Guard dog training

**fawkese1** · 03-11-2010, 12:51 AM

Quote:

You can always teach your dog to bark on command at this age. Make sure the training is positive and absolutely make sure your not training him to be reactive, only reward nuetral (happy) barking.

that is a very good suggestion!

wvasko · 03-11-2010, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wicked

When I got my first GSD I wondered about the same thing. I contacted a trainer and was given this nice little gem;

"Expecting an 8 month old puppy to guard your home[even slightly] is like giving a 6 year old a gun and expecting him to defend his family, it's just not a reasonable goal".

Now that I'm older, wiser and have done a fair bit of research on the topic, I understand that a dog displaying 'defensive' behavior at such a young age is virtually useless as a true guard dog. Such a dog is not likely to have a good, stable temperament in maturity, at least not stable enough to be able to handle the pressure of defense training.

You can always teach your dog to bark on command at this age. Make sure the training is positive and absolutely make sure your not training him to be reactive, only reward nuetral (happy) barking.

Like your pup to gun totin child analogy, I'm gonna put that in my guard dog answer quotes file as at least 4 or 5 times a month on forums is the young guard dog inquiry. I have always used the 7 yr old digging ditches answer, your reply is a step up from ditch work.

That being said young dogs kicking into defense at 1st are not all lost, good trainers can sometimes change defense into prey drive.

Wicked · 03-11-2010, 11:53 AM

You're absolutely right wvasko.
A reactive pup showing defense at 6 months old isn't necessarily a lost cause, but it's definitely a dog that would require an experienced handler and an even better trainer. From what I have seen however, most puppies displaying this type of tempermant at 6 months old have some underlying issues that present themselves when they're a bit older that tend to exclude them from defense training (most commonly, a bit thin nerved or too sharp). I have seen some solid dogs that were intense from the get-go, so you're right, it does happen. Just not that often. I like to see a happy, confident puppy at 6 months that eagerly approaches all within it's sight if given the chance, full of gusto and enthusiasm.

I love the puppy stage!

wvasko · 03-11-2010, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wicked

You're absolutely right wvasko.
A reactive pup showing defense at 6 months old isn't necessarily a lost cause, but it's definitely a dog that would require an experienced handler and an even better trainer. From what I have seen however, most puppies displaying this type of tempermant at 6 months old have some underlying issues that present themselves when they're a bit older that tend to exclude them from defense training (most commonly, a bit thin nerved or too sharp). I have seen some solid dogs that were intense from the get-go, so you're right, it does happen. Just not that often. I like to see a happy, confident puppy at 6 months that eagerly approaches all within it's sight if given the chance, full of gusto and enthusiasm.

I love the puppy stage!

The big problem is that people still go by the old school attitude that they don't want their pups/dogs friendly with strangers. They just don't understand the statement "fear of the unknown"

I do no protection work anymore but still get calls wanting the magic guard dog that can remain loose out with the kids that does not growl/bark or bite the UPS/Mailman but is hard on the child perverts/rapist/burglars etc. I guess that's where the magic comes in.

Wicked · 03-11-2010, 07:07 PM

lol!
Ahh yes, the elusive "magic dog".

**kmes** · 03-11-2010, 10:45 PM

I agree with everyone!

Honestly I wouldn't even bother with guard training! A presa/american bulldog is going to deter unwanted visiters just by appearance! I would want a dog of that mix to be as friendly as possible!

wvasko · 03-12-2010, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmes

I agree with everyone!

Honestly I wouldn't even bother with guard training! A presa/american bulldog is going to deter unwanted visiters just by appearance! I would want a dog of that mix to be as friendly as possible!

When doing protection work I would not accept dogs under 18 months of age as in a lot of cases a pup at 18 months of age may start showing alert tendencies and be more dog than needed. I would push obedience for control rather than start a 6 month old pup and build a monster type.

This is not to say my method was correct for waiting until the dog was 18 months old. It was just the way I did it. No more, no less. All trainers have there own programs.

**alfi** · 03-12-2010, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wvasko

When doing protection work I would not accept dogs under 18 months of age as in a lot of cases a pup at 18 months of age may start showing alert tendencies and be more dog than needed. I would push obedience for control rather than start a 6 month old pup and build a monster type.

This is not to say my method was correct for waiting until the dog was 18 months old. It was just the way I did it. No more, no less. All trainers have there own programs.

Ditto^^