So you’ve done your research, taken the plunge and finally got a personal protection dog from Total K9 for yourself. Some new owners experience a bit of apprehension when they first take their new dog home. Because of the reputation that guard dogs have, often unfairly, as being aggressive and loud, people worry that they won’t be able to form a strong relationship with their protection dog.
In our experience however, the reverse is true. Our protection dogs are unfailingly loyal and extremely affectionate. In fact, many of our customers report feeling a stronger bond with their new dog than with pets they’ve had in the past. But to help ease those initial worries, here are a few of our top tips to encourage that bonding process along.
Be consistent
Erratic behaviour is confusing and disorienting for any dog, and can even undo good training. Be consistent with your commands, your tone and your treatment and your personal protection dog will trust you from the outset. Setting firm boundaries and enforcing them fairly shows that you are a pack leader worthy of respect.
Give lots of hugs
This tip may seem frivolous but it’s actually a key way to consolidate on the excellent training that our dogs receive at Total K9. Especially if you have young children around, getting your new dog used to receiving unexpected cuddles from little ones and being tolerant of this, is an important part of embedding it in the dynamic of your household.
Play Games
Protection dogs are highly intelligent animals and their judgement and mental agility can be improved yet further if you keep them in a stimulating environment. Even though the primary role of a protection dog is one that should be taken seriously, that doesn’t mean that they should be denied the opportunity to play, so remember to incorporate games into your dog’s routine.
If you invest time in the relationship with your protection dog right from the the beginning, they will defend you and your household to the ends of the earth.
