Retreat Safety: Choose Dogs Carefully

Woman Killed by Her Dogs - sad story

This is such a common story that it doesn't rate reporting it here other than as a reminder to choose your dogs carefully.  I know some people love pit-bulls, dobermans, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds. I have had some experience with each breed.  In the end, the only one of this group I would even consider is the German Shepherd, but even there the risk exists that you might end up dealing with an unprovoked attack.   This risk includes all animals that can't reason and often react by instinct.  Is it worth the risk.

I'm not a dog expert so take this as an opinion based on personal experience, observation, and common sense.

Here is a rule I have adopted for living with dogs.  I choose a dog for temperament.  A good dog for the home is one that can alert you to threats and is a safe companion, and not one that can physically overcome the owner.   Picking a dog that can defend you in a fight also means it can do the same to you when startled.   Another good way to get a good dog is to just find a mutt at a shelter.  You'll know early on its nature.  Find one no matter how small that you like to have around and shows at least some ability to inform you when something is happening.  Their hearing and sense of smell give you the edge when it comes to situational awareness at your retreat.

Update:  Dogs were the cause of her death more details