American Bulldog

[silver2224]

I recently purchased an American Bulldog. Havn't brought it home yet considering it's currently 7 weeks old. The main two reasons I picked this breed are the medium-high energy drive, and the fact that it can gaurd me and my property.

I was recently researching the dogs ability to gaurd and I came across a K9 protection training site that said, "most people expect their dogs to protect them in the face of danger, but 99% of dogs would instinctivly retreat rather than protect."

I don't know if they were saying this so they could sell their K9 protection classes or if it's beceause they believe it's true. I don't want to promote aggression in my dog which from my understanding is one of the things these classes do, but one of the reasons I picked this breed is that I thought it could protect me and my property if needed.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not buying the dog soley as a gaurd dog. I plan on taking him jogging, teaching him fetch, and a ton of other tricks. This is one of the reaasons I picked an American Bulldog, so it can protect without being aggressive.

 

[Sixers]

I myself owned an American Bulldog and I use to think that she would protect me. Fight or Flight..most will choose flight unless trained in protection work. You can't just buy a dog and expect it to protect you if the need arise. Speaking for my dog only..she would have pissed herself if someone tried to hurt me. She was a softy. IMO any dog that acts out without any training is a ticking time bomb. Congratulation on your new puppy BTW.

 

[casablanca1]

A dog the size and appearance of an American Bulldog can protect without being aggressive in that it's fairly intimidating sound asleep. But otherwise--it might be aggression that you like instead of aggression that you dislike (biting a thief rather than a toddler) but it's still aggression. That's why attack/guard training is not for amateurs; it's channeled, focused aggression. Schutzhund dogs, military dogs, police dogs, all have to be trained to disregard something we call 'bite inhibition.' That's the fail-safe of domestication, the hesitation a normal dog has to bite a human.

I don't think you need to worry about your puppy's future ability or desire to guard you and yours. Some very easygoing dogs will show a thief the way to the silverware, but most working breeds and certainly most terriers and bulldogs will be excellent guards. The more likely problem is that many of these breeds also tend to be suspicious and unfriendly to strangers. It's natural for them, but it's also unacceptable for them to act on it. After all, you can't play catch in the local park if your dog might take off after another dog or a kid at any moment. Training is the best way to get a great dog who can guard your house, jog nicely at your side and be with you on a walk the night the mugger decides you know, that's one big dog.

 

[Amstaffer]

Not sure you made the best choice for a guard dog, at least vs humans. Most of the ABs I have met just plain like people too much (like Pit Bulls). They do look "Scary" and thus might be great guardians w/o any aggression. If you want a guard against other animals then ABs can be fearless.

There are other dogs that would have made much better guards against humans (GSD, Rottie or Dobies), but as you stated most dogs need training to face a life or death situation....heck many humans would to

 

[mrose_s]

we have an AB mix. everytime we have needed her she is there. once a cattle dog came out at us. my sister turned to get away, hit a pole and fell down. sophie jumped inbetween grace and the dog. the dog immediatley backed down. i trust sophie with my life. i also believe buster would protect me.
i have seen him with my friends. i had soem mates over once and my friends boyfriend was trying to push her into the pool. buster gets nervous with conflict and he ran over and looked like he would almost bite this guy. i called him and he came immediatley. he doesn't like boys.

i would read up on schutzhound. its a great sport but i know buster doesn't have the personality to enter it.

 

[Amstaffer]

i would read up on schutzhound. its a great sport but i know buster doesn't have the personality to enter it.

I agree Schutzhound would be great but check with your insurance homeowners policy, many companies will not cover you if they find out your dog has been train to bite.

 

[planet molosser]

The first thing you should do is obedience train and socialize the h--- out of the pup.

Then when you see him maturing go to a protection club and as long as you have a strong background on control of your dog they can and will test your dog for defense drive and or prey - play.

You dont need to trial or buy a bunch of classes .
Just TEST your dog with someone who knows how _not to BREAK the dog and to let im WIN and build up his confidence.

You can learn allot from these PP people I have..

It will also make you feel comfortable that IF he does have to protect you that you can call him OFF.

I test all breeding dog for protection and select away from weak nerves.
You could try the ATTS TT which is alert on the bad guy vs protection.
ANd like others say size factors and if he stable and alert is mostly what people need. NOT a dog that will BITE but one that scares off the bad guys.

Even when breeding 2 great dogs together dont mean all of them turn out great or are willing to protect.

Best wishes with your new pups/ PICS?

PS I dont use aggressive vs protective unless the dog is unpredicatable and un controlable by either lack of work and or and genetics or both.

PSS this pp work is for people with a great deal of dog behavior knowledge and understanding. Newbies should NEVER test or work dogs in defense unless under a mentor who will help for the life of the dog.