This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

It’s no secret – we all love puppies. Cuddly, adorable puppies have been the topic of internet memes for many years. Puppies are the favorite pet of many families, especially for families with children. However, puppies aren’t just raised for companionship. Some puppies can be trained to be guard dogs, which can help protect your family from intruders. Guard dog puppy training is a long process, one that requires a huge investment both in time and responsibility.

Your guard dog puppy’s adult behavior will be largely dependent on the type of training that you choose to give them in their early months. Because of this, it’s highly recommended that you begin socialization training as soon as possible.

What is Socialization?

Socialization is the process of introducing your puppy to as many new situations, experiences and objects as possible.

How Does Socialization Help Guard Dogs?

Part of training a guard dog puppy involves teaching them what behaviors and situations should trigger your dog’s protective behavior. Because of this, you need to socialize them with different types of situations and experiences, so that they don’t have a negative reaction as an adult.

How Should I Socialize My Guard Dog Puppy?

The best way to socialize your guard dog puppy is to set aside several hours each day for “socialization training”. For your puppy, this will be a time when they’ll be introduced to a variety of new experiences, situations and events. For example, take your puppy riding in the car, or walk them down a crowded street. Help them to become comfortable with new smells, sights and sounds. Here are a few examples of socialization situations you should introduce to your guard dog puppy:

Umbrellas
You might not realize it, but some puppies can be terrified of umbrellas! When your puppy is in a calm, familiar setting, bring over an umbrella. Allow them to smell it, and then slowly open the umbrella (if you’re superstitious, you can do this outside). If your puppy shows signs of being agitated, stop and give your puppy reassurance.

Hats
In their early years, puppies identify different people by their shape or outline. Because of this, you’re going to have to teach your puppy to be comfortable with items that change your shape, such as hats or heavy coats.

Other Animals
For many puppies, the scent of another animal may be all it takes to make them lose interest in listening to you. That’s why it’s absolutely essential that you introduce your puppy to other animals at a young age. This includes cats, squirrels, other dogs and any other animals in your area. The first few times, you’re going to need to keep close supervision on your puppy, since they may try to unintentionally harm other animals. Some dogs have “kill” instincts when it comes to other animals. To override this, you’re going to need to gently but firmly reinforce that your puppy needs to be on their best behavior around other animals.

Small Children
Some puppies are unpredictable on how they’ll react with other children. If a puppy is taken from its litter too young, they might not have “bite control”, which means they won’t know how hard they bite, or when they cause pain. If this happens, you’re going to need to do “soft mouth training” to make sure your puppy will behave around young children.

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This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

When reviewing the text of your state’s self defense laws, it’s easy to get confused. A lot of legal terms have very specific meanings, and you may encounter phrases such as “duty to flee” or “intent to harm”. If you have a trained dog for protection purposes, it’s essential that you’re aware of what your rights are in a legal situation. The reverse is also true – if you have been bitten by a dog, there are specific circumstances that determine what legal recourse you have. Here is a simplified overview of the “dog bite law”, both for dog owners and for dog bite victims.

NOTE – For detailed explanations of dog bite laws in your area, you should contact your local or state officials. Some cities and states differ in their bite laws, and you may have specific rights in different areas.

For Dog Owners

If you have a trained guard dog, you are already accepting responsibility that your dog could potentially injure another person if provoked. This is why it’s so extremely important to be vigilant in training your dog how to recognize threats. If your dog bites someone, here are a few things that you need to know about dog bite laws.

You Are Responsible.
In a situation where a crime is not being committed (and your dog was not being provoked by the victim of the bite), you will usually be held completely responsible for your dog’s actions.

You May Pay Medical Bills.
In a non-criminal situation, you may be responsible for the medical bills of the victim. However, if you have homeowners, renters or health insurance, there may be a clause that allows coverage for dog bites. Many insurance companies have a “cooperation clause”, which means that you are responsible for reporting incidents, and completely cooperating with the company during the claims process. If you find yourself in a situation where you are required to pay the medical bills of a dog bite victim, always contact your insurance company for more information about your policy.

Finding Out if You’re Liable.
There are generally two situations where you will not be held liable for a dog bite – if the bite victim was trespassing, or if they were engaging in behavior that would provoke your dog to attack. You may also be able to prove that you’re not liable in the event that your dog acted in a manner to protect you from harm, in accordance with their training.

