Hi, I have a question I was hoping someone could help answer. I have a 7 month old Malinois name Mina. She is wonderful...very smart, highly driven, and very social...maybe too social, which leads to my reason for the post. She is a terrible watch dog! She is very alert and interested when someone comes to the door etc, but doesn't even so much as give out a bark. And if she had her way she would open the door herself and wag her tail all over the person. I'm not really too concerned - she is purely my pet and I would much rather have an overly friendly dog than an over protective one - but I guess I do like the idea of having a dog that is somewhat naturally protective. Is it something I have reinforced? Is it just her age? Am I an idiot? (Okay don't answer that one). Thanks in advance to any responses.

She's just a puppy. IF she has any protective side to her, it may be another six months to a year before you see anything, depending on how she matures.

Dont feel bad, my 8 month old Mal female is the same way. If I knew what I liked and was doing when I got into this last year; I would of mabye went with a more defensive and sharper line of dogs. I like a little of that edge and more defense. A club member has a czech GSD, and at 10 months, Foster comes out with a nice guttural bark. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> It would definately be more intimadating to see a male GSD like that sitting at the front door than our coyote dogs; and of course the encounter prevented by the threat a good dog poses, is better than having to actually engage.

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Am I an idiot?

Yes.

This is a baby, and will be a baby for many months yet to come.

She is just a baby, and from what you describe a happy, well socialized one at that. In the dark ages of watch dog/protection dog training, it was thought that you needed to keep the dog undersocialized with people, so that it didn't trust anyone but you, and would be a better watchdog. People ended up with fearful, biting dogs. Now, you make sure your dog is social, and you build a bond with your dog, and as it matures, it will begin to take on watchdog duties. I will never forget, a long time ago, on tv, there was a SchH trainer talking about just this thing, and he demonstrated. He walked up to this guy with a dog, and the dog was standing next to him (gsd), and the guy calmly walked up and shook hands with the dog owner. The dog accepted this no problem. THEN, the guy repeated this, acting afraid and nervous and the dog picked up on this right away, and went into mini protection mode- alert,standing, looking very intent and ready for the next step. So, dogs are very receptive to our body language, and it sounds as if your girl will turn out very very good. Don't expect much in the way of protectiveness for another 6 months to a year.
Julie

Thanks everyone for the responses. Like I said I wasn't too worried... I always figured that at this age I am the one protecting her. It's just been so long since I've raised a dog I forgot when they do what. So at what age do they stop bringing you your dirty laundry from the hamper? J/K.

Extremely High drive dogs with access to laundry ....NEVER !!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> As long as there is still some puppy in the dog !! My girl is 26 months & still does it..especially when she knows that I am getting dressed to take them (both dogs) out to 'work'. My male just sits there & watches her with this silly look on his face as if to say "how undignified is THAT " <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> !!!! He'd much rather have his ball to hold in his mouth & prance around while waiting for me to get ready to go. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> She is still very puppy like in many ways & will pull the kitchen towel off the rack or the dog feet wiping towell off the kitchen door nob & clothes off the bed or chair..when she is really antsy & bouncing off the walls when it is time to 'work'. She is hardly ever still for longer than a few minutes at a time. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> Gotta love her !!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Oh, I forgot to add...that my 26 month old female is very protective of her territory & barks aggressivly at the door or windows or in the yard or truck, if she sees or hears anyone encroaching on her turf. She has done this since she was very young..but this has changes some since she is now 2 years old. She has become far more aggressive in her responce to encroachment on her turf...but she is also a "social butterfly" & enjoys people, at least most people..until she feels that the circumstances have changed & she needs to be on alert or is alerted by me. She is very serious when she is working, though. My male (just 3yrs old)is a whole other story & is not the least bit interested in anyone other than me & is very protective of his turf & pack members already.. (I have only had him several months) They go thru changes with their age. Your dog is a young puppy & will develope protective tendencies as it matures. You may find even moreso than you might like at that point. My male is very aggressive about his territory. My female is developing into quite a civil dog, also. Something that I didn't think that she would be based on her feelings toward people. I was VERY wrong to think that. She is developing a very serious attitude toward many strangers. Be careful what you wish for....& enjoy your pup. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

be happy your dog is friendly at the door! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> My six month old barks/growls when she hears the mailman or if the door bell rings, heck if she even hears someone talking near the house! (Of coures she picked this up from her brother..sigh). I would prefer my pup to act like yours any day! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />