It is a classic trope that we have all seen on TV, the guard dog chasing the mailman. As it is, life does imitate life and there are guard dogs for sale that are ready to run after the mailman once they have reached the doorstep. As responsible owners, we want our dogs to behave, especially when there is someone at the door who is friendly.
Although it might be your guard dog’s natural instinct to protect the home against intruders and strangers, they can be taught to respond appropriately when the mailman arrives. If your mailman is scared to come near your home in fear of an attack, here are some training tips you can follow to keep everyone safe:
Tip 1: Socialize Them Early
The best way to prevent your dog from attacking or becoming aggressive towards people and other animals is to socialize them from an early age. Puppies that are allowed to engage with other pets and humans tend to be less aggressive when they grow up. At the ages of 3 up to 12 weeks, puppies are more trusting, but as they grow older they become more wary of their surroundings.
Tip 2: Treats For Good Behavior
Positive reinforcement has always been an effective tool to train guard dogs for sale. This can be done at home too, and fairly easily when it becomes a habit. Offer your dog a treat when they follow your command to stay still when the mailman arrives and continue to do so. The dog will soon associate the treat with the mailman’s arrival and instead of barking or attacking, they will get excited to receive the reward.
Tip 3: Introduce The Mailman
This is an option that may not be open to everyone, but it worth a try if your friendly mailman is up to the task and has some free time. The reason why dogs are very aggressive towards the mailman is because they are seen as strangers who drop off strange things at home; this makes dogs extra weary and protective.
Maybe all you need is to take a few minutes to introduce the mailman to your dog so that they become more familiar with their scent. The mailman offering a treat or a nice pat on the head can change the perspective of your dog and they will become friendlier as time passes.
Tip 4: Consult With A Professional
There are some instances where no matter how hard you try to keep your dog calm or introduce them to the mailman; they are still ready to pounce when the mailman arrives. For these extreme cases, it is best to seek professional advice. Guard dogs that were specifically trained to protect you and your home might need to see their original trainer. Contact the experts as soon as possible to ensure everyone’s safety.
Remember to be patient, your guard dog is only being protective and reacting according to their instincts. Just apologize to the mailman and do your best to keep the peace between them.
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