| Dogs are used for security in a number of ways. | | | | can seek out. You definitely don't want to head |
| They can watch for strangers and alert the | | | | for the shy pooch crouched in the corner. Instead, |
| owners of their presence, or they can be trained | | | | look for a puppy that is playful: one that is |
| to protect and attack. You may want a guard | | | | engaging his siblings and responds well to you. A |
| dog but not necessarily need one. Instead, a | | | | little noisy barking here and there isn't a bad trait, |
| watch dog may be perfect for you. Either way, | | | | either! Even though you may be tempted to |
| training a dog to be part of your home security | | | | adopt the full grown, already menacing dog at the |
| can be a difficult task; but in the event that the | | | | shelter, realize that guard dog training is careful |
| security is needed, it is a task that definitely pays | | | | and deliberate. A dog that has already been |
| off. | | | | trained to recognize strangers may be tough to |
| Many people use the terms "watch dog" and | | | | fit into your family life. |
| "guard dog" interchangeably. Even though they | | | | Training a watch dog can be easily accomplished |
| perform similar tasks, the difference lies in the | | | | at home. There are tons of resources in books |
| terms. A watch dog simply watches and alerts. A | | | | and on the Internet to help you in your training. |
| watch dog may be trained to let the owner know | | | | It's easiest to start the training when the puppy is |
| when a car pulls into the driveway or when a | | | | young: ten to twelve weeks of age is a good |
| stranger walks into the yard. A guard dog, on the | | | | starting point. Watch dog training can also be |
| other hand, not only alerts, but he also knows | | | | coupled with obedience training, so you are really |
| how to respond. If there is a threat from the car | | | | taking care of two things at once. If you have an |
| or the stranger, then a guard dog will provide | | | | adult dog, do not think that watch dog training is |
| protection for the owner. In some cases, this | | | | impossible. Older dogs can make great watch |
| involves the dog attacking the intruder. You may | | | | dogs, you'll just need to take extra time and care |
| even hear guard dogs referred to as security | | | | in training. |
| dogs since they often take on security roles | | | | Guard dog training can be accomplished at home, |
| outside the home. For instance, the movie | | | | but it is better left to a professional. There are |
| cliché of dogs guarding a scrap metal or | | | | elements of guard dog training that are impossible |
| wrecked car business is not always far from the | | | | for some owners to grasp. For instance, the dog |
| truth. | | | | needs to only respond to the owner or handler's |
| When you picture a guard dog or watch dog, you | | | | commands, because if he responds to anyone, |
| may see a Rottweiler or Doberman. Although | | | | then an intruder could also control the dog. Like |
| some breeds make natural guard dogs, a specific | | | | watch dog training, guard dog training should be |
| breed is not necessarily needed. You can teach | | | | started at an early age. It can and should be |
| many dogs to perform the duties, especially when | | | | coupled with obedience training. |
| you start from an early age. But, keep in mind | | | | If you want a little more security and protection |
| that some dogs to not develop the appropriate | | | | in your home, then consider training your pooch |
| temperament to guard. These dogs can still make | | | | to be a watch or guard dog. Although the two |
| great watch dogs, but they may not be willing to | | | | jobs are similar, they do have differing duties. |
| pounce on an intruder. If you are looking for a | | | | Some breeds are naturals at guarding, but most |
| guard dog in particular, then seek the help of a | | | | dogs can be trained to do so. Depending on your |
| specialist. You will need the help of the specialist | | | | needs, you may be able to train the dog at |
| during training, so why not use your resources | | | | home, or you may need the help of a |
| now? | | | | professional. Either way, your efforts will be |
| When selecting a puppy to perform a security | | | | rewarded the first time the dog alerts you of an |
| role in your home, there are desirable traits you | | | | intruder! |