My male GSD from german lines is 14 months old and very friendly to strangers. the cable guy came today and Tazar barked when the bell rang but was very happy to see this stranger and only wanted to play ball with the guy. I didn't want a dog I had to lock up everytime someone came over, so I made sure he was well socailized by taking him out a lot. He is a very happy confident boy and wellbehaved, but did I over-do the socialization?

Was the dog ever protection trained in anyway?

Are we talking about German show or working lines? My (mostly) show line female does almost the exact same thing. She's 4 years old now and I don't see any indication of her ever wanting someone to stay away.

Auster barks at the doorbell out of the extreme joy she has over the possibility of meeting someone. The barking, running, and wagging has almost become uncontrolable. It scares new and non-dog people so I guess it works (although it was never my intention to have her bark at the door).

We are beginning Schutzhund but no protection work. He has a lot of prey drive and loves to please. He is showing a lot of promise for a schutzhund dog, but loves everyone.

There is nothing wrong with a friendly dog. The cable guy was not a threat, right? He is still young and depending on his lines may not be even close to maturing. I would rather see a well socialized dog than a spook-a-roo, fearful defensive dippy.

Let me ask you this, What would you have liked to have seen?

Your right, he is still young and I don't want a dog I have to lock up. I did buy him because my husband works nights and I want to feel safe. I just hope that if there is a threat he will alert at least. Maybe I should buy an alarm system and let my boy be himself.

I can understand what she wanted. I assume she wanted the cable guy to have a little heads up that her dog was one that could help her out if the need arouse.

Schutzhund cannot prepare a dog for this, it may be the genetic make up is not right but even if it was a dog from what I've learned has to be trained in these types of situations.

I will say this too and it's a little off the subject, but it especially goes out to the women on this board.

There has been several documented cases of people who have official business in your home, such as the cable, phone, security, exterminator, meter man, etc., who have harmed people they've been to on their routes later on. They know the setup, layout, and type of people who live in the home. In fact if one was a burglar or sicko this type of job would be ideal for that. If a dog wasn't at all a little bit aggressive to someone they didn't know I would want to do something to change it.

My brother was an exterminator for about 6 months and was very surprised about the behavior some of these guys displayed in people's homes. Some of them were VERY strange people that like to do things that you wouldn't suspect. Point being it made me change my view on people who come to your house to do honest work. Many have criminal records and you'd be surprised at some of the people they take to work on even satellite repair, my brother schooled about that too.

I can understand her concern, it may be a good thing if your dog is a little watchful.

Kim I didn't see your post while I was writing mine. I don't want to freak out so I apologize for the frightening post. I didn't know that was your concern in the first place. I've been on electric service calls in the past, and you'd be AMAZED at how many adults will open their door for you to enter who didn't have any idea you were coming in the first place.

I just think women shouldn't let their guard down. Not even to a postman you think you know. There are a lot of criminal types in that department as well. IMO

Brad, thanks for understanding and I hope that maybe when Tazar matures he will be a bit more protective, but if he isn't then just his breed and size might be a deterrent. I did keep him away from the cable man and close to me so the guy wouldn't know how friendly he was ( I grabbed Tazar before he could give the guy his ball). This is a great dog and my best buddy, I do hope he would protect me if needed, if not, then I guess I'll have to protect him (smile).

I'm glad, I'm also glad you won't be freaked out by my post. It would make me feel bad, lol. Good luck.