How to Make My Dog Protective

Many dog owners want their pets to be protective. For instance, dogs that bark and alert their owners when someone is at the door can make people feel safer in their homes. Certain breeds, such as German Shepherds and Rottweilers, are better suited for this protective role than others and are also easily trained. Start working with your dog when it is young, so that it develops the level of protection that you seek. It is also important to socialize your dog at an early age, so that it does not become aggressive.

Things You'll Need

  • Training collar
  • Treats
  • An assistant
  • Bite sleeve
  • Taunting stick
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Start with obedience training. Teach your dog the basic commands, such as sit, stay, drop it, lie down and heel. This gets your dog used to obeying you, which is essential for protection training. Put a chain collar on your dog while you are training him so that he knows he is working, and that it is not play time. Use treat rewards to reinforce good behavior and obedience.

    • 2

      Instruct an assistant to ring your doorbell while you and your dog are inside the house. When the doorbell rings, encourage your dog to go to the door. If your dog does not do this on its own, demonstrate by running to the front door, and the dog will chase you. Continue practicing these exercises. Each time the dog runs to the door when the doorbell rings, give it positive reinforcement with a treat and a belly rub.

    • 3

      Practice defense training with yourself, the dog and your assistant. Conduct the training outside in the yard where there is ample room to move or run around. Put a bite sleeve on your assistant. While you and your dog sit calmly in one area of the yard, instruct the participant to approach you carrying a taunting stick in the hand with the bite sleeve.

    • 4

      Order the assistant to taunt the dog with the stick. He should whip the stick around in the air, put it by the dog's face and do what he must to get the dog's attention. Once the dog begins to mouth at the stick he is participating in the training exercise. Encourage him to go after the stick. Clap your hands, yell "go" or "attack" and get the dog's energy up. The stick in this exercise simulates a weapon, and the activity teaches the dog to notice what people hold in their hands.

    • 5

      Instruct your assistant to push the arm with the bit sleeve towards the dog's mouth, so that the dog is encouraged to bite. Bite training can take a lot of practice, so do not expect your dog to latch onto the bite sleeve instantly. Allow the dog to try to get the taunting stick from the participant for a few minutes, and then call your dog back to your side. Make a loud noise if the dog does not listen to your verbal command. Reward your dog for his hard work. Give him treats and a belly rub.