For Dog Bite Victims

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries. However, being bitten by a dog is not automatically cause for a legal claim. If you’ve been bitten, here are a few things that you need to consider.

Were You Provoking the Dog?
If it can be proven in any manner that you were provoking the dog that bit you, you may not be able to seek compensation. This may seem unfair, but it is designed to protect dog owners from irrelevant legal claims. Even if you were in the wrong, it’s best to admit it, or you may face fines.

Were You Trespassing?
If you were trespassing, you will most likely have extreme difficulty in seeking any sort of compensation from the dog’s owner.

When to Make a Claim
If you can prove that a dog has been exhibiting aggressive behavior in the past, you may be able to make a claim. To solidify this claim, you may also need to prove that the dog’s owner was aware of this behavior, and took no steps to ensure the dog would not harm anyone.

This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

It’s after midnight in a cozy suburban neighborhood. The streets are quiet, with most of the residents already being asleep in bed. Unseen, a dark figure slips through the dimly lit yard of a large, expensive-looking house. He moves silently, clad in tight-fitting black clothing. Lockpick in hand, he approaches the front door of the house, expertly tapping until the door swings open. He knows that the house has been empty at least a week, evidenced by a pile of newspapers sitting on the front doorstep.

Just as the intruder is about to quietly shut the door and begin scouting for valuables, a sound echoes through the dark house, one that makes the burglar freeze in terror. A low, menacing growl gradually becomes louder, as a large dog approaches. The burglar shakes off his immobility, nearly slipping in his noiseless shoes as he attempts to flee. The dog barks loudly, and the burglar slams the door shut, tripping over the newspapers on the front step. The ferocious barking increases, as the dog darts out a side doggie-door to continue chasing the intruder. Several neighbors turn on their lights, and peek out their windows at the commotion. The thief tries to escape, but slips on the grass, and the dog lunges! The thief is detained, one of the neighbors calls the police and the burglar is ferried off by law enforcement officials.

Training a guard dog to protect your property is a great way to deter burglars. However, did you know that there are physical and mental bonuses to owning a guard dog as well? Here are a few of the benefits of owning a guard dog. Some of them might surprise you!

Increased Mental Security

By keeping a properly trained guard dog, you can be one step closer to complete peace-of-mind. While a guard dog shouldn’t necessarily be your only home security measure, a trained guard dog can definitely help to discourage unwanted intruders. When used in combination with other security features (such as a monitored security system, motion-activated lights and secure deadbolt locks), you can sleep easy knowing your home and family are protected.

Increased Lifespan

While the science surrounding the report that owning a dog increases your lifespan is a bit vague, it has been proven that dogs can help reduce stress and depression. When your body experiences stress, it can undergo chemical changes that strain your body’s systems. By reducing the amount of stress, owning a dog could possibly help you to live longer!

Lower Blood Pressure

Did you know that owning a dog can lower your blood pressure? Studies have shown that owning a dog can have the same effect as certain types of pharmaceutical drugs designed to lower blood pressure (However, you should never ignore your doctor’s orders if you’re taking blood pressure medication).

Is Your Blood Sugar Low?

Did you know that some dogs are able to detect when you’re hypoglycemic? Certain dogs can be effectively trained to alert you when your blood sugar is low. This can be extremely beneficial, especially for people who have chronic hypoglycemia. By having a dog to alert you of your low blood sugar, you could correct it before more serious symptoms develop.

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This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

While a family was away at school and work on Friday, three burglars broke into their home through the backdoor. A neighbor’s security camera caught a glimpse of the thieves, but they have not been identified yet. The only things the burglars took were three puppies. Nothing else seemed to be stolen from the home, and they left the mother of the puppies behind.

The homeowner, Lisa Jones, told reporters, “I am really worried for [the puppies’] safety because they had just been weaned and were only just eating real food.” She continued, “The children are all devastated – they love all three puppies so much.”

When thinking about home and family security, your pets might not come to mind. But aren’t your pets part of your family, too? On average, two million animals are stolen per year. Of these two million pets, only 10% are returned home.

So what happens to pets like Lisa Jones’s puppies that were stolen from her home? Some are sold to pet stores. Other pets are sold to research laboratories. Research laboratories prefer to use animals that have lived with people because they will be tamer. Stolen pets are also sold as meat for humans and exotic animals, fur for clothes and to breeders. Stolen pets are also used by satanic cults for ritual sacrifice or as bait in dog-fighting. 

