Will my GSD protect me? - Page 4

I will consider pp training for my dog, my only concern is his age, now that he is 6yrs old.  If any of you know or can refer me to someone around the Dallas/Ft Worth area for protecion training could you pleae let me know?  Thank you....Annie

Hans, It's so nice to see you on the board. It's a breath of fresh air to get knowledgable sound advice on the board as it's been difficult to get those experienced folks to stay or at least post.  I prefer the PP trained dog and always am interested in getting seasoned advice on this topic.

I've spoken to you in the past and even purchased some dvd's from you that were very helpful. You certainly have much to offer on the board for those that actually come here to learn something.  Hope you stick around

Six years old is too old to start training IMO. 

You don't need or want PP training for this dog.
Some simple training to arouse suspicion, a bit of agitation from a total stranger will do for your purposes.
First you must ask your self, will the dog obey me. 
Do you have any training experience yourself?
Obedience comes first, and socializing never ends, you could fix this in an afternoon with the right kind of guidance.
Beware not to go too far.
Also beware of Professional trainers, find one who understands what your needs are and knows more than just one way to train a dog.
Its not really all that complicated.



Moons.

anniedfw here is just my 2 cents, which isn't worth much, but anyway.....i have a standard poodle and a german showlines german shepherd. my gsd girl is alot like your boy, doesn't bark much, very friendly too. however, fluffy will alert readily by barking when someone is at the door, or barking at suspicious people at nite, and when she does this, spunky will usually follow her lead. i don't know if you can have more than one dog, but if you can, i would suggest adding a standard poodle. well i know that poodles don't look mean but both my girls are the same height and when they are both going off barking, people go out of their way to avoid us. would your boy protect you, i don't know. one night i was out walking and some guy ran up behind me and grabbed my butt twice, while both dogs just sat there looking stupid. the next time someone ran up behind me like that i was suspicious and turned to face them. as i turned, my poodle lunged, barking and growling towards the guy while my gsd just stood there watching, looking puzzled. lol. get a poodle....... spunky has been doing better lately. i usually hold the leash short but i let it out more when i see someone approach, and although she does not bark, her head and tail have been going up, and occasionally her hackles go up too. i say good girl and she looks thrilled to death.....well anyway good luck.

My family had a GSD/Border Collie mix that was just the best watch dog.  He had a deep thunderous bark and if he didn't know you he would circle you barking the whole time.  We figured he was all bark and no bite so my brother and I cooked up a plan to test him.  My brother donned an old pair of coveralls, workboots, a hooded jacket and then snuck out the back door and onto the paved road that went by the house.  I sat on the front porch and distracted the dog.  My brother came up the drive, staggering around like a drunk.  Keep in mind that he had totally changed his appearence and the wind was in his face so Hercules did not recognize him.  I had my arm around Herc and when he spotted the intruder he went on full alert, hackles up, ears up and standing at attention.  He rumbled deep down in his chest as he watched my brother stumble closer and closer.  When my brother was about 25 yards away, Herc launched off the porch with a roar and headed straight for him, jaws popping.  My brother kept coming and at the last minute, when Herc was airborne he spoke his name.  Whew!  That was close!  We have no doubt that my brother just missed getting a nasty bite.  Herc of course was mortified that he almost attacked a family member.  He talked and talked to my brother while jumping all over him in a friendly greeting.  He seemed soooo embarrassed.  LOL