Dog Health Questions: Guard dog training or natural?

i just rescued a mixed breed puppy, part lab, maybe shepherd, maybe maybe part pit bull... i am wondering, when wanting a dog who will bark at intruders and generally guard the house, but, also be a good friendly and trustworthy dog, is that something you can train them to be or is it something they are born with? like, do they have to have a guard dog personality to be a good watchful dog?

Residential Dog Training Vs DIY Home Dog Training

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Most dogs will protect their territory by barking at intruders. It's an instinct. You shouldn't have the dog trained as a personal protection or guard dog, as it's a liability nightmare and your homeowners insurance (or rental insurance or whatever) will go sky-high. Once he's nearing adult hood, if you have developed a bond with him and he is comfortable in his home, he will likely guard the home. Make sure you socialize the dog with strangers outside of your home so you don't end up with someone being bitten while you are walking down the street. Mine will bark at people at the door they don't know, or people in their front yard, but are fine in other locations, which is perfect for me. They're tiny, so wouldn't scare off many intruders, but at least they serve as alert dogs. It doesn't need to be taught, it's instinct, and if your dog doesn't become watchful and protective on its own, you will likely not be able to train the behavior.

Effective Communication in Dog Training

• Most dogs will instinctively bark or growl at noises or knocks at the door. Most can sense when you are uneasy about a person/animal and will instinctively either bark or growl until he/she senses that you are ok about the other person/animal. HOWEVER! do NOT rely on your dog to "guard" your house or you, get an alarm system and a can of pepper spray. If you raise your dog right most of the time they will be loving towards everybody, and if you raise him to be mean he/she will be that way towards EVERYBODY, including you and your family members.


• I think most dogs just naturally bark when they hear a noise and they don't know what it is. We resuced a girl a few months ago and never heard her bark at all until she was more settled in here, and now she barks when she hears something weird. I know there's breeds that are prone to not being barkrs, but I'm sure in no time your doggie will be barking at weird sounds!


• It's instinct for dogs to bark when they hear a weird noise or someone at the door, so you don't really have to train them. You SHOULD NOT want a dog for a security system, but yes, they will bark for intruders.


• I do NOT recommend training your dog to be a "guard dog".
  
  You do not have a German Shepherd, and I doubt you'll get him into Schutzhund.
  
  So let his natural instincts kick in.


• All dogs have some degree of 'guard dog' in them. Mainly after they have become adjusted to their surroundings and know their limits (ie yard, house, etc).
  
  Training your dog to be a protection dog is something that his wholly different. Personality and temperament play a large roll in being able to be a protection dog. Some dogs have it and some dogs don't. I can only suggest that you contact a dog trainer and see if your dog is suited for protection work. Having a professional evaluate your pooch will help better understand what you want out of him and what a professional trainer can provide.
  
  My purebred GSD comes from a long line of police and protection dogs. He does have the natural instincts that come with it. However, he has the personality of a gentle giant. He is a funny fuzzball with everyone and is very loving and playful. But from time to time, his heritage and situations dictate that he needs or wants to 'step up' and 'say something' he does. And the whole neighborhood hears him. I hope this helps. Good luck.


• I really don't see why people train dogs to become watch dogs because the majority of dogs bark naturally at intruders. However, if you wanted to train your dog to bite, that's a whole other story.
  
  But I really wouldn't recommend that because it takes a dog who is extremely good in obedience, with the right kind of drives, etc. to become a protection dog.
  
  But anyways, it really depends on your dog. I know some dogs that will walk right up to a complete stranger and wag their tail and roll over expecting a belly rub.
  
  Whereas others will bark until their owners come and show some kind of sign that the person isn't a threat. My dog in particular will NOT bite, but she will bark and walk right up to the person.
  
  If we come out to see what's up and she realizes there is nothing wrong, she'll just go sit down and mind her own business.
  
  So again, it really depends on your dog. Chances are, your dog will bark, but there are some exceptions that won't.
  
  {{...*Spontania*...}}