Seven years ago in Michigan, the Davis family left the day after Thanksgiving to have their yearly Christmas pictures taken. When they returned home 45 minutes later, their puppy that had been playing in the backyard was gone. Thieves had stolen their dog and left the collar behind. The family put up fliers and offered a reward for their missing pet but nobody brought the dog back home. After seven years, they received a call from an animal shelter in Kentucky. The shelter had scanned a dog’s microchip and discovered the dog belonged to the Davis family. The family was finally reunited with their stolen dog.

Using a microchip like the Davis family can help in the recovery of stolen pets. When the chip is scanned by a veterinarian or shelter worker, it brings up the contact information of the owner. Other things you can do to protect your pet include:

• When you are not at home or outside with your pet, keep it locked inside your home or in a locked kennel outside.
• Do not leave your pet alone in your car or tied up outside of a store.
• Keep your dog on a leash. Letting your dog roam the town increases the chances of a thief stealing it.
• Be careful when you share information about your pet. A stranger may ask how much your pet cost, if it’s a purebred, etc. Be on guard and don’t share too much information (like where you live).

Pets can become an important part of any family. They can become “a man’s best friend,” or a child’s favorite playmate. Protect what is important to you.

Sources:

http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/news/features/family_distraught_at_theft_of_three_pups_1_1154386

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/akc-companion-animal-recovery-reunites-stolen-dog-with-owner-after-nearly-seven-years-102637359.html

http://www.petfinder.com/after-pet-adoption/prevent-pet-theft.html

This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

Attack geese? Guard Llamas? You may not realize it, but there are many animals that are used as alternative options to owning a guard dog. However, one animal that people often overlook for fighting crime is the cat. Cats aren’t usually very aggressive, and don’t normally have a prominent territorial instinct to protect their owners. However, like with any animal, they’re always full of surprises.

Douglas Beamish was a Canadian man, who committed a crime in 1994. He was convicted of second-degree murder, and sentenced to fifteen years in prison. However, there was something very unique about his trial. Beamish was the first ever murderer that was convicted using the identification of animal DNA. Beamish’s victim had a fluffy white pet cat, which was named Snowball. When Beamish exited the crime scene, he had two strands of cat fur stuck to his jacket pocket. These hairs were traced back to Snowball, and placed Beamish at the scene of the crime.

Some people may have stories of their cats attacking strangers, when they believe their owners may be in danger. A woman named Karen Wilcox shared a story about her cat, and how it tried to protect her.

“I was at home alone, and my cat (Marcy) started growling at the kitchen door. It was dark outside, so I began to get nervous. Suddenly, the door opened, and Marcy attacked the intruder, yowling and clawing at his pants! However, it was only my son’s friend, who was coming over for a sleepover. No damage was done, but now I know that Marcy is very protective of me!”

There are thousands of funny and interesting videos of cats attacking various other people, animals and inanimate objects. Here are a few videos of some “guard” cats.

Cat Attacks and Scares Off Bear
This brave cat spotted a bear on the porch, and decided to defend its territory! Though the bear escapes with a bit of garbage, the cat is able to intimidate it enough so that runs off.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Guard Cat Attacks Babysitter
This viral video shows how a cat attacked a babysitter when he heard the sound of broken glass! While the glass breaking was an accident, the two cats ganged up on the girl, swatting at her and jumping up on her legs. Apparently, cats can be good nannies too!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Cat Protects Children by Attacking Dog
This cat obviously thought that the dog biting the children might cause them harm!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Cat Attacks Mailman
Mailmen are incredibly evil beings in the feline world! This cat defends its home against the dangerous mailman.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Cat Guards Against Invading Cat
Cats can be aggressive, especially when they believe that another cat is invading their territory. This cat attempts to attack an invading feline though a glass door!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Cat Attacks Printer
Apparently, electronic printers are dangerous devices, and the world must be defended! This cat goes one-on-one in a desperate fight against an evil printer.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Wild Cat Wins Against Rattlesnake
Rattlesnakes are known for their speed, agility and deadly venom. However, this wild cat is able to successfully outmanuver a large rattlesnake, all without being bit.

Click here to view the embedded video.

