How can I help this dog to be a good guard dog?

Question

Since my husband leaves very early (or very late, depending on how you look at it, lol!) for work, I wanted to get a Pitt Bull puppy to prowl the house while we're asleep at night.

What I ended up getting is a pitt bull 'pup' that is about 5-6 months old. I think he's almost as big as he'll get, which is around my knees.

Here is what he looks like: http://www.gointothedogs.com/POM%20OCT%202004%20RAVEN2.JPG

The "problem" (if there is one) is that the dog is very nice & has a "bubbly Personality" so I am worried about him being the "guard dog" that we need.

I have two Q's:
1) Will he grow to become protective of us and not let anyone in?
2) How can I encourage him to become "protective" of this house & his new people (or is that something that even CAN be taught...maybe he just is or is NOT...?)

Can someone help that knows dogs?

Thanks,
Bea

Answer 1

First of all, I have to say that it's pit bull not Pitt Bull. "Pit bull" isn't a breed, so there is no need for capitals.. "pit bull" is a term used to group three breeds, American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers. I know I probably sound kind of rude, but there really is no other way to say it! lol! I'm not trying to be rude at all though. Also, if your pup is up to your knees that's good. That's about the size they are supposed to be. All three of the "pit bull" breeds are small-medium breeds. They do get very muscular, but not very tall. He will probably stay about that height, maybe get a little bit taller, but he will definitely bulk up more. They gain muscle mass until about three years old sometimes. The "pit bulls" that are large have most likely been crossed with a large breed.

Now, my husband and I own three American Pit Bull Terriers. Brooklyn is our 1 year 5 month old male, Destiny is our 8 month old female and Jayda is our 10 month old female. The three "pit bull" breeds were originally bred to bull bait and dog fight, so if they aren't properly socialized starting at a young age they do tend to be animal aggressive. If they are well socialized it shouldn't be a problem though. The three "pit bull" breeds are also three of the only breeds that were bred specifically to be human friendly and they are known for their love of humans, even strangers. They do not make good guard dogs because of this. If I were you, I would go get one of those "Pit bull on guard" signs to put in your window, I'm sure no one will want to mess with you! lol! The good thing is that these breeds get very attached to their owners very quickly and they have an uncanny ability to know when someone or something is truly a threat or not. As I said, these breeds are naturally amazingly human friendly, but they are also known to give their lives protecting their owners. They are really some of the most wonderful dogs you can get. You don't need to worry about anything, if your pup is nice to everyone that's good, that's how he should be because that's how the breed is. I promise you, he would never ever let anything happen to you! You don't have anything to worry about if he's around.

As wonderful as "pit bulls" are, they are NOT for most people. Again, I don't want to sound rude, but I really hope you did your research before you got your dog. Judging by the picture I would say that your dog is an American Pit Bull Terrier or an American Staffordshire Terrier. He looks like my babies and mine are APBTs. APBTs are NOT for people that want an outside dog or people that won't be home a lot. They get very attached to their owners very quickly and need a lot of love and attention! They are also terriers and working dogs, so they need a lot of exercise every single day! We walk our three times a day everyday and each walk is normally about 30-45 minutes. They are also a dominate breed, they are NOT good for first time owners and they need a strong "pack leader" to properly raise, train and socialize them, let them know who is in charge and keep them in line.

Here are some really good "pit bull" websites..
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/americanpitbull.htm
http://www.pitbulllovers.com/
http://www.pbrc.net/

I hope this helped some. If you ever have any questions or need help or advice, please fell free to e-mail me! I LOVE helping other pitty owners any way I can! Good luck with everything! : ) Oh, your pit is adorable by the way!

Here's a picture of our babies! Brooklyn (brindle), Destiny (white and tan) and Jayda (black and white)...
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=6ez3urb

**I was going to send you my e-mail address in a private message, but you don't except them, so my e-mail address is [e-mail] Like I said, if you need anything please fell free to e-mail me, you can e-mail me or message me on here.**

Answer 2

Some dogs are more friendly than others. He probably will, in time, bond with you and your family and become more protective.
If he is still too friendly, perhaps you might think about getting another dog that is more protective. I personally have 2 big German Shepherds that act like they will chew through the fence to get at you. They are also big, loud barkers that let me know whenever someone get near our property.
Did you get this dog from a breeder or where exactly? Do the people that you got the dog from know any history of the dog? What about the parents? That might be a good indicatation of what the dog will be like in the future.
Good luck and just enjoy your "baby" for what he is. Who know, when the time comes he might very well suprise you.

