Protection Dog Vs. Guard Dog
13 Jul 2010
In these increasingly unsafe times, people want to feel safe and secure for both themselves and their families.Others feel a need to protect their businesses from burglars and intruders. Burglar alarm systems can get the job done, but many people would rather have a dog to do the same. With some breeds, this kind of guarding and protecting is a natural instinct and dogs have been performing this job for centuries. You need to first decide if you need a guard dog or a protection dog. Is there any specific difference?
The fact is, yes, there is a big difference between a guard dog and protection dog. It’s critical that you understand this distinction when you are adopting or buying a puppy. Guard dogs have a specific job,but a protection dog is both a pet and a protector of you and your family.You need to make sure that your protection dog does not threaten your friends or family or visitors to your house.
A guard dog is bred to be a working dog, not a personal pet. Guard or K9 dogs are trained for the police or military and can’t just turn off their trained responses to intruders. Guard dogs are trained for three different and separate roles.
1) Alarm Dog- Usually this type is large and intimidating with a loud,deep bark. He’ll almost certainly sound the alarm any time somebody approaches, but will take no action. Most often all the alarm dog needs to do is bark and the visitor will go somewhere else.
2) Sentry Dog- This type of guard dog is usually used to protect larger areas or property, like a shipyard or a warehouse. You can let this dog roam his territory freely without needing constant supervison. They are perfect for this type of situation since they are trained to attack any trespassers.
3) Attack Dog- A guard dog trained to attack and even kill on command. These kinds of dogs are meant to be used as police K-9 or military service dogs. Dogs that have had this type of training should not be taken as personal pets.
Protection dogs, on the other hand, are family dogs that will safeguard and defend their family in just about any situation they feel is threatening. Some of the most popular breeds are German Shepherds, Rottweilers,Giant Schnauzers, and Doberman Pinscherrs.
The Doberman is the only one of the working-dog breeds that also can be used as a protection dog. These types of dogs are very dependable and can become regular members of the family. They can be socialized with children and other pets, along with other family members, friends and neighbors.
You should not train them to do what comes naturally. They should be bred with respect for their natural protection instincts. It’s important that these dogs be trained properly and understand their role in their owner’s family. You should assert your alpha role since they tend to be dominant dogs. You need to be sure to exercise these types of dogs to ensure a well adjusted and behaved pet. These dogs are large and physical and require frequent activity.
The main difference between a guard dog and a protection dog comes down to the training. You should always seek out a dog trainer when you’ve decided what you need from your dog.
