A guard dog is trained to protect your property and your family. Contrary to what you might think, most guard dogs are not taught to attack. In fact, guard dogs are taught protection techniques without attack, such as how to stay alert and use barks to alert their owners if there are unknown people or things that could potentially harm the owner's property. Training your dog to be a guard dog will take time and patience, but it's worth it, the dog will not only protect you from threats, but will also be able to remain comfortable and relaxed in non-threatening situations.
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Method 1 of 3: Preparing to Train a Dog to Be a Guard Dog
Step 1. Recognize the difference between a guard dog and an attack dog
Guard dogs are trained to alert their owners to the presence of strangers or intruders by barking or howling. Guard dogs are usually not trained with commands to attack or act aggressively towards strangers. Therefore, guard dogs are usually not suitable as attack dogs.
- Attack dogs are often used by police or law enforcement officers. These dogs are trained to follow orders to attack and respond aggressively to potential threats or the appearance of intruders.
- Most attack dogs are well trained and will not act aggressively unless ordered by their owner. However, untrained attack dogs can attack without warning and pose a serious danger to humans and other animals.
- The average pet dog owner doesn't need an attack dog.
Step 2. Determine if your dog breed is a typical guard dog breed
While most dogs can be trained to be guard dogs, certain breeds are known to be very good guard dogs. For example, smaller breeds such as the Chow Chow, Pug, and Shar Pei are dog breeds that are known to be excellent guard dogs. Larger dog breeds such as the Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, and Akita, are also known to be suitable breeds for guard dogs.
- Certain breeds, such as the German Shepherd and Doberman Pinscher, can be trained to be both guard and attack dogs.
- If you have a purebred dog that is not typical of a guard dog breed, or if your dog is a mutt, you may still be training him to be an excellent guard dog. If this dog has the behavioral characteristics of a guard dog and is properly trained and socialized, you can train it to guard and protect you.
Step 3. Learn the ideal personality traits of a guard dog
Contrary to popular belief, a good guard dog should not have reactions that stem from pure fear or aggression. In general, a good guard dog should guard the territory and protect its owner and owner's property, but still obey the owner's orders.
- A good guard dog must believe in himself and his surroundings. A confident dog usually shows curiosity about new people or new areas, and is not shy or silent around new people. Your dog may have been born with this trait, but proper socialization can also help build confidence in a dog.
- A good guard dog is also assertive. This does not mean the dog is overly aggressive or pushy. Instead, it means that the dog is comfortable positioning itself to get what it wants. It also means that the dog is more confident in approaching new situations or people, rather than being inclined to back down.
- Sociability is another important trait of a good guard dog. A well-socialized guard dog can recognize and be wary of strangers around their owners, but will not attack or be overly aggressive towards strangers.
- A good guard dog should also be easy to train. Chow Chow dogs make good guard dogs because they are naturally curious about strangers, as well as tend to be independent and easy to train.
- A loyal dog can be a guard dog. The more loyal a dog is to you, the more they will want to protect and defend you. The German Shepherd is known as a loyal dog breed.
Step 4. Socialize your dog as a child
Proper socialization is important for training your dog to be a good guard dog. If you are used to socializing well, your dog will be comfortable in his normal environment. This dog will also be less afraid and more relaxed, both of which are important characteristics of a guard dog. In addition, this dog still maintains a healthy level of suspicion or curiosity about potential dangers that can occur. The best time to socialize a puppy is from 3-12 weeks of age.
- Puppies older than 12 weeks are sensitive to new situations and therefore find it difficult to socialize.
- When socializing, you should make your puppy feel comfortable meeting new people and interacting with new surroundings. It may be difficult to socialize your puppy, so it's easier to break the socialization into smaller parts and introduce him to new situations gradually as he feels comfortable.
- Reward your pup with lots of positive encouragement (eg petting, treats, extra playtime) whenever the puppy is socializing well.
- Puppy schooling is a great way to teach him to socialize. Remember that puppies should always be up-to-date with vaccinations and dewormed to stay healthy and disease-free while in the training program.
- If your dog is an adult and you have trained him and taught him to socialize, this dog should make a good guard dog.
Step 5. Make sure that your dog can follow basic commands to obey
Before you start training your dog to be a trainer, your dog should be able to obey basic commands like “shut up”, “sit” and “sleep”. Having these basic skills will ensure your dog can be taught defensive techniques such as barking to warn you and stay alert.
You can teach your dog these commands yourself. As another option, you can enroll your dog in a dog obedience school
Method 2 of 3: Training Dogs to Give Warning Barks
Step 1. Choose a word that serves as a trigger or command
To train your dog to warn you against strangers standing at your door or on your property, you must first create a trigger word that acts as a command. You can use “gonggong” as a command. Some dog owners prefer to choose a word other than “bark” (eg “talk”)m so that other people don't know the command.
- If you choose the trigger word “barking”, say it with the same level of enthusiasm each time you use this command.
- Use the same trigger word every time you tell your dog to bark.
