When will his guard dog part kick in?

[Grims]

Currently 8 month old Axel has never met a warm body that didn't need licking, and I was curious if there is a point where he will begin to be more suspicious and aloof of strangers?

[HAROLD M]

closer to 2 yrs old .from what i hear i only have a puppy still.

[Jessica H]

Dozer is the opposite. When he is on a leash he goes into protect mode. Even when off leash and someone approaches me he barks and lets them know he does not want them near. If I assure him it is OK and walk up to the person then he just wants to lick them.
I am fine with this because I live in the middle of no where and I feel more comfortable having a dog that looks and acts scary (even if he isn't), he still intimidates people. People always ask if he is friendly, lol. I say yes he is just a baby but there was one time someone came to my door and I said not with strangers. I didn't know this person, he was selling something and people rarely come to my house where I live. He sat next to me watching the man, the man took a step up towards the door and he stood up and started growling. I was very proud ;-)
Just the other day I was walking with my friend and he barked at an old man with a cane.
The trainer explained to me that he will be more protective when on a leash.

[Grims]

How old is Dozer? I hope I didn't 'over' socialize Axel.

[Jessica H]

Dozer is 6 months old. I have socialized Dozer excessively because he started protecting me at 14 weeks old so I did not want it to turn to aggression.
I bring him EVERYWHERE with me, I bring him to the local feed store, to pet stores, to cookouts, ice fishing, to work, friend's houses, parties, training, etc.

He also goes to daycare 3 times a week so he is VERY socialized. He just feels the need to protect me, especially on a leash.

[Lauri & The Gang]

Originally Posted By: AxxelHow old is Dozer? I hope I didn't 'over' socialize Axel.

You can NEVER "over socialize" a dog - even a German Shepherd.

His natural protectiveness (if it's in his genes) will kick in when he matures - mentally AND emotionally.

[Jessica H]

LOL, I know there is no such thing I was exaggerating. I was just saying that socializing him a lot will not take away the natural protectiveness because even the amount I do socialize him he is still protective.

[xwildman138x]

Baron is 15 months old and the other day I was playing around smacking my wife on the arm and Baron started growling. I looked at him and said "what are you gonna do goofball" I started smacking her again and he lunged and grabbed my arm! I couldn't believe it! Now when I say he grabbed my arm it was about as strong as his playbite but he held and wouldn't let go. Until I told him to release and he did. I never taught him anything like that, looks like tendencies are starting already and he's still a pup. Hopefully it was just a fluke and we have more time before he decides he needs to protect us.

[Grims]

The posters on leerburg feel very strongly against "over socializing" It's interesting to see how views change from forum to forum.

[BowWowMeow]

Dozer's behavior is most likely indicative of fear (the man with a cane if a perfect example) than protectiveness. A good guard dog understands the difference between a threat and a stranger. Chama and Massie were excellent protectors and barked appropriately but not inappropriately. Basu was terrible--he barked at anything and everything that moved! As he got older and more confident he got very aggressive and I had watch him very carefully when people were in my house. I'd MUCH rather have an overly friendly dog than an overly protective dog. And, just for the record, it was clearly motivated by fear on Basu's part.

Rafi has just begun to bark when people come to the door. He is between 2.5 and 3. I let him bark once or twice and then thank him. His presence is enough of a deterrent. I don't want the liability of worrying about him biting someone like I did with Basu!