10. Common Misconceptions About Guard Dogs - Traditional Myths

Guard dogs tend to place fear into the hearts of others. That’s their job. They intimidate and protect by whatever means necessary.

They are very possessive and protective of their masters and their homes, meaning that anyone toying with the idea of trespassing may want to think twice.

They are highly trained, hopefully, and can tell the difference between an intruder and a friendly neighbor.

That being said, guard dogs are very likely to suffer from abuse, neglect, and unfair stereotyping, regardless of their high levels of intelligence and obedience.

Due to lack of training and poor breeding in the past, guard dog breeds have become synonymous with violence and aggression.

With media emphasis being focused upon any negative guard dog reports, rather than on the benefits of having such pets, it is easy to understand why most have misconceptions about these animals.

As a result, they are likely to be treated more like wild, vicious nuisances rather than loving, helpful companions. Some of the most common misconceptions about guard dogs include the following:

• That guard dogs must not receive loving care
• That all guard dogs are natural killers
• That guard dogs are the only necessary household protection measure

Myth #1: Guards Dogs Do Not Need Affection

How you treat your guard dog should depend upon your desire for his effectiveness. If it is your desire to build a guard dog that is completely unpredictable, who cannot control his aggressive urges, and who may even turn violent toward you, deprive him of your affection and care.

If you would prefer to have a guard dog who is highly trainable, obedient, and loyal to you and your loved ones, go ahead and treat him in the same manner as you would any companion dog.

Guard dogs are no different from companion dogs in their need for love and a relationship with their masters. In fact, they need a great deal of socialization to prevent overly aggressive behavior, and this exposure to others should begin while they are still very young (immediately, if possible).

Dog owners tend to have the mistaken belief that they are responsible for somehow “hardening” their guard dogs, and that treating them in a loving manner will soften their temperament.    In reality, a guard dog must be treated with affection in order to create in it a sense of loyalty.

In order to protect a family, a guard dog needs to have something to defend other than just territorial boundaries. Neglect and lack of loving care in guard dogs can cause any of the following negative side effects quite easily:

• uncontrollable aggression
• disobedience
• inability to distinguish safe visitors from intruders
• “turning” on the owner
• illness
• premature mortality

Myth #2: All Guard Dogs Are Natural Killers

Guards dogs tend to be treated as wild, untrained animals with an uncontrollable instinct to kill. This attitude is unfortunately seen in both owners and non-owners. These animals are judged as being vicious and dangerous, regardless of their temperaments, and are often treated as such.

However, although there have definitely been legitimate reports of guard dog violence, this reputation is undeserved.

The fact is, guard dogs that are this aggressive are usually poorly trained, and are in need of professional intervention. A guard dog that is properly trained from birth will exhibit loyalty, mild aggression, and self control.

The well trained guard dog is obedient to his master, and is able to distinguish between visitors and intruders. He will also refrain from unnecessary attacks on other animals, as well as nuisance barking and other problems associated with untrained guard dogs. While some breeds are indeed naturally more aggressive than others, most can be trained to control their urges quite well. 

Indeed there is always a danger involved when approaching a guard dog, trained or not, however most will only size up incoming visitors or simply warn them of trying anything inappropriate.

Myth #3: Guard Dogs Are the Only Protection a Home Needs

With criminal activity always on the rise, there is no limit to the amount of protection that one may find themselves desiring for the safety of their loved ones and homes. This is no secret to the home security industry. They are well aware of the increase in crime rates, as well as the increase in the average homeowner’s desire to protect themselves.

That is precisely why so many home protection devices are on the market today. From motion sensor lights and warning systems, to security plants and fake video cameras, there is little that the home security industry does not provide. Many guard dog owners purchase their pets in order to have a live protector in their homes at all times, as well as to avoid expensive security devices and false home security claims.

While owning a guard dog is a great protective measure, it may not need to be your only line of defense. Those expecting their guard dogs to be infallible creatures, unsusceptible to mistakes or failure, will be sorely disappointed.

The appeal associated with owning a protective animal is simple. They represent aggression and immediate consequences for potential intruders, and they also work as an alarm for any sort of impending danger. Guard dogs are living, breathing alarms and crime deterrent systems, all in one impressively strong and intelligent body. 

However, guard dogs may not be the only protection needed for a home, especially if break-ins are common in your area. Yes, they do invoke fear into the hearts of predators, however they are not machines designed for specific warnings. They are easily distracted, and they can be targeted for poisoning or brutal slaying. An intruder’s first instinct is to run in most cases when approached by a canine defender, however there are a few that will test the odds by attempting to inflict bodily harm to these loyal creatures.

Not only that, but they can also be completely misguided by a seemingly friendly intruder. Some criminals proceed in befriending a guard dog for several days or weeks before attempting to enter a home, especially if the household represents some sort of valuable target for them.

For the protection of your home, family, and your protective companion, it may be wise to utilize at least one other protective measure for your home, such as an alarm system.

It is unfair to use any animal in such a way that will leave him defenseless against dangerous individuals. While a predator may be willing to get past one deterrent, it is unlikely that he/she will be willing to overcome several, especially when an easier target will always be near by.