Step 2. Train your dog to obey this command
Most dogs are barking by nature and do not require any specific command to bark at approaching people or sudden noises. The key here is to train your dog to bark when commanded. To get started, tie your dog on a leash to the leg of your kitchen counter or somewhere near your yard fence. Hold a treat facing your dog as you back away from him, then get out of his sight.
- When your dog makes a sound, such as a squeal or a bark, run back to him and praise him by saying “good bark” or “good” (if “good” is a trigger word). Just give him a snack. After repeating this exercise a few times, your dog will begin to associate your praise for his barking with a reward.
- As your dog gets used to the barking command in the same area or place, move the dog to a different area of your yard and your home. You should also test his response to these commands when you take him out for a walk or play together in a public place.
Step 3. Be firm and clear with the command
Consistency and practice are the keys to keeping this commandment in mind. If you want to test his response while walking, stop walking and look him in the eye. Then say the command "gonggong" enthusiastically. If your dog looks confused or doesn't obey your command right away, hold the treat and repeat the command.
Usually, your dog will bark once when you give the command. However, your dog will want to keep barking when he starts (because you tell him to). Don't give gifts if your dog keeps barking. Before you give that "bark" command again, wait for the dog to quiet down first
Step 4. Use an artificial scenario
To challenge your dog to understand the "bark" command, put your dog in the house and out of your front door. When you are outside, ring the doorbell and give your dog the “bark” command. Give a reward when your dog barks once at your command. Next, knock on the front door and give the command “gonggong”. Reward again if your dog responds correctly to your commands.
- If possible, do this scenario at night when it is dark outside. You must train your dog to warn you of someone at the door at night, so it is important for him to understand that he must obey the "barking" command during the day and night.
- Practice the “bark” command between short intervals. After three to four repetitions, give your dog a break and allow him to do something else for 45 minutes. After a break, practice the "gonggong" command a few more times. The goal is that you don't overtrain your dog and get bored and frustrated in the middle of a training session.
Step 5. Ask a family member to test your dog for a warning bark
As your dog begins to seem accustomed to your "barking" command, focus on getting the dog to bark at someone other than you. Ask a family member to come out and knock or ring the doorbell. You have to stay inside then give the command “gonggong”. Give a reward every time the dog barks once. This will strengthen his protective instinct to bark at someone (or something) he doesn't know.
- Continue practicing the “barking” command with other family members, and reward your dog with every barking at the sound of a doorbell or knock. Your dog will gradually begin to associate the sound of a doorbell or door knocking with a bark and bark only once at each sound or sound.
- As time goes on, you should try to train your dog to bark at the sound of a doorbell or knock, without having to tell you to.
Method 3 of 3: Teaching the Dog the “Silence” Command
Step 1. Tell your dog to bark
Now that your dog has understood the command to bark, the next thing he needs to learn is the command to stop barking. In fact, teaching your dog the "bark" command is a practical first step towards teaching him the "shhh" command. Your ability to tell your dog to bark and stop barking will help him become a good watchdog.
As before, reward your dog with treats when your dog responds to the "bark" command correctly
Step 2. Tell your dog to stop barking
Ring your doorbell. When your dog starts barking in response to the doorbell, place a nice treat on his nose. Then when your dog stops barking at the smell of the treat, say "thank you" or "shhh." Give the snack immediately after you say the command.
- Don't shout or use a loud voice when you give verbal commands. Your loud voice will cause your dog to feel worried and will actually encourage him to bark more.
- Don't use words like "shut up" or "don't" as a command to calm your dog, as dogs can respond with negative connotations.
Step 3. Use the commands “gonggong” and “shhh” interchangeably
Using these two commands interchangeably gives you better control over your dog's barking, which is very important in the process of training your dog to be a good guard dog. You can have fun practicing it by giving it lots of variations on the “bark” command before you give it the “shhh” command. Your dog may be able to understand these commands as a game, making training sessions more enjoyable for you and your dog.
Step 4. Encourage your dog to bark when strangers come to your house
Encourage your dog to bark at the sound of the doorbell, even though you may know the person behind the door. Your dog may not know who the person behind the door is, so you need to encourage his protective instincts to get him to bark and warn you of something he doesn't recognize. When you open the door, give your dog the command “shhh” and immediately give him a treat if the dog stops barking.
Don't encourage him to bark if you run into someone friendly or harmless while you're walking your dog
Step 5. Practice the “shhh” command over and over again
As with all training activities, repetition is essential in teaching your dog to respond properly to each of your commands. Practice this command over short intervals and reward your dog with a treat every time your dog gets it right.
Tips
- Put a “beware dog” sign on your property. This will prevent unknown people or intruders from entering your property. Make sure the sign is big enough that people can read it even if it's casual.
- If you want to turn your guard dog into an attack dog, enroll your dog in a dog school with a professional trainer. Teaching an attack dog the correct technique is the job of a professional trainer, because you don't want to train a dog the wrong way and end up getting very aggressive. Look online for professional dog trainers, or ask your veterinarian for recommendations.
