Whoa, LGD finally viewing humans as predators!

[dianneS]

Okay, my LGD has been amazing after working through some growing pains in his "teenage" phase.

I never really thought he would ever see humans as potential predators. He's always been such a big goofball and very friendly to everyone. Lately however, he's been doing some serious barking from his side of the fence any time he sees a stranger. Or even a person he's met before but doesn't see very often.

Today, I had a visitor that he's met before and I was standing right there. We were about 8 feet from the fence. Alex, the dog, came over, jumped up at the fence and began barking, then began growling... a very serious, I mean business growl. He even started to quiver all over, and his lips were pursed very tightly (not bearing his teeth). He kept this up, even when I told him to relax.

I went to the fence, and I was able to pet him, he didn't wag his tail though. He was still leery of my visitor.

I'm quite surprised. I honestly never thought I would see behavior like that out of him. Now I'm concerned about potential dog bites. I guess I'd better make sure he stays securely contained within our fences so that he doesn't wander and become a liability?

I am pleased that he's becoming so protective. Too bad I can't have him guard the house!

 

[terrilhb]

. Sounds like he is going to be a fantastic dog.

 

[secuono]

Keep him on your property and you are fine. Post signs that say 'guard dog' attach dog' and other such quotes where people will see them on the fence. That will protect you from an idiot getting bit when there are signs clearly stating he will get bitten.
That's what I have on my fences, 'warning, guard dog' with a doberman picture on it. Keeps my mind at ease about morons trespassing or trying to touch my Doberman. Though, some people are really dumb, I've had a strew of visitors recently to do random work at the house and to pick up chickens. They all asked the same stupid question, even though they passed or stood by my signs....wow...
"can I pet him, will he bite me, but he wagged his tail at me." We need better education about dogs...ugh.
Sign has been there for years, I've got pics with them in the picture here and there for proof if anyone wants to try and sue me saying there are no signs. Lol, they can bite me at that point.


I wonder, can a lgd jump a 4ft fence? They seem soooo chill and big, I wouldn't think they would. Or if they are off the property, would they really bite?
How is he on a walk, vets or stores if you take him?

 

[terrilhb]

Keep him on your property and you are fine. Post signs that say 'guard dog' attach dog' and other such quotes where people will see them on the fence. That will protect you from an idiot getting bit when there are signs clearly stating he will get bitten.
That's what I have on my fences, 'warning, guard dog' with a doberman picture on it. Keeps my mind at ease about morons trespassing or trying to touch my Doberman. Though, some people are really dumb, I've had a strew of visitors recently to do random work at the house and to pick up chickens. They all asked the same stupid question, even though they passed or stood by my signs....wow...
"can I pet him, will he bite me, but he wagged his tail at me." We need better education about dogs...ugh.
Sign has been there for years, I've got pics with them in the picture here and there for proof if anyone wants to try and sue me saying there are no signs. Lol, they can bite me at that point.


I wonder, can a lgd jump a 4ft fence? They seem soooo chill and big, I wouldn't think they would. Or if they are off the property, would they really bite?
How is he on a walk, vets or stores if you take him?

You have a doberman? Are they good with chickens and goats?

 

[dianneS]

I have the signs from the Anatolia Shepherd association that state "Working Livestock Guardian Dog, Do not Disturb". I was told that putting "beware of dog" signs made them more of a liability and could get you in more trouble if someone gets bit?

Anyway, most people do ignore the signs I have, especially since my dog is typically standing at the fence wagging his tail. Not anymore! There are certain visitors who really poo-poohed my dogs guarding abilities. I can't wait until they come for another visit!

 

[DKRabbitry]

Here in MI, it is against the law to have a dog that you know is "aggressive" and that you know will bite someone, so Beware of Dog signs and Attack dog signs do put you at higher risk if your dog bites someone because it just says that you knew you had an aggressive dog. My sign says "CAUTION: Dogs on Premises" People can take from that what they will. Litterally, it just says I have dogs, but people assume it means I have dogs they need to worry about.

Someone I knew that lived in CA said that there it was better to have signs that say your dog will bite to warn people. I don't know if that is true or not, but mostly I would say it depends on where you live and what judge you get if you get taken to court for a dog bite.

That is really cool that your dog matured and is doing his job! And I wholeaheartedly agree with your thought that at this point, you know he knows what he was bred for, and it is YOUR responsibilty to protect him and make sure the fence is secure. But, anything inside that fence is fair game LOL

 

[Beekissed]

I don't know if I would let him continue to threaten while you are there. Usually they will bark a warning and even display threatening behavior if a stranger appears while you are gone or not in the immediate vicinity. They should stop that as soon as the pack leader-YOU-has been alerted to the danger and comes to diffuse the threat. If you do not arrive, then they would continue to guard....the livestock/vicinity. Lunging at, jumping up on or growling at humans-or the fence in front of the visitors~ shouldn't be tolerated unless they are strangers advancing on the herd without you to approve it.

ANY person in your "pack", friends, family, etc., should be tolerated after the first introduction or so. For infrequent visitors, they should still bark but shouldn't be that aggressive.

 

[dianneS]

Beware of Dog signs and Attack dog signs do put you at higher risk if your dog bites someone because it just says that you knew you had an aggressive dog.

That's what I thought.

 

[lilhill]

I don't know if I would let him continue to threaten while you are there. Usually they will bark a warning and even display threatening behavior if a stranger appears while you are gone or not in the immediate vicinity. They should stop that as soon as the pack leader-YOU-has been alerted to the danger and comes to diffuse the threat. If you do not arrive, then they would continue to guard....the livestock/vicinity. Lunging at, jumping up on or growling at humans-or the fence in front of the visitors~ shouldn't be tolerated unless they are strangers advancing on the herd without you to approve it.

ANY person in your "pack", friends, family, etc., should be tolerated after the first introduction or so. For infrequent visitors, they should still bark but shouldn't be that aggressive.

. I have signs posted that say: Caution, guardian dogs at work.

 

[peteyfoozer]

I agree that you should be able to get them to stand down. You might want to work on how to introduce people so your dog knows who YOU accept and who you are not sure of. They are incredibly intelligent and learn quickly.
Mine have free run of the ranch here, and the boss often has hunters and their bird dogs show up, so my dogs have to be VERY social on 'neutral' territory. They have never been aggressive with either human or canine in the neutral area, but they don't allow dogs, birds of prey, or strange people out with their sheep, goats or chickens unless accompanied by me. Only the cowboys are allowed in with the calves. Its amazing how they are able to discern these things. I don't think I have ever been around more intelligent dogs.

I had to go to town one day and had a lady milk for me. They were fine with her because she had been coming over to help frequently, but were VERY unhappy about her husband coming to carry the milker for her. I HAD introduced them to him before, but never had him in the yard. She said they escorted him, grumbling, the whole way there and back. I was glad they were wary but not overly aggressive. If he had been alone, I am pretty sure they would not have let him enter at all.
I'd sure want to prevent anything that would endanger my dogs, which an attack surely would.