Guard dog, bad dog?!

[German Vanegas]

The notion of a guard dog is quite often badly misunderstood. Many people have the idea that this is a dog that attacks and bites anybody on sight, with the intention to "shred a person to pieces." This guard dog is believed to be a lonesome animal that only respects his handler, but other people are "fair game" to the dog. The guard dog is commonly, and wrongly, labeled as the "junkyard dog." In short, for many people a guard dog is a dangerous dog... Well, those are misconceptions; in fact, nothing could be further from the truth.

Allow me to explain what a good guard dog is all about. In this process, please think of, and visualize, a typical Rottweiler. This is, a courageous fearless dog with an inherent desire to protect his family pack and territory.

The guarding instinct is actually a natural genetic trait in wolves, which is how they managed to survive in the wild. This instinct to protect and guard was passed down from the wolf to the domestic dog, and it proved to be invaluable in the past, as it has in modern days.

Selective breeding created particular breeds with an acute, intense desire to guard. Historians show us plenty of evidence that dogs in the past were effectively used as sentry guard dogs, thus protecting lives, estates, livestock, etc. Some breeds were known as "dogs of war". The Rottweiler was one of them.


In present times, the pronounced guarding instinct of certain specific breeds is still quite practical, with functional applications. From police patrol, to military service, to private security, to personal and home protection, etc., the guarding breeds have jobs to do. True reputable ethical breeders strive to ensure that their line of dogs maintain that distinctive guarding instinct, which is an a useful working tool.

The majority of dogs, even small breeds, will make some kind of attempt to guard their perceived territories (or homes). However, a common sad mistake is that many people get guarding breeds assuming that all they have to do is feed their dogs and let them guard "naturally". That's a big mistake! Another sad fact is that many people expect this guarding instinct to show at early stages of puppyhood... This is totally unrealistic too! Some people have this misconceived idea that if their puppies are friendly to people, and/or they don't bark at strangers, those are "bad signs", indicating "lack of guarding instinct and/or weakness". Those same people get terribly disappointed because their pups don't display aggressiveness to strangers!... What they don't seem to know is:

First, a puppy is not mentally and physically mature enough to guard and protect. In the Rottweiler this is achieved around 18 months of age, or even much older.

And, second, that those barking and/or growling puppies invariably are either fearful aggressive (a.k.a. fear-biters) or worse: too aggressive (a.k.a. vicious dogs).

Nobody should want to have a puppy of either kind. Both of them, fear-biters or vicious dogs, are a high liability. Allow me to expand a bit more. The nervous fearful dog will bark out of fear, trying to dissuade the imaginary or real threat, but it will back down if the threat persists pushing the dog into avoidance. Therefore, be aware: a fearful puppy will grow to bite out of fear. A fearful dog will eventually bite innocent people, in most cases children. No because this fearful dog is guarding or protecting, but because the dog is simply afraid. Now the truly aggressive puppy is perhaps even worse! An aggressive young puppy that stands on his ground to a human being will become very dangerous, if the problem is not dealt with soon enough. Trust me, left unchecked, overly aggressive puppies will not grow to be family dogs, neither they qualify as guard dogs.

At this point I like to clarify this: a bold, daring, extroverted puppy, that challenges his owner and/or test "the waters", is not in essence an aggressive pup. So, a puppy's dominant behavior should not be erroneously judged as a sign of aggression. In reality, it is your duty, as leader of the pack, to curb your puppy's dominant tendencies. Obviously, this dominant puppy is not for the novice or inexperienced. A dominant puppy will surely spell trouble in the wrong hands.

It is often thought that, if a dog is friendly with strangers, it is no use as a guard, but this, by no means, is true. The fact is that most dogs' senses and reflexes are more acute than our own. A dog's guarding instinct is activated by stimuli, sometimes unnoticeable to us.

A well-bred Rottweiler should be confident and calm, with a "wait & see" attitude, thus responding to stimuli accordingly. Hence, the importance of a well-socialized dog, who will not be spooked by ordinary normal things of life, including friendly people. Don't get me wrong though, this doesn't mean that a guard dog is a "social butterfly". A guard dog is just a reserved dog. "What is that?" you may ask. Well, a reserved dog is one that, properly socialized, behaves with calmness and confidence, yet he is alert when a friendly stranger comes around while his master is present. This reserved dog will not willingly approach a stranger, neither will he show response to a friendly stranger, but rather he will act with indifference (aloofness) to nice people. However, this same reserved dog, when is left alone in his territory or property, will fiercely defend and protect it from any stranger. That, to me, is what a guard dog is all about.

Anyway, to dispel any misconceptions, once and for all, at this time I want to emphasize this: all puppies should be friendly and outgoing, and not fearful aggressive, or worse: too aggressive. Please, do not confuse those undesired traits with a guard dog.

