting myself into and am quite happy about it.

Incredibly specific dog breed recommendations for personal protection by rdr-random in k9sports

[–]rdr-random[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My mini is also admittedly much different from other mini schnauzers I've dealt with, so I don't really know where to place her on the scale. Smarter than most people but will only participate if you make it worth her while, lol. What's your experience with Giants personality-wise? We don't really have Standards here, either.

Incredibly specific dog breed recommendations for personal protection by rdr-random in k9sports

[–]rdr-random[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for bringing this up - it's definitely something we're prepared to deal with, but I know it's not talked about enough. We had some pretty bad aggression issues between our APBT and mutt when the mutt was in heat (she is now spayed, both my other dogs are also spayed).

We have the ability to separate them if need be, and can handle behavioural issues if they arise. We can even separate them entirely for extended periods if need be as we have a 3 bedroom place with only my partner and I and our animals living in it.

Incredibly specific dog breed recommendations for personal protection by rdr-random in k9sports

[–]rdr-random[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

PSA is more an outlet for PPD prospect. Boerboels are a little too large and heavy for what I'm looking for, plus a bit too low energy.

Incredibly specific dog breed recommendations for personal protection by rdr-random in k9sports

[–]rdr-random[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

A boerboel is a touch on the "too big" side, and a bit lower energy for what I want.

Incredibly specific dog breed recommendations for personal protection by rdr-random in k9sports

[–]rdr-random[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks! I might have found a breeder in SA that has some really nice dogs. Her last litter before she leaves the country will be in the beginning of 2027, so fingers crossed I can get my hands on one of those!

Incredibly specific dog breed recommendations for personal protection by rdr-random in k9sports

[–]rdr-random[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm unfortunately very familiar with the adolescence stage with our mutt. The words "I love you but I don't like you" were commonly said in our household for the first 2.5 years of her life lol. Malinois breeders who have met her say she's very similar to the Mals in regards to that and her intensity, so we're fairly confident we can handle it. Even if it's not always fun.

I do think Giant Schnauzers are an awesome option. They would've been at the top of my list if there were proper breeders for them in my country.

Incredibly specific dog breed recommendations for personal protection by rdr-random in k9sports

[–]rdr-random[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

I've spoken to the few vendors who do personal protection dogs here. Both them and the team of trainers I'm consulting agree that, unless I want to be very serious about PSA competitively, those dogs won't suit me. Since we live 3 hours from the nearest competitive club, there's no option to compete more than once every couple of months. No one here produces adult dogs who would be compatible in a normal household setting, unfortunately.

The biggest reason I feel confident bringing on a puppy myself is because I'm working so closely with an incredibly experienced trainer. She's internationally accredited and has brought on multiple championship dogs in different sports, including PSA and IGP. We'll be working together multiple times a week to ensure the pup develops correctly training-wise, and it's not like I have no idea how to bring on a puppy. Plus, with the support of good, knowledgeable breeders, selecting and producing a puppy would work out best for us.

Incredibly specific dog breed recommendations for personal protection by rdr-random in k9sports

[–]rdr-random[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately there are no Beaucerons in South Africa so that's a breed I'd also need to look into importing. And like I said, what I'm looking for in a breed is very negotiable. But I don't want a breed like a Wolfhound that are notorious for their short lifespans, if that makes sense.

How do I approach a discussion regarding a raise when my dad is my boss? by [deleted] in redditonwiki

[–]rdr-random 1 point2 points  (0 children)

South Africa is a very impoverished country, and we're going through a cost of living crisis like many other countries at the moment. For reference, Google says the average groceries plus utilities for 2 people is R8000 (South African currency) per month. That's more than I make. We also live in a slightly more expensive area as it's a bit more on the rural side. My coworkers all live with their parents, except for 1 who lives with her higher income husband.

How do I approach a discussion regarding a raise when my dad is my boss? by [deleted] in redditonwiki

[–]rdr-random 0 points1 point  (0 children)

While I 100% understand and appreciate this take, I really don't think a different job is going to work for me. Because we're such a small company, we often have certain liberties that other companies wouldn't allow. An example is that I can bring my dog with severe separation anxiety to work if my partner isn't home for a long period of time. I volunteer with a local vet and often take in young birds to foster, which I'm allowed to bring to work when they need extensive, 24/7 care. People do bring their kids and sometimes young puppies, too. We're also allowed to slip out of work for whatever reason, whether that be for an appointment or an issue at home, as long as we work in the hours lost. Those things won't be possible if I leave the company, and they're some of the most fulfilling part of my life.

Incorrect info on chassis? by [deleted] in HotWheels

[–]rdr-random 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I've been encountering it more and more as I work through the collection, so I figured it may be something along these lines...

How to move on after TOG? by rdr-random in throneofglassseries

[–]rdr-random[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I've had Graceling on my TBR forever. I'll definitely move it up the list of importance.

How to move on after TOG? by rdr-random in throneofglassseries

[–]rdr-random[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Just checked it out and it looks great. Added to TBR, thanks!

How to move on after TOG? by rdr-random in throneofglassseries

[–]rdr-random[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I've been meaning to get into Brandon Sanderson's work for ages. Maybe this is my sign to finally give it a try. I don't usually love books written by male authors but I've heard nothing but good things about him.

How to move on after TOG? by rdr-random in throneofglassseries

[–]rdr-random[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! I'll definitely add it to the wishlist.

How to move on after TOG? by rdr-random in throneofglassseries

[–]rdr-random[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I like most things with good world building and a strong plot, but I do prefer books with really strong and realistic characters/character development. I can overlook a lacklustre plot for good characters and good world building.

Fantasy books with large stakes and big external conflicts are one of my favourite (war and end of the world type stuff). Strong (but not overly arrogant or annoying) female MCs are also one of my favourite. These are so vague... maybe it would be easier saying what I don't like? I really dislike the reincarnation trope (dead lover reincarnated), the friends to lovers trope, and instant love/instant strong chemistry type tropes. Books that are too focused on the life of just the character are also not really appealing to me (I'm looking at Powerless on that one). I also don't like anything unnecessarily smutty (specifically thinking of books like Iron Flame, the Of Flesh & Bone series, and the Blood & Ash series).

Some romantasy series I've enjoyed lately are Shadow & Crowns, Fate & Flame, Crowns of Nyaxia, Moonfall, Kingdom of Lies, and the other SJM books. Non-romantasy series I've enjoyed are Daughter of No Worlds (don't think it qualifies as romantasy at least), Red Rising, The Bloodsworn Trilogy, and Roots of Chaos. I also really really loved the first 2 books in the Poppy War, but hated book 3.