Method 1 of 3:
Preparing to Train Your Dog to Be a Guard Dog
1
Recognize the difference between a guard dog and an attack dog. A guard dog is trained to alert its owner of the presence of a stranger or intruder through barking or growling. Guard dogs are not typically trained to attack on command or to act overly aggressive towards a stranger. Therefore, guard dogs generally do not make very good attack dogs.[2]
Attack dogs are often used by police and law enforcement. They are trained to attack on command and respond aggressively to potential threats or intruders.[3]
Most attack dogs are well trained and will not act in an aggressive way unless they are commanded to by their owner. Attack dogs that are not well trained, however, can attack without warning and pose a serious danger to humans and other animals.[4]
The average owner is unlikely to need an attack dog.
2
Determine if your dog’s breed is a typical guard dog breed. Though most dogs can be trained to be guard dogs, certain dog breeds are known to make good guard dogs. For example, smaller breeds such as Chow Chows, pugs, and Shar Pei’s have been known to be good guard dogs.[5] Larger breeds, such as Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherd, and Akita also make excellent guard dogs.[6]
Certain breeds, such as German Shepherds and Doberman Pinschers, can be trained to be guard dogs as well as attack dogs.[7]
If you have a pure-bred dog that is not a typical guard dog breed, or if you have a mutt, it is still possible for you to train him to be an excellent guard dog. If he has the behavioral characteristics of a guard dog and is properly trained and socialized, then you could train him to guard and protect you.
