How to Train a Puppy to Be a Guard Dog

Dogs are brought into homes for many reasons, including loyal companionship, safety and security. Proper training should begin immediately with puppies to ensure obedient behavior as the dog develops. While credible professional canine trainers offer local guard dog training services, many individuals choose to train their puppies themselves. Following a few key steps can help instill confidence in any dog owner to train an obedient watchdog that can guard property and protect loved ones, while remaining a loving part of the family.

Instructions

1. Ensure your puppy receives appropriate and loving care. Proper nutrition, veterinary care and regular exercise will help develop a healthy, active and happy dog and improve the success of guard dog training. With proper training, your puppy will learn to obey your verbal and hand commands on the first cue. Learn about your dog's specific breed and educate yourself on the different dog training methods available.

2. Train your puppy the fundamentals of obedience. A good guard dog requires a high standard of training. It should respond to your commands immediately (not on the second or third try) and appropriately. Before working on more difficult tasks, teach your puppy the basics, such as stay, heel, sit, come and down. Only the owner should offer commands and reward the puppy with treats; this will help prevent a future guard dog from obeying potential intruders. Additionally, teach your puppy the art of silence, as a constantly yapping pup will not become a quality guard dog.

3. Educate your puppy about strangers. A well-trained watchdog will alert its owner when an unknown person or vehicle arrives on the property. The dog should bark and return to the owner, repeating this process until the owner understands the message. Each time the dog barks upon the arrival of a stranger, reward it with a dog biscuit or chew toy. If the person is not a stranger, tell the puppy firmly and calmly "No," until it stops barking. Another effective way to train a dog about strangers is to practice the desired behavior through clicker training. Clickers are widely available at pet stores.

4. Train the puppy about protection. When trained, security dogs will attack a property invader or respond to an owner's command if someone is in danger. Tuck your hand into the sleeve of an old jacket and tell the puppy to tug and "get it." Through this gentle tugging, communicate to the puppy appropriate times to attack the clothing--not human flesh--and when to "drop it." Additionally, teach the puppy acceptable areas of the body to bite, such as the pant leg or jacket sleeve. A guard dog should be intelligent, obedient and communicate its protective message without being violent, scary and dangerous to others and members of the family. However, an effective watchdog will attack an intruder upon command, hold tight it's grasp and let go when instructed by it's owner.

5. Socialize your puppy with family members of all ages, especially children. Appropriate interaction will also encourage positive and loving associations with household animals. Familiarize the dog with it's surroundings, so that it feels safe and comfortable in the home environment. Include the property perimeter as part of the education process; walk your dog along the property boundary lines.

6. Contact professional dog trainers in your area. Utilize local resources if you are experiencing difficulty in training your puppy to be an effective guard dog, such as the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. Watch shows and online videos, such as "The Dog Whisperer" episodes, and read training books to help facilitate your puppy's watchdog training.

Tips & Warnings

• Post a "Beware of Dog" sign on the property to help reduce potential danger. If a dog isn't attentive during training sessions, alternate ten minutes training with ten minutes of playing. Do not procrastinate with puppy training.

• It is highly recommended that watchdogs receive professional training. Never mistreat a dog in any way. Always use positive reinforcement training to avoid problem behaviors.

Resources

• The Dog Whisperer
• Association of Pet Dog Trainers