Guard Dogs – Living with and Working Alongside a Guardian
Imagine yourself settling into the comfort of your couch, putting your feet up, and leaning back. The tranquility is abruptly interrupted by a burst of barking in your ear and a dog rushing past you towards the hallway. Your loyal canine companion has transformed into Jon Snow, the vigilant watcher on the wall, and it seems that White Walkers lurk just beyond your doorstep. Let's take a closer look at dogs' guarding instincts and how to handle them.
The courage and care of the guard dog
If you have a dog that guards, you need to understand the inherent calling of the guardians. Their hearts tell them to watch over us. Their courage is unlike others'. Their strength and pride are unmistakable. Bass drums are their soundtrack. They position themselves in front and in between. Between us and a potential threat. Parents do this for their children. Some dogs do this for their humans. It's a beautiful thing. When you think of it. These dogs smile at the opportunity to patrol territories and mark the boundary between ours and others'. When they deem it necessary, they rise in readiness, broaden their chests, and widen their hind legs before making themselves heard. Their deep barks echo from within, for they come from the heart. The marking shows that they are ready to fight if needed. Unfortunately, it can be when the family has just settled down for a picnic and an invited guest approaches. A guard dog will not understand our dissatisfaction in that situation. The dog is acting out of care. Because there is so much care in positioning oneself in between. Going up in front means being willing to take the first blow for those behind. Keep that in mind
Understanding your dog's guarding instinct
Remember that guarding comes from the heart, an action of love, the next time your dog acts in this way. Understanding does not mean allowing the dog to guard independently. But the strategy you employ should be based on appreciation and understanding, that's all.
Guarding territory vs defending a resource
Guarding is about protecting someone or securing a territory. The motive behind guarding is to ensure the safety of the pack or the pack's resources; the purpose is never selfish. The behavior can manifest differently. A dog can guard the house and home, the yard and surroundings, or people (usually a family member). A dog that growls over a resting spot, food, chew toys, or possessions is actually defending a resource; it is not purely guarding. If you want to dive deeper into resource defense in dogs, read: resource defense in dogs.
Different specializations of guard dogs
All guard dogs have a natural vigilance, sharpness, and courage. Among existing breeds, there are dogs specialized in guarding territories, livestock, or property. A livestock guardian dog should guard a livestock herd, lying on the pasture, scanning the edge of the forest, taking note, and acting if a threat arises, such as a wolf, bear, or livestock thief. Farm guarding dogs should keep an eye on the home territory of the herd. They roam, mark their territory, scan and observe, and do not hesitate to signal if someone approaches. Then there are breeds meant to patrol an area (not necessarily the home), guard, and protect a hangar from intruders, for example. Guarding takes different forms depending on the breed's origins. Typically, smaller breeds guard with more energy and tenacity, while larger breeds rely on their size to intimidate. They often remain still, stay calm for a long time, only escalating if necessary.
Distinguish between guard behavior and stress
Distinguish between natural guarding and stress. Do not assume that your dog is guarding if she/he lunges to the end of the leash and barks at passersby, jumps at the back window of the car regardless of who is passing, or rushes along the fence barking at everyone. It is more likely stress, uncertainty, fear, redirected prey drive, or herding instinct.·The outward behavior may be interpreted as guarding, but the driving force behind it is not balanced. True guarding has nothing to do with stress or uncertainty. Genuine guarding may involve your dog positioning him-/herself advantageously to observe and keep watch, barking if someone trespasses.·Snapping unprovoked, lunging, and attempting to drive away everything and everyone is not guarding. Do not dismiss the behavior as "natural," regardless of the breed you have. If your dog is not feeling well and acting out of frustration, you should seek help from a dog psychologist who works with modern, ethical methods.
Respect the guard dog's natural instincts
Sometimes the intentions of guard dogs are not appreciated, and they are scolded for barking. We are not grateful for the sacrifice that protection entails. Today, we have fences, locks, maybe alarms. Guard dogs are no longer necessary as they once were. But these dogs rarely appreciate unemployment. The energy within them can be channeled in other ways, it's not about that. It's about honoring an instinct that runs deep within them. Their bass drums will not be silenced just because society has modernized.