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This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

The Rottweiler dog traces its origins back to Rottweil, Germany. However, the Rottweiler of centuries past was not the fierce, strong guard dog that we know today. Instead, Rottweilers were bred to be assistant animals for farmers. In the Roman Empire, Rottweilers herded livestock, pulled heavy carts with butchered meat, and helped withother strength-based farm duties. It wasn’t until the mid 19th century that the role of the Rottweiler changed from farm dog to protection dog. At this time, railroads became the primary method of moving livestock, so the Rottweiler’s herding skills were no longer needed. Today, the Rottweiler is a versatile breed, helping out search & rescue, special police units and even as an assistant for the disabled. However, another useful role for the Rottweiler breed is as a personal protection dog.

It’s highly recommended that you don’t attempt to train a personal protection dog on your own, due the amount of liability involved. To choose a proper trainer for your dog, however, you do need to proceed with caution. Not every dog trainer has your dog’s best interest in mind. In addition to this, some trainers use harsh or outdated training methods, which may cause behavioral problems in your dog. Here are a few simple tips to help you to choose a trainer for your personal protection dog.

Ask Around.
If you have friends or neighbors that are dog owners, don’t be afraid to ask them if they’ve ever taken their dog to training classes. Even if you are looking for specialized personal protection training for your dog, you can still gain valuable information about good trainers in your area. As a general rule, you should never enroll your dog in a training course that doesn’t at least have a positive reference from someone that you know.

Observe a Class.
Most reputable dog trainers will allow you to sit in on one of their classes. This is extremely important for helping you to be familiar with the trainer’s specific methods. Watch how the trainer interacts with the dog(s) in the class. Are they patient? Do they use negative reinforcement? These are very important questions for helping you to evaluate if a specific trainer is right for your dog.

Meet With the Trainer.
If possible, schedule a one-on-one meeting with the trainer that teaches the class that you are considering. Before the meeting, draft up a list of questions that you wish the trainer to address. Common questions include:

• How long have you been a dog trainer?
• What are your qualifications?
• What are some of your preferred training methods?
• What educational classes have you taken?
• What is your training philosophy?

Check References.
A good trainer will be more than willing to provide you with several references to check their qualifications. Before making any commitments, do your research. Be sure that the list of references includes several experts in the dog training field, including at least one veterinary reference. A reputable trainer should have a thorough knowledge of dog behavior, dog health issues, and the differences between the training methods used for specific dog breeds.

Beware of Self-Promotion.
Some dog trainers may have “reputable” qualifications, but be more interested in promoting their image than training your dog. Beware of dog trainers that ask you to buy their books, videos or other publications before starting a training course. Most personal protection dog training courses are “all inclusive”, meaning that the cost of any training materials is included in the amount you pay for the course.

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This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

In 1961, Disney released the classic animated film “101 Dalmatians”. This movie followed the adventures of two dalmatians (Pongo and Perdita), as they attempted to escape the evil Cruella De Vil. Following the popularity of this movie, many children begged their parents for a dalmatian puppy. In the film, the dalmatians are portrayed as being loyal, lovable, cute and innocent. However, there’s something about dalmatians that you may not know – they are generally not recommended as family guard dogs.

Dalmatians are a breed of dog that can potentially be socialized to live in a family environment. However, since training a guard dog usually involves encouraging certain aggressive behavioral traits, dalmatians are not good guard dogs for families with children. Since many of their natural instincts involve aggressive behavioral traits, they can become easily irritated with young children. It’s estimated that around 50% of people who adopt a dalmatian puppy do not keep them past their first year of age.

Breeds to Avoid

It’s difficult to compile a definitive list of dogs that aren’t good with children. In a specific dog breed, the temperament of a dog depends a lot on environment, genetic traits, and personality type. For example, some Dobermans can be raised as docile family pets, even though they have a reputation for being aggressive. However, other Doberman dogs may become aggressive without being provoked. Because of this, it’s hard to list breeds that can’t be used as family guard dogs. Finding the balance between loyalty, temperament and protective instincts can be extremely difficult.

Choosing a Puppy

One of the best ways to help improve the chances that a dog can be both good with children and protective of your property, is to raise it from a very young age. If possible, choose a puppy from a shelter or reputable dog breeder in your area. Many animal shelters only have puppies for a short time, so you may want to put in an “Adoption Request” ahead of time. When choosing a guard dog puppy from a breeder, there are several things that you should pay attention to:

Appearance
Make sure that the puppy is well-groomed, of average size, without any existing deformities or health defects.

Behavior
For a guard dog that will be a balance of family pet and property protector, pay attention to behavior. Many people make the mistake of choosing the first puppy that runs up to greet them. In many litters, this is behavior that identifies particularly aggressive behavior when the puppy becomes an adult. However, you should also avoid puppies that seem afraid of humans, or who try to hide. A balanced puppy will be curious about you, but not overly eager to jump on you.

