Dogs are man’s best friend! As well as bringing you joy, they can also guarantee your safety from threats.
If you’re worried that a break-in might occur in your elderly family member’s neighborhood, then it’s time to get a guard dog for them. Particularly if they live alone.
The best guard dogs for elderly people have to be just the right size, sturdy, and loyal.
Find out if elderlies should consider getting a dog and what the best guard dogs for senior people are.
Should Elderlies Get a Dog?
Yes, elderlies should consider getting a dog.
Dogs won’t just protect seniors from threats, but they can also help them enjoy life and assist them in some jobs.
According to the National Poll on Healthy Aging, more than half of adults aged 50 to 80 own a pet.
These people feel more loved, and their stress is reduced. This is a major benefit, considering that more than 40% of seniors experience loneliness regularly.
Here are some other reasons elderlies should consider getting a dog:
- emotional support
- company
- protection
- creating a routine
- keeping seniors active.
Choosing the Right Dog for a Senior
Matching a senior with the right dog can be tricky, so here are some factors to take into account.
Age
A dog’s age determines how much attention they need. If you’re a low-mobility senior, don’t get a puppy or young dog.
Puppies are too energetic and need lots of exercise and training.
You also don’t want to get a senior dog because they will require a lot of medical care.
Get an adult dog that has been house trained and understands basic commands. They already have fully developed personalities, making it easier to match with the owner.
Personality
Some elderlies want a friend who will accompany them when walking and exercising, while others just need one to snuggle with for comfort.
While all dogs require exercise, some are slower, gentler, and more low-key. Make sure you have the senior interact with the pet first before finalizing an adoption to ensure compatibility.
Service Dog
Do you need a service and therapy dog? They can be helpful to seniors with physical impairments or mental illnesses .
Service dogs can perform a lot of tasks, such as:
- opening and closing doors
- picking up dropped items
- retrieving items
- carrying medications
- alerting others of an emergency
- interrupting a panic attack.
They can also serve as companions for seniors who have dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.
Best Guard Dogs for Elderly
Not all dogs can guard and help elderlies. Some breeds do a better job at this than others.
Here are some breeds that make the best guard dogs for elderly people.
Beagle
The Beagle is friendly and loyal. They also make a great guard dog, especially for seniors!
Despite their independence, the Beagle can be trained to be obedient, protective, and safe around people. They can entertain and be of service to elderlies.
Beagles are incredibly affectionate, so you will never be lonely with them by your side. Their affectionate disposition can help reduce signs of depression and anxiety.
They do need a lot of exercise, which will encourage the elderly to keep fit and healthy. With a Beagle, you will have a workout buddy!
Beagles are relatively low-maintenance. They are not furry, and they aren’t messy if you train them well.
All they need from you is basic grooming, food, regular walks, and some playtime!
On average, Beagles live up to 14 years old, so they will give your senior companion many years of love.
Cocker Spaniel
Cocker Spaniels have one of the most positive personalities because of their loyalty, happiness, and affection. They are known to be loving, so they make great comfort dogs for elderlies.
They will motivate you to keep healthy without tiring you out. They love going on walks and engaging in physical activities.
The Cocker Spaniel’s sociable nature will surely cheer you up!
They will also protect you from danger at all times. This is an important role dogs need to take on when they have elderly owners.
They are medium-sized and low-maintenance, except for the fact that they need regular grooming.
This video provides more information on the Cocker Spaniel.
Boston Terrier
One of the top breed choices of elderlies when it comes to guard dogs is the Boston Terrier.
This dog breed does not need too much grooming, so you don’t have to bend your back and stretch your muscles to give them a cut every week.
They are also super friendly, loving, and easily trainable. Elderly people with dementia and other mental diseases may feel less lonely and isolated with the Boston Terrier.
Boston Terriers are also incredibly clingy, so they will sit with you when you’re watching television, eat with you, and even walk in the park with you.
