How to Train a Dog to Be a Watchdog

Domestic canines can serve as excellent watchdogs. While all dogs are naturally aware of their environment, guardian training teaches a pet canine how to communicate information about their surroundings to their owner, the "pack leader" of the home. Through effective training exercises, a proper watchdog will alert the family if a stranger is outside the home, an undesirable animal is near or an unfamiliar vehicle is in the driveway. Watchdog training involves repetitive exercises, plentiful positive reinforcement and strong pack leadership, but the hard work will reap successful watchdog behaviors.

Things You'll Need

• Reward treats
• Leash
• Clicker

Instructions

1. Prevent watchdog aggression issues. Socialize your dog by taking frequent brisk walks through the community, introducing her to other pets and neighbors, and by walking nearby perimeters. Take her to the dog park to promote a healthy and happy companion. A strong watchdog can protect the home and loved ones; however, he should never demonstrate aggression or dominance toward family members. Family watchdogs should never be feared by those living in the home. Instead, they should be confident protectors and loving family companions.

2. Practice effective pack leadership. As the owner of a dog, you must be the absolute "pack leader" who rules the home in a clear, stable and calm manner. Dogs naturally interpret their family as the "pack" and understand the presence of a single leader. According to dog expert Cesar Millan, a dog that experiences an absence of definite guidance will attempt to assume the leadership position. A dog that views itself as the pack leader of a human family can exhibit manipulative, disobedient, dominant and aggressive behaviors. Verify that you are the calm, assertive pack leader of the home through leadership training. Pass through doorways before your pooch and require a followed command (such as the sit position) before offering a treat. Do not allow your dog to beg for table food and remedy any aggression issues (such as food or toy aggression) immediately through more in-depth training exercises. A dog that understands her owner is the pack leader is more likely to be be happy, healthy and obedient.

3. Ensure basic obedience has been mastered. In order to be an excellent watchdog, a pet must first understand elementary commands such as sit, heel, quiet, stay and come. Always follow repetitious training sessions with positive reinforcement (such as a treat or affection). Continue to watchdog training only when the dog obediently responds to beginner commands.

4. Delineate the watchdog's territory. During twice-daily rigorous walks, keep your dog on a leash and walk the property line. Allow her to smell the grass, flowers and tree trunks to promote familiarity with the area. Should he attempt to step over the perimeter boundary, tell him firmly, "no." In addition to teaching your dog about the territory to guard over, property obedience will alleviate potential dangers (lsuch as running into the street or chasing a cat in the neighbor's yard).

5. Teach the dog about strangers. An effective watchdog will communicate when an unknown person is near the home. Utilize "clicker training" to promote successful responses. When your dog barks to show an unfamiliar vehicle, person or animal outside, click the device immediately, tell her "good watchdog," and give her a treat. Require her to sit, and tell her "It's okay." Once he has fully communicated his message about the stranger, do not allow him to bark incessantly.

6. Redirect inaccurate watchdog responses. If the dog barks at familiar people or pets that are outside, tell her firmly "no" and ignore her. If she continues to excite and yap, remove her from the common area and put her in an enclosed room (such as the basement) for only a few minutes. The dog will quickly learn that only appropriate watchdog behaviors warrant a treat and allow him to stay with his pack.

7. Contact a local dog-training professional. Should watchdog training sour--or result in serious issues such as aggression and dominance--call a pet professional for assistance. Contact the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (see Resources) for referrals, read online resources (such as "The Dog Whisperer" web videos) and read credible dog-training magazines.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider posting a "Beware of Dog" sign on your property. Practice excellent pack leadership for quick, positive results. Positive reinforcement during training sessions will promote a bond with your dog (and reap successful watchdog behaviors). Excellent watchdogs (and working breeds) may also succeed in guardian training--exercises that teach a pet how to protect the home and family members. Consider adopting a guardian breed.

• Effective watchdogs should never be dominant in any way. Contact a dog-training professional about dog dominance issues. Socialize your dog at pet parks and through daily neighborhood walks to prevent aggression and anxiety problems. Never mistreat a dog in any way.

Resources

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