How to Train a Dog to Guard Your Home

Dogs are naturally intelligent, protective and aware of their surroundings. Loyal companions are often the best security systems: When properly trained, a dog can communicate to its owner when an intruder or strange vehicle is on the property. While guard-dog training requires consistent exercises and positive reinforcement, an obedient watchdog can help protect both people and property.

Instructions

1. Consider a guardian breed. While all canines have watchdog capabilities, some breeds are naturally suited to securing a perimeter. Consider a Doberman Pinscher, German Shepherd, Chow Chow or Rottweiler--all excellent breeds for guarding a home, and which respond well to training.

2. Promote dog socialization. Dogs trained in guardianship must be highly socialized to prevent future problem behavior (such as dominance or aggression). Take your dog on rigorous, daily walks to allow him to familiarize himself with the area, neighbors, friendly pets and nearby territories. Healthy and happy dogs require frequent exercise, regular visits to the veterinarian, loving attention and quality nutrition. Understanding and caring for all your dog's needs will contribute to positive watchdog responses.

3. Be the pack leader. A highly trained guard dog must understand that you are in the Alpha position and submit to your commands at all times. Establish this very early on with a calm, assertive energy. Practice leadership exercises, such as walking through doors first, requiring a dog to sit and hold position until your release command, and not feeding it table scraps (to emphasize pack leadership). In addition to assisting guardianship training, this will help prevent aggression issues down the road.

4. Teach your dog the basics of obedience. To be an effective guard dog, he must understand that the owner is the pack leader and respond obediently to all given commands. Teach your dog to sit, come, stay, heel and be quiet. Once he has mastered the fundamentals, begin more advanced watchdog training. Require that only one or two people give the dog commands, so he will not respond to a potential future intruder.

5. Establish the territory to protect. Walk your dog along the perimeter of your property daily, allowing him to familiarize himself with the sights and smells of the boundaries. Firmly tell your dog "No" if he attempts to leave the area, as this will help him understand the given territory (and not chase after cars or people).

6. Educate your dog about intruders. An obedient guardian will communicate to its pack leader when a stranger in on the property. Train your dog through "clicker training" and toy-or-treat rewarding each time the dog barks when a strange vehicle or person is on the territory. Your dog will quickly learn that his watchdog capabilities are valued. Clickers can be purchased from a variety of online vendors or pet stores (see Resources). If the dog mistakes a familiar person (such as a mailman) for an intruder, firmly command "No" until he stops barking. Should he continue to yap or act excited, calmly remove the dog from the common area--or "pack"--- until he ceases barking.

7. Reward alertness. Should the dog exhibit good watchdog behavior, reward him immediately with a clicker sound, treat, toy, affection or verbal praise, such as "Good watchdog."

8. Consult a professional dog trainer. Should you have difficulty training your dog about security, consider hiring a professional trainer from your area. Relying on the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (see Resources), reading blogs and watching episodes of "The Dog Whisperer" may expedite training.

Tips & Warnings

• Mount a "Beware of Dog" sign on the property.

• No one in the home should ever fear the guard dog; promote healthy socialization to prevent aggression. Never harm or hurt a dog in any way; Always use positive reinforcement training.

Resources

• The Dog Whisperer
• Association of Pet Dog Trainers
• American Dog Trainers on Clicker Training