I have an american bulldogg which they say are protective, but how can i make him the most efficient without guard work? I love him sooo much and take care of him...Helpful hints?
2006-08-16 07:43:14 · 12 answers · asked by ItalianStallion 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
You need to teach your dog all the basic obedience commands. Look into the Canine Good Citizen test. Your control over your dog makes him the best guard dog possible.
Some people think that a large, ugly slavering dog is a good guard dog. They will try to deliberately seek out a mean dog, or try to make the dog they have mean. This is a recipe for disaster, and possibly for a lawsuit.
Belive me, if you have a dog that is firmly under your control, and you NEED him to protect you, he'll step up and do it. Meanwhile you can trust him not to eat the neighbors three year old.
So take an obedience class. spend time making your dog reliable and obedient. You'll think he's the perfect dog.
2006-08-16 07:56:20 · answer #1 · answered by Robin D 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with many of the answers here about training and natural instinct. A well-trained dog is your ultimate goal. You don't want a dog that's going to be dragging you around trying to kill everyone. Do you realize the mere presence of certain breeds commands respect? Having that same dog listen to you and follow obedience commands is the ultimate.
One of my German shepherds, who didn't have a mean bone is his body, turned into a completely different dog when our neighbor walked by him. Normally calm and well-behaved, I was clutching his leash like a mad woman as he barked and lunged at him. The guy wasn't threatening me in any way. How did this dog know this guy was really bad news and had numerous run-in's with the law? I never had any trouble with this man and wasn't afraid of him, so I don't think my dog sensed anything from me. I hadn't tightened up on the leash or anything either. By the way, my shepherd was SIX months old when he did this. I've never seen him do it since.
Unless you are planning to do some serious protection work, I would focus on obedience and socialization. Don't encourage aggression. You'll have the best dog in the world.
2006-08-16 16:51:45 · answer #2 · answered by GSDoxie3 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs don't protect you just because they can. It's common in canines to know if a person is a threat or a friend. First of all, you need to give your dog a reason to keep you and your family safe. For instance, you stated that you love him very much. Show him love and affection, and he will WANT to keep you out of harm's way. Leave the rest to instincts.
2006-08-16 15:11:39 · answer #3 · answered by kitty 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no need to train your dog how to guard.
this breed already is a natural protector. the best way to get him to guard is by being a good pack leader. He knows how to do the rest.
Otherwise the best thing you can do is walk him and provide him with a lot of exercise and proper socialization to keep him healthy.
2006-08-16 17:48:59 · answer #4 · answered by ktwister 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to give mine biscuits when they barked at someone I didn't want around now no one can get near my house. I am fostering a puppy that is on 4 1/2 months and he is getting snotty when somoone comes to the door.
2006-08-16 14:52:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Why do you need gaurding? I find that most dogs just naturally will let you know if someone's sneaking around. They have better hearing and smell than us, so they can hear someone lurking around outside your house better than you can, and they'll let you know.
I wouldn't do anything to make him more protective--that might inadvertently make him more aggressive, and you definately don't want that.
2006-08-16 14:50:38 · answer #6 · answered by tenzo0 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A dog is a pack animal. It loves its pack and will vigorously protect the members of its pack. As long as your dog views you as the alpha dog of the pack, your dog should work to protect you (his pack). So you need to liberally love and praise your dog. Becarefully of subtly telling your dog not to protect you (i.e. your dog is barking at the mail carrier and you tell him to quit barking...try looking into your dog's eyes and telling him it's ok and praising him for protecting you all the while petting him...). Good Luck
2006-08-16 14:51:15 · answer #7 · answered by vbrink 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
test him out. get a friend, someone the dog hasn;t seen, and have them try and climb through the window or come in unannounced. if he barks or gets all riled up then he'll naturally be a good guard dog. if your dog is like mine then he'll just wait for you to come through the window at which point he'll try and jump on you to get you to play with him.
2006-08-16 14:49:50 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
you need to build his confidence. When he barks at people, you need to praise him and let him know you are happy about it. This will lead to more agressive behaviors which will need to be praised also. Just make sure you scold him when he barks at family and or after you have told him to stop. Teach him the difference between friend and strangers and he should do fine.
2006-08-16 14:54:05 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I agree with tenzo0. They said exactly what I was going to say.
2006-08-16 14:53:56 · answer #10 · answered by Amber 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