Dogs are naturally protective animals and this instinct can sometimes get out of control.

Although we admire and appreciate our furry friends for their natural protective traits, it is important to control these instincts so they do not become a danger to us and others.

1. Obedience Training

Obedience training is one of the most effective ways to keep your dog’s protective instincts under control.

By teaching your dog basic commands such as ‘sit,’ ‘stay,’ and ‘come,’ you can establish yourself as the pack leader and your dog will learn to obey your commands.

This means that if your dog becomes protective, you can call them back using the ‘come’ command and they will return to you. You can also teach your dog the ‘stay’ command so they remain calm and in control when someone unfamiliar approaches.

2. Socialization

Socialization is another effective way of keeping your dog’s protective instincts under control.

By exposing your dog to different people, animals, and environments from a young age, they will learn to differentiate between friend and foe and will be less likely to become over-protective when they encounter unfamiliar situations.

Socialization can be achieved through puppy classes, dog parks, and dog-friendly events. Regular socialization helps to keep your dog calm and confident in new situations, making them less likely to react defensively or aggressively.

3. Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement involves rewarding your dog for good behavior. This technique can be used to encourage your dog to remain calm in certain situations, rather than becoming over-protective or aggressive.

For example, if your dog is calm and friendly towards an unfamiliar person, you can reward them with praise, treats, or affection, reinforcing their positive behavior.

Over time, your dog will learn that good behavior leads to positive rewards, making them more likely to remain calm and in control in future situations.

4. Never Reward Vigilant Behavior

It is important to never reward vigilant behavior in your dog, as it can encourage them to become overly protective.

Vigilant behavior involves your dog constantly scanning their environment, barking at anything unfamiliar, and becoming agitated or aggressive towards strangers.

If your dog displays this behavior, it is important to remain calm and assertive. Do not reward them with treats or affection, as this can reinforce the behavior.

Instead, redirect their attention to you with a command such as ‘sit’ or ‘stay’ and reward them when they comply.

Conclusion

By implementing the above techniques, you can keep your dog’s protective instincts under control and ensure they remain calm and in control in unfamiliar situations.

Remember to be patient, consistent, and positive in your approach, and you will have a happy, well-behaved furry friend who knows how to differentiate between friend and foe.