Attacking Techniques for Dogs

Attack dogs are generally used in law enforcement capacities, but they can also be used to keep danger at bay in a home or business setting. Techniques attack dogs learn include basic training commands, the ability to simply bark at an intruder on command, and the ability to attack and bite on command. Attack dogs are selected specifically for their temperament and drive along with other innate behaviors.

  1. Alarm

    • Attack dogs are not only trained to physically attack someone or something. They are also trained to sound an alarm when they spot potential danger. Personal protection dogs are often used this way, as a deterrent for would-be burglars and other unwanted visitors. While most trained attack dogs are also trained to sound their own alarms by barking, in general, dogs trained to act as deterrents in most homes are not trained to go after people.

    Tracking

    • One technique most attack dogs learn is tracking. This is also called "footstep tracking," according to the United Shutzhund Club of America website. This technique allows attack dogs to follow the trails of fleeing persons. As the dogs hone their tracking skills, they learn to follow longer and longer trails that are less and less fresh.

    Biting

    • This is what attack dogs are most known for. Attack dogs are trained to, on command, go after and bite a person who is seen as a potential threat or a fleeing suspect. The dogs are generally trained at first to run after a person and bring him down by biting his arm. They are also trained to allow a person to get close to them before attacking on command.

    Other

    • Not every dog can or should be trained as an attack dog. According to the Complete Guide to Responsible Dog Ownership website, dogs must display great temperament, confidence, assertiveness, sociability, fight drive, trainablility and loyalty. Timid dogs, for example, do not make good guard dogs.