Gender
Male and female puppies tend to exhibit different behavioral traits. Male dogs are usually more aggressive, more protective of their “pack”, and love rough play. Female dogs are slightly more subdued, though exhibit a identifiable loyalty towards their owners. If you have very young children, you may want to choose a female puppy.

Choosing an Adult Dog

Socializing an adult dog to be both a family pet and a guard dog can be a bit difficult, especially if it is a “Rescued” dog. Rescued dogs may require a lot more work to be good family pets. If you do end up choosing a rescued dog, be realistic about your expectations. If a dog has been through a significant amount of emotional or physical trauma, they may have poor behavioral traits.

Since adult dogs are not in their “puppy bonding” phase, they may require a bit more time until they feel obligated to protect your home and family. The important thing is to encourage a bond to grow between you and your new dog. With enough attention, you can eventually move from basic command training to guard dog training.

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This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

Some historians believe that 12,000 years ago, emigrants from Siberia traveled across the Bering Land Bridge into what is today known as Alaska. However, they weren’t alone. They brought with them hundreds of sled dogs, which is suggested to be the earliest form of dog domestication. Today, dogs are mostly kept as companions, work animals and family pets. However, some people keep dogs for a different reason – to have an animal bodyguard. 

What is a Personal Protection Dog?

A personal protection dog is an animal that is trained to protect against suspicious activity. These dogs are often subjected to very specific training, and may only obey spoken commands from a single person. Some personal protection dogs are “Bluff Dogs“, which are only designed to intimidate a person engaging in suspicious behavior. “Bluff Dogs” are often trained to bark, growl, lunge and engage in characteristic aggressive behaviors upon command. Other protection dogs are called “Man Stoppers“, which are trained to detain and hold a suspect until help arrives. “Man Stoppers” are dogs that can identify aggressive behavior in humans, and will attack upon command. Depending on your personal protection needs, you may choose to train a dog in either of these specializations.

Misconceptions about Protection Dogs

Many people mistakenly believe that personal protection dogs are constantly aggressive, and can’t be safely socialized in a family environment. However, with the proper training, a personal protection dog can also be a loving, affectionate and loyal family pet. The “attack dog” image causes many people to forget that protecting their “pack” is actually an inherited canine instinct. Dogs are naturally defensive of their pack-mates, and engaging in personal protection training may actually help you to strengthen your bond with your dog.

Protection Dog Breeds

Not all dog breeds are able to exhibit aggressive protective behavior. Some dogs have been selectively bred for specific breed-based traits over time, which may have caused their protective instinct to become less dominant. Here is a short list of dog breeds that can be effectively used as personal protection dogs:

• German Shepherd
• Doberman
• Pit Bull
• Rottweiler
• Akita Inu
• Bullmastiff
• American Bulldog
• Fila Brasileiro

Training a Personal Protection Dog

Due to the liability of keeping a dog that has the ability to obey attack commands, it’s strongly encouraged that personal protection dog training be done by a professional. Many dog trainers have a separate course for protection dogs. In order to be a protection dog, however, it’s essential that a dog first pass basic obedience classes. A dog must be completely obedient to their master in order to prevent them from attacking when unprovoked. The laws are very strict in regards to dog attacks – the dog’s owner is nearly always liable.By taking on the responsibility of keeping a personal protection dog, you are required to take every measure necessary to ensure that your dog will not cause unprovoked harm to others.

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This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

Many people are unaware of the potential security risk of installing a pet door. A burglar may be able to gain entrance to your home by infiltrating an unsecured pet door. Luckily, there are many options to help enhance the security of your pet door, and protect your home from unauthorized access by burglars.

Reinforced Pet Door Frame
One security vulnerability of many pet doors is that a burglar can widen the opening enough to enter your home. This is most common with pet doors that are installed directly in an existing wooden door, since this material can be easily cut with an electronic saw. To prevent this, you can install a reinforced pet door frame. These frames are constructed of heavy duty metal, and will prevent a burglar from widening the opening of your pet door.