Another common misunderstanding is that, a Rottweiler, by virtue of being a Rottweiler, will protect and guard "naturally." That is simply false. A Rottweiler has to be carefully and selectively bred to inherit the desired character, temperament, drives, and nerves, typical of the breed, in order to be protective and guard capable.

Unfortunately, due to random non-selective breeding, mostly from backyard mating and puppies from money-motivated "breeders", the standards of the Rottweiler breed have been diluted. Therefore, finding a well-bred Rottweiler in the U.S.A. is not an easy task. You may find plenty of puppies for sale in the newspapers, but the vast majority of them are bred wantonly. In many cases, those randomly bred puppies don't grow up to the desired standards of the breed. Sadly, those dogs develop undesirable temperaments and traits. Therefore, if you want a good Rottweiler you better do your homework and find a true reputable breeder. Don't gamble with an unpredictable dog. I am hoping that, by now, people can see the huge difference between a guard dog and the "junkyard dog" type:

A good guard dog is highly defensive, and he will protect his family pack and property (territory) when is challenged by an intruder, trespasser, or an attacker. Yet, a guard dog should be even-tempered and obedience-controlled. When positively socialized, a guard dog will accept friendly strangers in the presence of his leader/handler/owner (with a degree of aloofness), but he will guard and protect lives and estates when such response is required, particularly is left on guard duty on one's premises.

A "junkyard dog", in the other hand, is an anti-social dangerous dog, that normally recognizes only one person, or maybe a few others inside his pack. This dog will ferociously attack anyone else that comes near his master/handler and/or territory. It may be redundant to mention it but this "junkyard dog" is simply dangerous. This kind of dog has very limited uses, under extreme controlled situations by very responsible people. WARNING: a "junkyard dog" is not be confused with a guard dog and, least of all, should NOT be kept as a family companion dog. That is just absurd!

As you can see now, in reality, the word guard dog should NOT be associated with "bad dog". As you may know, the Rottweiler breed has a traditional distinguished history as a superb guard dog. And, in my opinion, a well-bred Rottweiler is one of the finest guard dogs there is, excelling as a home guardian and family protector. No doubt about that... But, is this breed for everybody? Simply put: NO. The Rottweiler requires responsible dog ownership. From proper selection, to positive upbringing, to obedience-control training, to adequate maintenance, and so forth, you better do all the right things with a large powerful Rottweiler... Or else, you will be bound to unavoidable trouble.

Mistakes with a Rottweiler may provoke or cause unjustified attacks and severe bites, sometimes fatal ones. You can infer from this that, sadly enough, irresponsible ownership is destroying our beloved breed's image.

Last, there is no question that a noble Rottweiler is a great family companion security dog, but don't be careless and/or negligent with this breed, because your actions will reflect on all of us, Rottweiler fanciers, who get a "black eye" every time an irresponsible dog owner allows his/er dog to unjustifiably bite a person, most commonly: children. It is all about responsible dog ownership. Just do it right ;) :)

[myagirl]

Great post, German!!:D

[rottmommie]

I agree with your standing German, wholeheartedly.
unfortunately , many insurance companies in my area do not.
State farm is the first one that comes to mind
pers protection is one thing, but they will not cover for GUARD dog trained dogs...no matter the breed.

[damp]

Thanks for another informative post... ;)

[German Vanegas]

Originally posted by rottmommie
I agree with your standing German, wholeheartedly.
unfortunately , many insurance companies in my area do not.
State farm is the first one that comes to mind
pers protection is one thing, but they will not cover for GUARD dog trained dogs...no matter the breed.

Well, I wasn't taking about guard dog training. I am talking about the fact that a well-bred Rottweiler should have an inherited desire to protect and defend his family pack and territory. A Rottweiler must be courageous and fearless, thus capable to guard people and property.

What some people fail to realize is that working dog breeds were traditionally bred to guard lives and estates, catch poachers, guard flock from predators, to alert their handlers performing sentinel duty, and so forth. They are the guarding breeds; which is a characteristic trait transmitted in some lines preserved by ethical breeders. However, because their sheer power and assertive natures, working guarding breeds can be dangerous in the hands of the inexperienced dog owner or, worse, in the wrong hands, such as: drug dealers, gangsters, dog fighters, macho-thugs, pimps, etc. But again, the fact remains that most working breeds are protective of home and family and most of them will guard children with their lives (Of course, most working dogs are not meant to be "babysitters", except under parental supervision).

Among all those fine guarding breeds, the Rottweiler excels as a superb home guardian and loyal bodyguard. Do it right, you'll have a great family companion pet :) ... Do it wrong, and you may create a "monster" :(

[gparcels]

Good post German, how many years have you been working with this breed and how many do you currently have. Before I got my first I had always had GSD's but the Rotties have really become my favorite between the two, although they can really put you through some serious tests sometimes they are a great breed.

