Is it natural instinct for a dog to be cautious of strangers? or is training necessary?

Question

my dog is large but a big sweet creampuff, hes friendly with everyone. most dogs I know will become alert sometimes growl or something of that nature. Could it be his age?

I want to know if it comes to protecting himself as far as someone trying to steal him, or he,s with one of my children and they are in danger will he protect them? i love the fact that he's a sweet caring dog, but If it comes to that kind of situation will he respond?

Answer 1

A dog's level of cautiousness with strangers depends mostly on its breed and individual genetics (look at its parents).

Some dogs are naturally outgoing with everyone, and others are naturally shy with everyone except for one or two people. My experience is that very agressive adult dogs show early indications of this as puppies, and very outgoing sweet puppies usually grow up to be friendly adults. However, prolonged abuse or trauma to a puppy can override natural tendencies and transform even a sweet puppy into a vicious adult. By the same token, good socialization and exposure to a variety of people can mold puppies with more aggressive or shy dispositions into safer or more out-going dogs.

Overall, I'd say a dog's disposition is 75% genetics, and 25% socialization. This explains the sad stories of pit bulls who are friendly to everyone their whole lives, and then one day maul a random person when latent genetic tendencies kick in.

Regarding your additional question, ALL dogs are protective of their "pack" - (you and other people they see every day). So if a dog perceives a threat to its pack, it will rise to action. The real question is, "What if the dog is too friendly to differentiate what is and what isn't danger? Extremely friendly dogs that are socialized with a wide variety of people are less likely to recognize a burglar or assaulter as a threat. However, dogs are perceptive and intelligent animals, and in most cases will go into their protective mode if they sense the threatening disposition of an attacker or indications of fear in their pack.

One thing you can do to test your dog is to invite over a friend the dog has never seen before. Have your friend quickly approach you with his or her arms (preferably his) raised up high and while screaming in a scary voice while you pretend to cower, and see how the dog reacts. If the dog wags its tail and hangs its tongue out, you can draw your own conclusions.

Best of luck.

Answer 2

Your dog is very outgoing and friendly by nature or training. That is great, however, dogs that are too friendly will look at almost anyone as a friend, regardless of that person's intentions. Please, do not listen to people that tell you your dog will NATURALLY protect this or that, it is not true. And dogs will not fight to protect their pack, unless they are told to do so by the alpha male and even then, it is the alpha's job to do the fighting. Look at a pride of lions that has new males come in and kill all the cubs there. The females do not like it but they do not get involved because they know they cannot win. The same goes for our dogs. Unless a dog has the right drives and has been PROPERLY trained to protect, ie, engage a human, your dog IS NOT reliable protection against anyone. Please remember that when the security of your faily comes up and act accordingly. The above comes after 27 years of training and deploying dogs in the work area.

Answer 3

if a dog is inherately bred from proven parents, the dog most likely will have the drives, professional training is used to "bring the instinct *further"*, also as you have already mentioned needs extensive obedience training in order for it to be sucessful. but the extra training is basically like for FULL on protection work, they train in food refusal, weapons,personal body guard, attack, guard, and man stopper.- even with a muzzle on., if you are just after a family guard or family protection dog -(softer)go and get a dog from a reputable breeder that breeds for those traits, and just add in obedience training and you should have a natural family protection dog.

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Answer 5

If the dog you're asking about is the bullmastiff/boxer cross, you should be thankful you have a sweet, friendly dog!!! And yes, his protective instincts will kick in as he matures, don't try to do anything to make this dog more aggressive. You want him well socialized and friendly, he'll act more like an adult when he is one.

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Answer 7

Yes of course, aren't you? Dogs have extremely sensative feelings. They pick up fear in a visitor quickly. Training is great but a dog's personality is in the genes. I'm a cat owner & dogs pick that up instantly. If you show him the visitor is welcome by you, that may put him more at ease.

Answer 8

It is wonderful that you dog greets new people with enthusiasm. He must have been well socialized as a pup. I wouldn't try training him to act any other way.

Answer 9

dogs pick up ques from the owner . people who are afraid of dogs give off a smell that alerts the dog that this person is not calm so they interpet this as danger. thats why they growl.
dogs will often remember people . my dog loves old people and this is not joke he loves old men on bikes he thinks they are all his granpaw and he wants to run to them .
my dog growls when he sees a cop or person in uniform .
over all the master is setting the mood . your dog has picked up that your a laid back calm person and so this is how the dog behaves. . the dog i have was given to me by a uptight women who thought he would bite people. i had that dog for one week and he was calm and kids and adults all could pat him . i have had him 5 years and he is a calm dog since i am a calm person.

Answer 10

I don't understand, do you want him to bark at strangers? You question makes it seem like he likes strangers. Thats a good thing.