These playful dogs will also make sure you are always safe from danger! They can be trained to get their owners home safely.
The proud and funny Boston Terrier also increases the confidence of elderlies!
The changes that come along with age can be scary, but a loyal companion like a Boston Terrier can help.
Miniature Pinscher
The Mini Pinscher is another dog that seniors should consider. They will surely be your grandpa’s best friend and they will get along well with one another.
This variety of Doberman Pinscher is small, affectionate, and playful. It’s great for elderlies who want a smaller size dog.
They are also very watchful when it comes to strangers because they want to protect their owner as much as possible.
While it’s hard for the Mini Pinscher to get along with fellow dogs, they are generally affectionate with their family members.
The Mini Pinscher also has a low-shedding coat, so you don’t need to exhaust yourself by grooming them often. They also do not drool, and they require much less medical attention than other breeds.
When it comes to trainability, the Mini Pinscher can be considered average. They are just the right mix of playful and obedient, so be a little patient with them.
This breed may have a high energy level, but the amount and intensity of exercise needed are adequate enough for the elderly’s lifestyle.
Watch this video for ten facts about the Mini Pinscher.
Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is a medium-sized German Shepherd that is super friendly and always concerned about their master.
This breed is always on the lookout for strangers, so you can count on them to keep you safe even if you’re alone at home.
The Belgian Malinois also listens to your commands. If trained well, they can serve as service or therapy dogs. They can carry stuff for you and assist you in walking, which they love to do.
However, if you are a senior who lives in an apartment, a Belgian Malinois may not be ideal. They are a high-energy dog that needs plenty of exercise daily.
Belgian Malinois do not gain weight easily. Most elderlies tend to overfeed their dogs, which they shouldn’t, but this should not be a problem for this breed.
The Belgian Malinois does not shed, nor do they drool. This makes them easy to maintain.
FAQ Dog Breeds
How Should I Groom My Elderly Companion’s Dog?
If you groom your grandparent or elderly friend’s dog at home, there are a few things you should know.
First, you will need the right equipment. These may include a comb, brush, clippers, shampoo, conditioner, towel, and treats.
You also want to practice how to properly brush a dog’s coat before bathing them. Then, when it’s bath time, keep them still as you lather and rinse.
We have a comprehensive guide on how you can groom your dog at home!
Should Elderlies Get Puppies?
That depends.
If elderlies still have the ability to feed them several times a day in small portions, and if they can endure the activity levels of puppies, then they can get a puppy.
However, if they are sick or have mobility issues, you want to get them a dog that is almost in their adulthood.
Puppies require a lot of attention, and you don’t want to give your elderlies an additional burden.
Find out how much attention puppies need!
What is the Best Guard Dog for First Time Owners?
It’s overwhelming to have a dog for the first time.
It is important to be realistic and practical with prioritizing your preferences as a first-time guard dog owner. That’s because not all guard dogs are low-maintenance.
With little to no experience in dog care and training, you will need a guard dog that is low-maintenance, easy to train, and is friendly. You also want a guard dog that is loyal and protective.
Check out our list of the best guard dogs for first-time owners.
What is the Best Guard Dog for Apartment Living?
That depends on a lot of things, including your lifestyle.
You need to make sure you can take your dog out for a walk at a regular time, even if it’s just a brief exercise.
An apartment-friendly guard dog should not be too energetic or high maintenance.
A small to medium-sized dog that is easy to train is important. This is because your space won’t be big enough for a large dog breed.
Find out which dog breed is the perfect guard dog for your apartment life.
A Dog is a Great Companion for Seniors!
It’s high time to get a protector and a companion for your senior family member.
Make sure to talk about it with them first. Let them know that a dog can help to ease their emotional stress and keep them safe from potential intruders.
Some dogs to consider for the elderly include the Belgian Malinois, Miniature Pinscher, Cocker Spaniel, Boston Terrier, and Beagle.
Does your elderly grandparent live in an apartment? Check out the best dogs for apartment living.
