How to Train Dogs for Personal Protection

Training dogs requires patience and perseverance. Domesticated dogs are loyal companion animals. With proper handling you can teach them to protect you and your home. They can alert you when there is danger and attack if necessary. While certain larger breeds such as German shepherds and rottweilers may be more suited for these duties, smaller breeds such as terriers can be taught to be protectors without being overly aggressive. Simple rewarded commands can make your pet or the pets entrusted to you vigilant canine protectors.

Things You'll Need

whistle
treats
tug-of-war rope or sleeve

Instructions

- 1
  Begin with a puppy -- preferably under eight weeks old -- and play tug of war with a stick and toy. As the dog's jaw grows you can gradually replace the toy with a protective arm sleeve that you will wear.
- 2
  Reward the dog with praise and a treat for clamping down and holding the object. At first, it may grow tired and walk away or become distracted. With practice it will stick with the game for longer periods of time.
- 3
  Help the dog identify the tug-of war-game with a verbal command such as "tug" and a hand command such as a chopping action. Play the game only when you use these two commands.
- 4
  Blow a whistle to indicate when the game is over. Walk away, dropping the toy or lowering your arm. Teaching the dog to release its grasp is very important. Depending on how developed the dog's prey instinct is, you will have to repeat this step regularly to ensure success.
- 5
  Work with someone who does not live with you or an experienced instructor. Begin to transfer the skills learned in its tug-of-game to provide defense in simulated scenarios. Use the same verbal and hand commands and rewards.
- 6
  Quit playing the tug-of-war game and only have the dog clamp down and exert its attack skills in the simulated scenarios. These can range from someone breaking into a home or making personal attack from behind.