A guard dog IS NOT a family or personal protection dog, it does not act the same, it does not think the same and it is not trained the same. A trained guard dog, has a different function or responsibility than a family or personal protection dog. The main responsibility of a guard dog is usually to guard a business, yard or territory, typically after hours, against any intruder or trespasser.
A guard dog possesses specific characteristics and temperament. They are highly territorial and tend to have a low pack drive. They have little or no desire to please and rather be alone even thou they often times work in pairs. They are used to patrol a specific area which they consider their territory or turf and they guard it with aggression. Some dogs used in defense or protection have a natural guard instinct which could be desired if left home and there is an intrusion so is ok to have some guard instinct just not over the top.
The main difference between a family or personal protection dog and a guard dog is that a protection dog sees everyone as a friend until the owner or handler says otherwise, a guard dog sees everyone who enters his space as an enemy, doesn’t matter if it’s a child getting a ball or a 90 yr old lady looking for her cane, they will attack. A guard dog attacks on instinct and will apprehend or immobilize and intruder without the owner present. The protection dog attacks only on command.
As previously stated, dogs that have been trained to guard will attack anyone who trespasses, they usually lack social skills and usually do not bark or make a lot of noise or warning when a possible intruder approaches, and they simply wait and attack. They are not recommended for a family or personal home setting and should definitely be kept secured away from children at all times.
