Teaching my dog to fake intimidation??

kmes

Some pretty good suggestions from everyone so far!
I especially like the self defense class!

I also just wanted to suggest that you try not to go for walks at night since you are uncomfortabe doing so. If its not possible for you rearrange your schedule a bit, then find someone to walk with you!
And as for taking him out to go potty before bed, just stay in your yard where it is well lit!

Also, I just wanted to say that once he is grown up many people will be intimidated just because of your dog's size and appearance! Most people intending harm would likely think twice/choose a different victim simply because you had a GSD with you!

Esme

I completely agree.
I had a lab/possibly pit mix when I was younger and he managed to scare off a group of about 15 big guys without even letting out a bark. He just had a look on his face (because I'm sure he could sense my fear) that said he meant business. Even now when I walk Esme who is a total sweetheart people will cross the street just cause she's a large dog who doesn't act happy to see everyone.

Criosphynx

I agree with the others

My dog is a CHiHUAHUA. All the dog has to do is EXIST in a confident manner and thats all you need

Anyone thats going to attack som'one with a dog is going to do so no matter what the dog is/does. These types are rare
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ruthcatrin

Teaching the dog to bark or 'smile' on command isn't a bad thing and might be usefull. Definetly be carefull doing anything further with a fake aggression, some areas some courts will use it as an excuse to call the dog dangerous if he did bite. Sheep, are you in the UK? Donno whats legal for you, but look into pepper spray AND see if you can find a training class for it (I know, it seems self explanitory, but you still need to be able to use it and that takes practice). Thers things you can do with your body language too, so you look less like a 'good' victim.

sheep

Thanks guys for the suggestions! I'm still trying to teach him to bark on command, but strangely it's been a bit hard. Whenever he barks, I look at him and give the command, but then he would stop and look at me, trying to understand what I want. Must be patient I guess.

Criosphynx, I can understand why it's better not teaching how to train for protection on the internet, since such knowledge falling on the wrong hands (inexperienced owners) can be bad. In my case, I wouldn't want to do it with my pup, since I'm not having total control over him yet, so that teaching something dangerous is not a good idea for anyone's sake. Also, I want him to remain friendly and never develop any aggressive tendency towards anyone.

But well, actually my pup has scared a few people already, even thought he's friendly with everyone (and everyone just loves him). He has never been aggressive to anyone, but he barked to someone once or twice just coz the person was coming from the direction where some weird noise happened a few secs before he spotted him/her.
But well, maybe when he gets bigger, he will be more intimidating so that he could ward off dangerous guys.

But even so, actually I feel concerned about his safety too. Most people wouldn't go after someone with a big dog, but the few ones that does, they would probably attack the dog first, so that they could get the owner easier. So I would prefer to avoid confrontation as much as possible, whether my pup can fake aggression or actually really protecting me.


ruthcatrin, I live in Portugal, I'm not sure if pepper spray is legal, but it seems something soft compared to a weapon, and it's only for disabling someone temporarily, so that it might be fine to use.
About body language, I've tried to appear normal and not insecure, but I guess that I probably gave away a bit of my insecurity when I was going away. I guess that self defense classes are on my to-do list.

ruthcatrin

Ah, ok, really no idea whats legal for you or not there. Its easy to look afraid, and not even realize it, donno about there, but here you can often very easily find women's self defense classes. Some are better than others, but even the less good ones focus as much on body language and confidence as anything else, and not looking like a victim will help alot.

qwerty

I also strongly encourage you look into self-defense lessons, mace/pepper spray/equivalent, and all the rest that's been suggested. Concealed weapons permit is not hard to get, at least not in my area. No license needed to carry a knife, just have to be of legal size or hidden. That will give you a "sense" of security although when it comes down to it I think self-defense lessons are the best choice. Plus you'll get some healthy exercise to boot and won't feel powerless simply because your a woman, it's a win-win.

Alright, if your in Portugal I have no clue what's legal and what's not. In the states there's plenty of places to find women's self-defense classes or the different martial arts to choose from.

millitantanimist

This!
I don't remember the statistics but you are far less likely to be the victim of many kinds of crime if you have a dog with you, regardless of size. Dogs are an unpredictable liability to a would-be attacker, prone to drawing uncomfortable amounts of unwanted attention.
Speaking of stats (and as a martial arts practitioner) I'd skip the weapon and enroll in some basic self defense classes. A weapon, especially one you are unfamilliar with, is more likely to be used against you in a fight. In addition to some management (what others have suggested: walk earlier with a buddy or somewhere more populated) you could pick up that pepper spray. If it's illegal where you live, many stores sell "dog repellant" as a tongue-in-cheek alternative.
That, or you can do what my friend did and just carry a bag of cayenne in your pocket
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enzotheschnauzer

guns can do what now? ive never heard of a gun backfiring and hurting the shooter. i also wanted to add that guns are not dangerous weapons, i have several and none of them have ever done anything that a human didnt force it to do.


if you actually feel that you life is in danger when youre walking then i would suggest something more than a smiling dog. bear spray, knife, a real taser (not a stun gun)...

ruthcatrin

I expect she means ownership of the gun can "backfire" and result in the gun owner getting hurt with his/her own gun (ie: THE BAD GUY WILL TAKE IT AWAY FROM YOU AND SHOOT YOU WITH IT!!!!!). Its a common reaction even here in the USA much less in countries with insanely strict gun laws. Not that I don't agree with you, just pointing it out.