Training and interaction for guard behavior
Be your dog's commanding officer, but don't kick them out of the guard force. A guard dog can relinquish the role of the ultimate controller if given the opportunity to practice beneficial routines. This requires training! Let your guard dog bark with all its might. When she/he does so, admire and praise. Interact! Step up in front. It's all about positioning. Stand close to your dog. Let one foot slide in front, acting as a barrier. Show you dog that she/he is not alone in her/his post. When you step into the situation, your dog should become silent if you simultaneously praise and reward with a treat search on the ground. Say, "It's okay, I've got this," and in doing so, signal that the dog can let go of the torch and pass on the guard duty. Practice indoors as well as outdoors, such as in the yard. If your dog does not quiet down, try standing in front of her/him, clearly facing the "threat" you are guarding the home against.
Important exercises for guard dogs
Behind
Teaching your dog to sit behind on a given cue and wait for the release cue, "go ahead", is a prerequisite that needs to be trained.
Step back
Teaching your dog to back away from people/other dogs on a given signal is also valuable if you have a dog with guarding in their heart.
Do not mark act
Training your dog to bark and then be quiet on cue is crucial to practice. Check out the training Hush in the Petli app.
Tattletale
Teaching your dog to alert you and not react independently to triggers like people/dogs approaching the territory is something this type of dog needs to practice.
Turn the feeling around
Experiencing that visitors bring gifts (chew bones, toys, treats, and other rewards) that add something to the territory is usually a good experience for a guard dog. Shifting the feeling of unauthorized intrusion to positive anticipation tones down the motivation to drive away and increases the willingness to let in.
Strategies for everyday life with a guard dog
Living with a guard dog means being consistent in placing the dog behind and not in front of the outside world if guarding is not desired. It may require us, like them, to be aware of door frames, narrow hallways, and gate openings. Portals and passages can trigger guarding. It is wise for us to go out first, or at least stop and stick our heads out of the door or around the corner to survey the situation before the dog does so.·Living with a guard dog may require us to always let the visitor into the hallway without the dog standing next to us but rather behind us. We may need to be extra careful to let the delivery person enter through the gate while rewarding the dog.·Mark up: spanAnd we may need to be consistent in greeting people we encounter on walks first before letting the dog approach after a "go ahead and greet" cue. The approach sets the boundaries, reins in the instinct, and gives the dog a sense of calm.
Controlled guard service for your dog
Some dog breeds must be allowed to guard and protect; it defines them. Understanding this does not mean letting your dog chase away the stranger approaching your picnic, nip at your neighbor's heels, or lunge at passersby on a walk. Instead, allow guarding in controlled circumstances.
Practicing guard duty in the yard
If you have a fenced and secure yard, it is a good place, but be mindful of the working routine. Put a vest on your dog (work sign) and say "go guard," send the dog out, and keep an eye out to ensure things don't get out of hand, but avoid unnecessary interference. After a while, go out and say "thank you, that's enough", reward and remove the vest. Now you have interaction and control.·Have your dog on a harness and leash. When your dog barks, say "I've got this" and reward behind you, so the dog positions him-/herself between the house and you, with you in front. The leash allows you to carry out the plan even if the dog has a different agenda.·If the dog continues barking, calmly lead her/him back into the house. After saying "I've got this," you dog is temporarily relieved from guard duty. Be consistent, don't let the dog guard without guidance.·Repeat, ask a friend to pass by, allowing for extensive practice. The interaction surrounding guarding does not come for free; it requires training! But afterwards, you can enjoy a harmonious and content guard dog. Controlling an instinct does not have to mean taking away something that is close to someone's heart.
What does an alert dog do?
A watch dog is not a dog that keeps track of time, rather a dog whose historical task was to observe and watch, preferably from a height. In case of suspected intrusion, they would alert the guard dogs, barking loudly and eagerly until someone took over. They are usually small, and their task is not to repel with size and strength but to give a warning.
Train your dog to sound the alarm silently
With time and training, you may notice that your dog, to a greater extent, emits quieter grumbles instead of deep barks. A quieter sound, a short bark behind closed jaws, only meant for those close by. It is your dog's way of activating the intercom radio and notifying you in the home that something is going on.·The sound is the opposite of communicating a threat to the "intruder." Rejoice in this, thank and reward your dog, as this is a sign that you are an accepted part of the guard force. Your dog is trying to communicate with you so that you can take over without revealing your hiding spot. It is a good thing, it's interaction, celebrate your progress. Honor your beautiful guardian!
Written by: Caroline Alupo
Caroline Alupo is Petli's co-founder. She has a master's degree in ethology and is also a trained dog trainer and dog psychologist. She has 19 years of experience as a professional dog trainer. Read more about Caroline here.
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