I totally agree with Nickle. We have always had Sheps, they are amazing animals, but they require just as much commitment as another child in terms of time, effort and money. When I was growing up, we had a family friend who was with the dog squad. His two girls were kept in their fully enclosed cages while at the house. They were not family pets. And while he kept them both when the retired, and they were as cherished by him as his own children, they were *never* part of the family, as a normal, family pet would be; there are real reasons why this is the way it is.

I also wanted to point out that most reputable breeders will not sell you a dog for what you are describing. They simply will not put their dog, or your family - or their reputation - in that kind of danger. It is unnecessary. So I think that you would have a hard time finding a reputable breeder to allow you to buy their dog in the first place, if you are honest about your intentions.

I am not quite sure what would warrant such excessive measures, but I would look at others before even considering allowing a true guard dog in my home with my children.