dogs

[theladxx]

how do i train my dog to guard

[woofgang]

I would suggest that you don't! Can I ask why you want to? Owning a guard dog that has been expertly trained is a big responsibility and owning one that you have trained yourself even more. In either case there are dog welfare issues...if the dog attacks someone, there would be no second chance as its a guard dog, also insurance issues which would cost a bit if the dog is specialist trained and may not be possible if you train it yourself....worst case dog gets put down and you are up top your neck in compensations, solicitors fees etc!!

[lankeela]

Correctly bred and reared dogs of the natural guarding breeds will guard you without being trained. Dogs such as GSD's or Rotts know when they need to do their job, but they need to be able to live among people most of the time. Think about police dogs, they have to do things like school visits one day and catch criminals the next. They must have an excellent temperament and a natural guarding instinct. If they are over aggressive then they are taken out of training programmes as they cannot be trusted in a normal environment.

None of my GSD's has ever been taught to guard, but on the rare occasion when they felt I was being threatened, they would put themselves between me and the 'threat' and bark if necessary, although just the look of them is enough for most people with dishonourable intentions.

[Kleiber]

Again, lankeela has given a sensible answer. I was going to say, " You don't need to train your dog to guard" as well - any dog who is happy and feels as though he/she is part of the "pack" (i.e. your family) will always protect its property and its family (that includes humans). Just train your dog to be obedient, well-behaved and to trust you and it will guard you instinctively, because it will want to protect what it feels part of. Hope that makes sense - I think I waxed lyrical a bit there!! (In other words, I'm waffling!) K

[Golf38]

What will it be guarding. Remember, in the legal sense a guard dog cannot 'work' at a a residential premises.

I think you may mean watch dog, in which case just let nature take its course. My Cavalier is agood watch dog, but wil never be a guard dog!!!