Training a Guard Dog: Balancing Instinct and Control
A guard dog’s primary role is to protect against unwanted or unexpected visits from people or animals. Unlike a watchdog, which may only bark to alert, a guard dog is trained to restrain or attack an intruder. Breeds like Dobermans and German Shepherds have natural instincts that make them excellent guard dogs, but these instincts must be carefully honed. Training requires meticulous planning to ensure the dog can act decisively while remaining controllable. Drive and bite skills are essential, but obedience and command training are equally critical to keep the dog safe and manageable in society, knowing when to guard and when to relax.
Guard dog training can begin as early as 10 to 12 weeks with the introduction of prey. Start with a rag or sack, ensuring the dog targets the object, not the handler. To spark interest, wiggle the sack just out of the dog’s reach, making it “come alive.” As the dog prepares to pounce, move the rag closer, allowing him to grab it. Let him play with the sack briefly. To reinforce the value of the prey, attach the sack to a string and repeat the exercise. When the dog grabs it, let him carry it until he loses interest and drops it. Immediately wiggle the sack again to re-engage him. After a few cycles, the dog will learn to hold the prey firmly, and you can reward him by letting him carry it away.
Building Drive and Precision
Motivation and drive are vital for guard dogs, and these behaviors must be reinforced to develop in a young dog. To teach the value of prey, challenge the dog while he holds the sack in his mouth. Gently reach for a corner of the sack to show interest in it, then give a firm tug. If the dog growls, pulls back, or re-grips the sack, reward him by letting him keep it. This encourages a strong grip, which is critical in real-world scenarios where a slight relaxation of the jaw could allow prey to escape. To further develop this skill, hold the sack taut after the dog bites it. If he relaxes his grip, you may pull it away, teaching him to maintain a firm hold. Next, hold the sack just high enough to require the dog to jump, reinforcing the skills of jumping, biting, and gripping tightly—core elements of a guard dog’s training.
Striking, or pouncing to prevent prey from escaping, should be taught with a helper. The helper can stimulate the dog’s prey drive by wiggling the sack in front of his face while you, the handler, restrain him. The helper should then slowly move away, still wiggling the sack, until they are about 50 feet away. On your signal, release the dog. As he closes in, the helper should pull the sack just out of reach, prompting the dog to pounce. The helper should absorb the impact, set the dog back on his feet, and allow him to carry the sack away. Starting this training when the dog is young is ideal, as their smaller size makes it easier and helps instill striking behavior early.
While nurturing your guard dog’s natural instincts, prioritize basic obedience training. A guard dog is not meant to be uncontrollable; he must have the drive and ability to act decisively while remaining under your command. Guard dog training can be dangerous, so consult a professional trainer to ensure your dog learns both protection skills and proper obedience.
