Most burglars will think twice before attempting to break into a home or property that has a sign that says “Beware of Dog” posted which makes it a highly effective deterrent; unfortunately it wasn’t enough to deter a man who robbed a Winnipeg automotive shop.
According to a September 14, 2013 report by the Winnipeg Free Press, a man accused of robbing a Winnipeg, Canada automotive shop purportedly hit a guard dog with a sledge hammer and then led law enforcement authorities on a high speed chase. It was reported that when the officers arrived at the auto shop the dog was guarding on an early Friday morning they discovered a man filling a stolen truck with auto parts.
The suspect, Douglas James Sinclair who has been accused of harming the dog, jumped in the stolen truck and took off, racing through a residential area, ignoring a number traffic lights, through a ditch and over railroad tracks before he took off on foot.
Finally, Sinclair tried to hide in a local business when he was found by police, taken into custody and charged with a number of offenses. In some cases, dog owners can recover damages in criminal prosecutions, civil lawsuits or in small claims court if their guard dog is injured; it’s unknown if recovering damages will apply in this case.
Choosing a Guard Dog
In most cases you don’t need a Doberman, Rottweiler or Pit-bull to add security to your home in the form of a great guard dog; there are many options. As a matter of fact, simply hearing a dog’s frantic barks is enough to deter a burglar from robbing your home.
If you’re looking for more than basic protection, whether you prefer medium-sized dogs or large ones, most experts advise hiring a professional trainer. Dog training will include teaching your dog how to distinguish between a stranger and a friend, the ability to focus and much, much more.
By following the steps outlined below, you can work along with the trainer to help bolster your dog’s defense skills.
Positive, Consistent Obedience Training
The only way to get the results you want, a highly trained guard dog, it to make sure you have enough patience, time and commitment to dedicate to training your dog properly and effectively. If you do, your dog will eventually respond to your every command; both hand signals and verbal instruction.
Familiarize Your Dog with the Perimeter’s They Be Protecting
Familiarizing your dog with the areas they be protecting is vital. For example, if you want them to protect your home; frequently walk them around the outer limits of your home so they’ll know the boundaries.
Teach Competent Barking
Your dog will need to learn who to bark at. First, you’ll need to encourage your dog to bark at strangers who approach your home by praising them and rewarding them with appreciating attention and treats when they do. Next, you’ll need to train your dog to stop barking when you command them to do so. If he or she doesn’t stop barking when you say so, you’ll want to keep practicing until they do. The most important thing to remember is to not reward your dog until he responds to your commands.
Along with searching for the breed that will fit your security needs, it’s also crucial that you learn about the breed’s personality and characteristics to make sure that they will be appropriate for your lifestyle and your family. Keep in mind, as mentioned above, safeguarding your home doesn’t require a hard core guard dog; even a dog whose bark is worse than its bite can deter burglars from entering your home.