Answer 3

You are finding out what so many people who have extensive knowledge in the pit bull breeds say about true pit bull temperament. They make really lousy guard dogs. Any pit bull with correct temperament would kiss and slobber someone rather that growl or act mean. I'm sorry you didn't investigate the breed further because there are plenty of breeds that make much better guard dogs. Even a little yappy breed is better because they will alert you to anyone strange about.


Don't try to change your bull's temperament. He's only doing what comes natural and that's where people get into trouble with them and end up with dogs in the news. Consider getting another different breed if you want a guard dog.

Here is an excellent link on pit bulls with lots of information on things you should know about the pit bull breeds

http://www.workingpitbull.com/index.htm

Answer 4

You got the wrong dog for the wrong reason. Pit bulls are supposed to people friendly and have friendly, bubbly personalities. They are not well suited as protection dogs - unless you mistreat them and create a dog that will attack anyone.

Protection dogs are only safe when they undergo extensive training - such as that done by police dogs - shutzhund training which combines intensive obedience training along with protection training. Pit bulls are not the breed of choice for this type of training - usually dobermans and German shepherds are preferred because of their high trainability and ability to follow commands from its owner. Without this kind of intensive training, you have a dangerous dog that won't be able to distinguish between dangerous person and a UPS man, a neighborhood child or someone else who poses no threat.

If your dog barks when it hears a stranger, that is enough. Let your happy bubbly dog be just that.

Answer 5

You got the wrong breed of dog. Pit Bull breeds are naturally "nice and bubbly", thats why they don't make good guard dogs. I think if someone broke in most pits would prolly come up to the intruder with their tail wagging.

You should have got a guard dog breed if you wanted a gaurd dog.

Pit Bull brees are not a guard dog type. You should have researched the breeds before you got a pit bull type dog.

You should still research them though.

Answer 6

.I hate to disappoint you,but AMPT make lousy guard dogs!. I wish you would have informed yourself a bit better about this breed so you wouldn't be asking those questions now!

."Pit Bulls" are very people friendly and actually the dogs that get stolen the most cause they will literally "come with you" if you are nice to them. They are exremely people friendly. But here is the thing.. Don't get discouraged. If this is your dog and you love him and you care for him and are a responsible and EDUCATED owner, your pooch will protect you no matter what. AMPT are very loyal to their owners and love them till their last breath. Again, every dog, may it be a chihuahua or a "Pit Bull" will bark and "protect " you if he senses danger...


.Unfortunately, you didn't get yourself a guard dog, but most "Pit Bulls" simply just intimidate by the way they look.



EDIT: contrary to what most people say and/or think here. it takes up to 3 years until your ABPT will "fill out" completely. They won't grow up to this age but their muscles and posture develop.Usually it is around 1 1/2 when they begin to "fill out". Good luck with your beautiful doggie!

Answer 7

At 5 to 6 months old he is still just a puppy himself. Give him time. A dog is naturally protective of his family but yours is still just a puppy. I do not believe in training your dog to protect, the only ones I have ever seen that have gone through this training have been aggressive and unpredictable. He will be fine in time,

Answer 8

I'm totally opposed to guns.

That being said, if you want protection get a gun.

Dogs are not meant to be a form of protection. Most of the time when people go down this road they ended up with dogs that end up being put to sleep.

Answer 9

If you want something that will bark at everything and protect your house, still be cuddly get a small dog .. Don't make that pit bull mean sheesh Why feed the fire don't you watch the news

Answer 10

Dogs usually don't stop growing until they are about 1 year of age. So he very well may get bigger. Also, you have to be careful when making a dog a guard dog because it can cause extreme aggression problems even towards you and your family. You should look into obedience classes in your area or a private trainer who is willing to help you. Be careful though.