[German Vanegas]

Originally posted by gparcels
Good post German, how many years have you been working with this breed and how many do you currently have...

Thanks! I do my best for our beloved breed. I have own Rottweilers since 1985. Prior to that, I was a "Doberman Pinscher-man", due to a family tradition. They still own and keep proven working Dobermans and, to this day, they still resent that I switched to the Rottweiler. I tell you what though, true well-bred Dobies are hard to beat. They can be as good as any Rottie. Anyway, I currently own two Rott males, both fully trained in personal protection and guard work.

Rottweilers rule!

[German Vanegas]

Well, I guess the essence of my post is that, a guard dog is not synonymous of a bad dog or dangerous dog; but all the contrary, a guard dog is actually a good dog... and a well-bred Rottweiler is unmatched at it :)

[Atauwoduhi]

I wasn't going to question "Elsa's" behavior until I read your posts, but she is a little over 5 months old now.........whenever I have her in the car with me an we go places........if strange passerbys walk past the car with me in the car still she growls at them or barks.
Is this normal or is it something to worry about?? Please help me with this question, I'm new at owning a Rott. I've had her since 8-11-01.



Sincerly and Thank You for ANY advice you give:D
Atauwoduhi and "Elsa"

[German Vanegas]

Originally posted by Atauwoduhi
I wasn't going to question "Elsa's" behavior until I read your posts, but she is a little over 5 months old now.........whenever I have her in the car with me an we go places........if strange passerbys walk past the car with me in the car still she growls at them or barks.
Is this normal or is it something to worry about?? Please help me with this question, I'm new at owning a Rott. I've had her since 8-11-01.

Have you socialized your pup? If so, how?...

[Atauwoduhi]

"Elsa" is very well socialized:D She is in Puppy Classes with 4 weeks left before Graduation.
I allow anyone whom asks to pet her to give her attention, etc. etc. in hopes to avoid a situation like the ones in the car rides.
She occasionally does this at home too, till she knows the person at the door is O.K. as a visitor.
That is why I ask you my question in the previous post that you replied to.



Sincerly,
Atauwoduhi

[Atauwoduhi]

And since I live out in the country with no one except the friends/family and my fiance's co-workers/Boss whom come up to our trailer. "Elsa" gets along with ANYONE whom visits our home and usually knows whom they are by either scent, voice, sooound of car or by the way they knock.
I don't think anyone has been teasing her, because our 2 yr. old Pitbull "Harley" would let us know.
Could she be picking up some bad habits from "Harley" that we haven't noticed till now?




Atauwoduhi

[German Vanegas]

Originally posted by Atauwoduhi
... I don't think anyone has been teasing her, because our 2 yr. old Pitbull "Harley" would let us know.
Could she be picking up some bad habits from "Harley" that we haven't noticed till now?

Older, adult dogs, tend to dominate younger, puppy dogs. Are you are allowing a free unsupervised inter-action between the two dogs?... Is "Harley" highly defensive and protective of his family and territory?...

[Atauwoduhi]

"Harley" is actually very laid back and quiet compared to "Elsa", they are not allowed to play/etc. without my fiance or I supervising cause "Elsa" likes to rough house due to being a puppy.
"Harley" was a shelter rescue so we've had him for almost a month now, that is another reason we also keep an eye on them when they play together too. To avoid any mishaps or trips to the Vet.
I brought "Elsa" home at 10 wks. old.........she was in a outdoor run/kennel with her dam, sire, and 2 other Rott relatives........when I went to pick her up the 4 adult dogs barked and growled at me till the Breeders met me outside and told them it was O.K. Could she have picked up this behavior from her elders? Because when the 4 older ones barked/growled the pups did also.



Atauwoduhi

[German Vanegas]

Originally posted by Atauwoduhi
Ibrought "Elsa" home at 10 wks. old.........she was in a outdoor run/kennel with her dam, sire, and 2 other Rott relatives........when I went to pick her up the 4 adult dogs barked and growled at me till the Breeders met me outside and told them it was O.K. Could she have picked up this behavior from her elders? Because when the 4 older ones barked/growled the pups did also.

That could be the reason. Ideally, a puppy should be separated from his mother at minimum age of 7 weeks, or, a maximum of 8 weeks old. If a pup stays too long with the mother, they become more dog-oriented than human-oriented. Puppies mimick their adult's behavior. From what you described, the Rottweilers around your pup may have questionable temperaments; perhaps too aggressive. Your pup picked up on their behavior. You need to keep socializing your puppy extensively, around all kinds of humans (of course, little ones too), thus building plenty of confidence and trust in her, by providing nothing but pleasant experiences.