I wish to know how to train my 2 year old GSD to be alerted against strangers around my house.

I am confused with all the articles that I read about protection trainings. I am not sure if I can find a good trainer in my country (Turkey - Istanbul). I hear people saying that if not trained properly a dog may become aggressive.

My GSD has become a very calm dog. I think the main factors are 1- His character 2 - The love and care we gave to him.

I now want him to be alerted against the strangers around the house but do not know how to give this sense to him.I had a terrier many years ago and even without training he was a perfect guard. Forgive my illiteracy but I expected the same from GSD too.

Anyway, I appreciate any advice that may help me to develop this instinct (if I may name it like that).

By the way, he has gone through basic training. We are playing tug - war games and he loves it. On my command he attacks , bites the rope or the object that I hold in my hand and stops. Also I keep him lay down from a distance and he attacks and bites the rope on my order again. Does this sound something? Am I doing good?

So I need your help re :

1- Do you think I can train my dog either for area protection or personal protection or both?
2- Do you recommend any DVD
3- What do I have to do to decide whether a trainer is a good one or not for protection training for dogs?

I will be thankful to anyone come up with some advices.

Kind regards
Altug koraltan

Altug,

It would be unwise to encourage any aggressive or protective behavior without control of the dog.

I highly recommend the Building Drive Focus and Grip DVD. It will teach you how to use those tug games to build the foundation for future protection work (if the dog is able) and obedience. This will teach your dog self-control and focus.

When you and your dog complete this work, there's the Preparing Your Dog for the Helper DVD. This is also an excellent DVD.

These 2 will get you started and if you look for a trainer that uses these methods, you'll avoid trainers who are capable of ruining your dog or not able to work the dog to it's full potential.

As for barking, you would frustrate your dog with the tug (not letting him have it) until he barks and then immediately give the tug. He barks, gets toy. Give a command every time you do this, until he barks on the command alone. This will take a lot of patience on your part.

Dear Anne,

Thanks for the recommendation. I will look for the DVDs. But I could not establish the connection between barking at toy in my hand and converting this action into area protection. Would you be more precise if possible? Thank you once again.

Kind regards
Altug koraltan

First you encourage the dog to bark for the toy (for a toy)
Then you teach the dog to bark on command (for the toy)
Then you teach the dog to bark at the helper (for a bite)
And can also tell the dog to bark at any time (to alert)

It is a beginning to alert barking and the bark and hold.

I am not the best person to explain this as I am have little experience in protection training. I'm sure that if this is not completely correct, a more experienced trainer will correct it.

Just keep in mind, the age of the dog when considering Personal protection training,males mature slower also most dogs will bark untrained,"natural territorial aggression",as they mature, it can also depend alot on the temperament of the dog, even if he is calm and layed back he can still alert, you. Some younger dogs/pups are a bit sharp and can have higher aggression tendency's, these may alert early.Once the dog has learned to bite and gets confidence, you have to be able to manage it, A personal protection dog must be under good control 100 % of the time.

Dear Anne thanks for the explanation. I think I need the DVD as soon as possible. That part of the training is beyond my experience. I just do not want t o do something wrong. But as I see in DVD type of trainings many things are left unsaid / uncovered. The best is to work with a pro but I even do not know whose teaching method is good or unacceptable.I am confused.

When my GSD was 10 month old, one trainer (they say he is one of the best in town and I doubt) accepted to test my dog when he was training other dogs to see whether he was suitable or not. What he did was to let me hold my dog with a leash and try to annoy the dog with a so leather whip.

First my dog was indifferent then afraid of the sound ( I think that part is where I will receive some reaction if someone may read it) and finally he barked and attacked to grab the whip. How does that sound?

I want my dog to learn some protection but I do not want to give him a permanent harm. I like him calm too but I see also nothing wrong him being a alert against strangers. I am stuck.

Thanks for reading and assisting.

Regards,
Altug Koraltan

That test is only the beginning, I would also try and give him a command at the sight of strangers. Like watch him, this does not mean to attack but to alert him to be on the look out. Also, like someone said, teach him to bark for toys and treats. When you do this, give him a command, speak/gib laut, when he does give him a treat. After he learns what these words/commands mean, you can use it together. Remember repetition, and time.
My dog would not bark at first, not he does not shut up, but it is always because of a threat. The 2 DVDs from Ed are awesome! I also have the e collar one and WOW!

Sgt. Matt

Dear Altug,
I am from İstanbul too,
Any news about training in 2 years ? Please inform us about your GSD.