Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a Rottie/Pitt that is little over two years old that I got from someone that could'nt keep him. Prior to my getting him he was a yard dog. Now he's stays in the house much more and especially at night because I really wanted him for protection of my home. He also goes on 1 mile to 2 walks at least 5 days out of 7. When he's in the yard he's very territorial, barking ferociously. When he's in the house I've seen children come on the porch and he just watches them. I don't let him get friendly with anyone that comes to the house as a matter of fact I immediately put him in the yard so that he does'nt even see them. One time I had to tie him to the inside living room steps because I had two guys come in that had to go in the yard and that was the first time he ever seen anybody strange and he did'nt even bark at them. When my boyfriend and I come in the house he does'nt even come to the door until we're in the vestibue entering into the second door. Seems to me he does'nt even hear us, I would expect him to hear people as soon as they step on the porch. He makes me think that if someone tried to break in he would let them walk right in. When the mailman puts the mail in the door he does run to the door but does'nt bark. Any suggestions on how to get him to be more responsive to at least let visitors know there's a dog in the house? Thanks

>>I have a Rottie/Pitt that is little over two years old that I got from someone that could'nt keep him. Prior to my getting him he was a yard dog. Now he's stays in the house much more and especially at night because I really wanted him for protection of my home. He also goes on 1 mile to 2 walks at least 5 days out of 7. When he's in the yard he's very territorial, barking ferociously. When he's in the house I've seen children come on the porch and he just watches them. I don't let him get friendly with anyone that comes to the house as a matter of fact I immediately put him in the yard so that he does'nt even see them. One time I had to tie him to the inside living room steps because I had two guys come in that had to go in the yard and that was the first time he ever seen anybody strange and he did'nt even bark at them. When my boyfriend and I come in the house he does'nt even come to the door until we're in the vestibue entering into the second door. Seems to me he does'nt even hear us, I would expect him to hear people as soon as they step on the porch. He makes me think that if someone tried to break in he would let them walk right in. When the mailman puts the mail in the door he does run to the door but does'nt bark. Any suggestions on how to get him to be more responsive to at least let visitors know there's a dog in the house? Thanks

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I would leave well enough alone. His behavior in the backyard is a strong indication that he would guard if there was any real reason to do so. Encouraging a dog to be aggressive is inviting him to bite the wrong person. That gets him put to sleep, you sued, and in many states now it can even put you in prison!
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Kathy Diamond Davis, author, "Therapy Dogs: Training Your Dog to Reach Others," 2nd edition, and the free Canine Behavior Series articles at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=SRC&S=1&SourceID=47

First of all, why would you want such an aggressive dog? If you want to have a protective dog the best thing you can do is be sure he is a part of the family and allow him to meet people you know and invite into your home. He will not be able to tell the difference between a threat and a welcomed stranger without being exposed. Also, if you are looking for a guard dog, next time do not get a pitbull...by nature they do not make good guard dogs due to the human aggression being bred out of the breed.

I bet if someone broke into your house he'd be an entirely different dog. They know when there's danger and when there isn't. He doesn't bark at children? Good. If he ever slips out the front door maybe he won't eat children. : ) There's nothing wrong with socializing a protection dog. He needs to know that when you invite someone into the house they are welcome.
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Kadee Sedtal
home of Kyky The Amazing RRRRando! and old lady Lucy