Simple Security Barrier
There are several different types of simple security barriers for pet doors, though the most common involves a vertical steel frame. This frame is installed inside your home, at a set distance between your pet door and the wall. The frame makes it difficult (if not impossible) for an intruder to fit between the entrance of the pet door and the wall, due to the limited space between the steel frame. However, this type of secure pet door relies almost entirely on the strength of the base, which needs to be anchored into the floor. Since the anchor bolts of the base of the frame are usually exposed, this may not be the most secure option.

Extended Security Barrier
An extended pet door security barrier usually extends out on the exterior of your home. This barrier covers the entrance of the pet door, extending out a few feet to an add-on. These barriers help prevent unauthorized entrance through a pet door by creating a small crawl space that a pet needs to pass through before entering the door. However, the security of these pet doors depends on how securely the exterior add-on is anchored to the side of the home. If the add-on isn’t bolted with metal brackets, a thief could simply remove it with a minimal amount of force.

This is an example of an Extended Pet Door Barrier.

Screen Door Pet Entrance
An alternate option in terms of pet door security is to simply install a pet door on your screen door. This option allows a pet to pass freely inside and outside your home, though is only a secure option when installed in a door frame that has a screen door, as well as a locking standard door. When you’re at home, you can open the standard door, while leaving the screen door closed. This option is only useful if you live in a temperate climate, or if you are constantly at home when your pet needs to go outdoors.

Wall Tunnel Pet Doors
This is one of the more secure types of pet doors. A walled tunnel pet door is cut directly through the wall of your house, instead of through your door. Through the hole, a “tunnel” is inserted, which is usually made of metal or sturdy plastic. This tunnel is designed to only be able to accommodate the size of your pet. Most of these tunnels also include dual flap-doors at each end, in order help minimize drafting.

Electronic Signal Pet Doors
These types of pet doors use electronic radio signals to identify your pet, which in turn allows them to enter the door. Your pet will need to wear a specific electronic signal transmitter, which is usually available as an attachment to your pet’s collar. When your pet comes within range of the pet door, the door will recognize the unique signal of your pet’s transmitter, and will open the door. These transmitters are each coded differently, and are capable of producing thousands of unique signal variations. In order for these types of pet doors to work, you need to make sure that you install your electronic pet door in an area that has access to a dedicated power supply.

Image Source:

http://www.halepetdoor.com/system/pics/slantroofbarriers.jpg

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This post is originally authored at the home security blog at FamilyHomeSecurity.com.

If you own a guard dog, you should already be familiar with basic guard dog training. However, a question that many people ask, is “Should I leave a guard dog outdoors?”. Since his/her function is to protect your home and property, having your dog outdoors can seem like a good choice. However, there are consequences to leaving your dog outdoors, both behavioral and health-related.

Leaving Him/Her Chained Outdoors

Both the Humane Society and animal behavioral experts warn against leaving your dogs chained outdoors. They’re social animals, and will often suffer from feelings of abandonment when left outdoors. In addition to this, being kept on a chain in an outdoor location will often cause feelings of frustration and aggression. These feelings often cause him/her to become disconnected from his/her owners, and may even cause the dog to act against others when unprovoked. Having a dog on a chain can also be a safety hazard. If your guard dog becomes agitated, they could tangle their limbs or neck in the chain, resulting in injury or death.

Having a Guard Dog in a Fenced Yard

Another option people consider is leaving a dog in a completely fenced-in yard. While this may seem more humane than a chain, you still need to remember that a dog left alone in your yard can still cause injury to itself and others. If you leave him/her alone in the yard, and someone enters your yard, you will be held liable if he/she injures that person. Since guard dogs are trained to be aggressive against unwanted intruders, leaving a guard dog alone in the yard is generally not recommended.

When to Have a Guard Dog Outdoors

If you want your guard dog to be outside, you should only do this when you are currently at home. Even then, it’s important that you do not leave him/her outdoors for an extended period of time. A huge part of a successful dog training program involves forming a strong bond with them. If your guard dog trusts you, they will be able to effectively understand when they need to protect you. By leaving them outside for long periods of time, you are causing your dog to feel abandoned, or experience separation anxiety.

Installing a “Doggie Door”

Another option is to have access for your guard dog to travel freely between the outside and inside your home. This can be done with a small, easily accessible entrance, often called a “Doggie Door”. However, it’s also important to remember that by providing access for your dog to enter your home, you are also providing entrance for potential burglars. If you do choose to install a “Doggie Door”, be sure that it is on a door that is able to be secured against intruders. An option for securing a door with dog-access is to install a metal security screen door, which can be securely closed and locked over the door with the dog entrance.

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