How to Train Dogs to Defend a House

Most people don't need a dog that is trained to defend the house; they just need a dog that will bark if someone is outside. But for those who do need or want a well trained dog that will defend the house, there is only one responsible and safe way: the Schutzhund method. This training is an ongoing process and requires precision and careful planning that starts before the puppy is even adopted. The Schutzhund method uses a balanced, three-prong approach: obedience, tracking and protection. It requires the owner to learn and train with the dog, rather than giving a trained dog to an untrained owner, which is incredibly dangerous.

Things You'll Need

  • Leashes
  • Collars
  • Puppy toys
  • Schutzhund trainer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Locate a nearby Schutzhund club. Make sure the trainer is experienced and well versed in Schutzhund methods and that all Schutzhund philosophy is strictly adhered to. Discuss your plans with the trainer and ask advice about the best breeds and breeders, as well as the work involved for you to complete Schutzhund training. The trainer will also be able to help you in choosing the breed and breeder and selecting the individual puppy.

    • 2
      A well bred Rottweiler can be a good pet and defender.

      Buy a breed that has natural guarding instincts. Breeds such as the Rottweiler, Doberman, German Shepherd and others tend to be naturally protective, while hunting breeds tend to be too friendly. Research breeders carefully and be willing to pay the price for a healthy, well bred puppy with the health clearances expected for its breed, such as a hip dysplasia test or von Willebrand test.

    • 3
      Puppy should learn to lie quietly and be friendly in public places.

      Socialize your puppy well. This is a priority. Do not believe people who may tell you to isolate your puppy in order to make him more protective. An unsocialized dog is a liability and not a protector. Socialize your puppy by exposing him to as many places, people, and situations as possible. The more the dog is around all kinds and shapes of people, equipment, animals, buildings and noises, the more comfortable she will be, and the better able to recognize real danger when she sees it. Proper socialization begins as early as possible and continues for the life of the dog, but if not begun properly well before the pup is twelve weeks of age, the puppy will always be under socialized and unsuitable for protection training.

    • 4

      Keep your pup away from strange animals and away from floors or grounds as in pet stores and dog parks where his chance for exposure to disease is high. Your new puppy does not need to live in a bubble but remember that he is vulnerable to life-threatening infections until he has had the full series of vaccines.

    • 5
      Training is a daily process.

      Train your puppy constantly at home, and also enroll him in a puppy kindergarten course. Begin obedience training as soon as the puppy arrives. Young puppies cannot handle an intense obedience lesson, but should be taught to follow the people as leaders and to respond appropriately to commands. As she matures, continue to enroll her in progressively more difficult courses. Remember that play is good for exercise and bonding, but also provides numerous opportunities for training that are fun.

    • 6
      Don't skimp on veterinary care.

      Take the puppy to the veterinarian within a day or two of adoption and at regular intervals thereafter for check ups and vaccinations. Tell the veterinarian that you plan to train the dog to defend the house, and ask that any recommended medical and behavioral tests be accomplished.

    • 7

      Enroll in the Schutzhund courses once your basic obedience is complete and your puppy has reached the age required by your veterinarian and your Schutzhund club. Now the real obedience training begins. Your trainer will not allow you and your dog to progress to the next level and on to protection training until you and your dog have demonstrated you are both ready.