Raising a well rounded guard dog?

crash97 · 06-12-2008, 07:28 PM

Just as the title implies, I wish to raise my pup to be a well socialized but apt and able guard dog for us and our home/property. I would like to know how this may differ from ordinary house pet training if at all? I was reading another thread that stated for Schutzhund/trained guard dogs that the jumping and play biting might not be corrected as it would for a strictly couch puppy. Any help or advice would be appreciated.

To sum up what I desire from Baron: I want him to be just one of the house dogs unless needed, but when needed to not hesitate nor over-react. I hope that came out the way I meant it to.

TIA

juddb · 06-12-2008, 07:40 PM

Im no expert but Im pretty sure it will come natural anyway. But someone with more experience will chime in im sure. Just to throw this out there duncan is about 6 months and his gaurd instinct is really starting to kick in. Anyone or anything walking or flying by the window or padio gets some growling and barking, but whats crazy is when we are out on our walks or at the park he is the most friendly dog out there. So like i said im sure it just comes natural.

**errica** · 06-12-2008, 08:00 PM

Dobes are naturally guard dogs. Even if they seem sweet and love everyone they've ever met they will guard you if necessary. Just do your best to socialize your dog. Let them meet as many people as possible, as many dogs as possible and be in as many situations as possible. That way they are well adjusted to the world. Trust me, if push comes to shove, your dobe will die protecting you.

bleh60 · 06-12-2008, 08:03 PM

Define: guard dog.

(you want him to bark, bite, wait for a command, be alert? etc. exactly how do you want the dog to act and in what situation.)

crash97 · 06-12-2008, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bleh60

Define: guard dog.

(you want him to bark, bite, wait for a command, be alert? etc. exactly how do you want the dog to act and in what situation.)

I want him to be alert to anything out of the ordinary, and distinguish what is and what isn't worthy of being barked at. Of course this is going to have to be shown/socialized into him. I want him to leave alone what ever I say is ok/no threat after being told..ie stop barking growling. I would prefer him to simply corner and halt any perceived threat instead of biting, but have absolutely no hesitation to bite if one of us is in danger or being threatened.

bleh60 · 06-12-2008, 08:50 PM

Ok. I think the guarding instinct will come on its own. Most dobies are territorial and will bark at a threat. If you want him to bite I think that might require getting him evaluated after he matures a bit I am sure others will weigh in on that point more.

juddb · 06-12-2008, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bleh60

Define: guard dog.

(you want him to bark, bite, wait for a command, be alert? etc. exactly how do you want the dog to act and in what situation.)

To gaurd his post in a military manner at all times.....

Military style. No im kidding

bleh60 · 06-12-2008, 10:01 PM

Well my dog guards just fine, but I doubt he'd ever bite anyone in defense of his home or family.

I think it helps others to be clear on what he wanted from the dog, thats why I asked.

faber · 06-12-2008, 10:05 PM

Theres nothing wrong w/what you lookn' for- suggest finding professional help for evaluation as previously stated and for possible training.

WorkingInSTL · 06-12-2008, 11:15 PM

If you want a true protection dog, you will need to train it, and train it properly. This will involve an enormous amount of time and resources. Protection training is not like an eight week obedience class where you simply go through the drills once a week for two months and then you're done. Protection training lasts for the active "career" of the dog. I usually try to steer people interested in this toward a local schutzhund club (or something similar like ringsport).

I personally raise my working dogs a little differently than I would a house pet. The reason for that is I don't want them to be inhibited about things that are essential to performing good protection work, BUT the puppies still have to be taught to behave in a socially acceptable manner. Again, raising a dog in any capacity is not something you can just learn how to do on an internet forum, and a good schutzhund club with experienced members would be in a much better position to give you guidance than some random internet post.

The only advice I would even attempt to offer on this subject, other than to seek out experienced people near you who can guide you, is to socialize your dog as much as possible. As ironic as it seems to some, the more comfortable you can get a dog to be around people, the more it fosters confidence in them. I NEVER want my dogs to be afraid of people, so they are taught from puppyhood that everyone is their friend, and people (even strangers) are "good" and "fun". I also do not encourage unwarranted aggression. When they start formal bitework, it is the helpers job to be the bad guy, and show them what is a threat and give them the skills to deal with that threat.