Dogs are naturally aware of their surroundings. Teaching your dog to detect intruders and alert you to their presence utilizes their natural instincts to protect their territory and their pack or family. Contrary to popular belief, this type of training does not encourage a dog to become more aggressive. Watch dogs, as opposed to guard dogs, are not trained to attack intruders, but are trained only to alert you to their presence. Successful watch dog training relies on patience, positive reinforcement and consistency.
Things You'll Need
- Dog
- Leash
- Treats (optional)
Instructions
Socialize your dog from an early age with other dogs and people outside of the home. This ensures a well-adjusted, well-rounded, non-aggressive dog who is less likely to rush anyone who comes through the door. Proper socialization discourages biting behaviors.
Walk your dog on a leash around the perimeter of your house several times a day. Encourage him to urinate and defecate around this perimeter. Dogs use scent to mark their territory, and the scent of urine and feces communicates to the world that this is your dog's space.
Establish a pack system within your family. Your dog should view you as the pack leader and other members of the family as pack mates. By creating this hierarchical bond, your dog is more inclined to protect you because you protect her. This behavior often forms during basic obedience training.
Use consistency and positive reinforcement in training. Train your dog in several short obedience training sessions a day, even if he has already mastered the basics. This reinforces pack structure and refreshes your dog on basic obedience. A well-trained watch dog should be able to bark and silence on command, as well as come when called, sit and retreat to another room or his crate. Positive reinforcement links these actions with positive consequences in your dog's mind.
Reward your dog when she barks at unfamiliar vehicles, people or animals from your window or door. Give her your command to stop barking, then soothe her and let her know that she has effectively communicated the danger to you. One or two warning barks are all that is needed.
Correct inappropriate barking responses. If your dog barks at a friend, family member or other pets that are outdoors, tell him "no" in a firm voice. Ignore him for a minute or so afterward. If he continues to bark, remove him from the immediate area or close the curtains to remove the stimulus. He will eventually make the connection that barking at that person, object or animal is not okay.