I want to raise suspicion levels - Page 1

Since I am no longer training Ruger for sport, I'd like to raise his suspicion while in the house, in the yard, and in his crate. He has a nasty growl and bark in the back yard if he hears someone lurking, and in the house if there is someone at the door, however, if he can see the person, he only stares... If someone comes into the yard and he is behind his kennel, he only stares at them, if he can see through the crate and someone is there, he sits quietly. I think the quiet in the crate is fine, I don't want a barking dog in the back of my truck so much, but I would like for HIM to tell poeple NOT to stick their hands through the bars, or come in the house unannounced without me saying a word.
Any tips?

How old is he?
Be careful what you wish for!

You need a stranger,
a little flanking maneuver and a bit of agitation, but only in conjunction with a lot of socializing first during and after.

Yes be careful of what you wish for, it's a slippery slope.

Moons.

2 1/2, I know how to do it but was hoping to get others ideas. I do know the resposibility that comes with it as well. I am well aware of what I am getting myself into. I also know that he needs a job and I cannot work him, I can only do OB. with him.

He has been doing bitework, and Obedience for 2 1/2 years, and I have complete control. He will never be able to get close enough to someone to bite, unless it would be an intruder in the house, in the middle of the night.

what other ideas?

I live in Sacramento, and this whole thing with the LE. K9 and the home invasion, gets to me. My 12 yr old daughter gets home 3 hrs before I do. She brings Ruger inside with her, but I would like him to be more of a deterrant.

If your talking about biting a sleeve thats fine, but using someone who is not known and who would never come to your home, this stranger is what keys the dog's reaction.
Short of protection training I'm not sure what else you would want.
What I love about the GSD is that it will protect the ones it loves if it's any count at all.

Moons, I should have someone come bang on the door, someone who he has never seen before? What do you mean about flanking, is it exactly how it sounds? I would need to have him on leash in the house for this? I understand the difference between a sparring partner and an intruder, but how do I make HIM understand?

I do not think I would teach to bite with fingers in the crate (thru the wire). You could have the Golden Middle, or one that just does not have it. As Moons stated you need someone to come around lurking, maybe tap a window. He just might not be reading any threat into who is coming around so they are not worth his time/ the effort. I have one that shows no interest until, he thinks it is a threat, until that point he will cozy on up to you to be petted. If he feels you could be a problem he will show you the door and I better be reading/listening to him and quick. Also some males are slow to mature. The only way to know what he is made of is to test him. Is there another dog in the house that is doing the barking, He lets all vocal break lose and only raises his head if they are serious, then he will take over.  The s.o.b. tries to teach all the others to bark in the car as he knows I hate it, so he does not get into trouble he teaches them to do it for him, and if they won't, he does it and gives them the most disgusted look.
He could also be looking a sch as just a game, and you are off the field so your not playing at this time. If you have a friend and with a dog that he can get along with and allow into his home, if that dog alerts, you might want to use it to assist in showing what you want done. They do learn by example, I have also found (good or bad habits) if another dog has taught them, It is harder to undo.
Mine never bothered the mailman, until, I began taking in the neighbors dog while they were at work, she was going to kill him and was an escape artist, right thru shut windows and glass. So when I saw her out, I would bring her into my home, so everyone safe. She taught mine to hate the mail carriers. If they touch a treat, it could stay there for years, he will walk over them, the biggest chow hound I know.