In addition to basic skills, such as the command “no”, “near”, “fetch”, you can also teach more complex ones, for example, the command “stranger and attack”. With their help, you can teach the dog to guard and correctly respond to strangers, other pets and a possible threat. The command “stranger” and “attack” are different, but both are typical for guard or hunting breeds. But it is worth understanding right away that this command does not imply an attack, but only a manifestation of alertness and readiness for active actions. It is enough for the dog to growl and bark loudly. Therefore, we will tell you below how to teach a dog the command “stranger”.
Team Features
Before teaching a dog the command “stranger” and even more so “attack”, the pet owner must decide for sure whether he needs it. After all, it is important that a person can stop his dog at any time and control its condition. If we are talking about an aggressive animal with a mental disorder, then after such training you can get an uncontrolled, angry dog. Therefore, professional dog handlers recommend paying attention to the following:
- Large and service dogs without preparation or training can rush to protect their owner. But only under the condition of a good and trusting relationship;
- It is possible to teach a decorative or small dog the “stranger” command, but there is no point in it;
- If not trained correctly, a pet can show aggression even towards friends or family members. And such animals are dangerous.
The main advantage of training this command is the ability to teach the dog not to approach strangers and to react correctly to difficult situations. Before starting training, it is also worth considering some recommendations:
- Only a mature dog with a formed psyche needs to be taught the “stranger” or “attack” command;
- During the training process, it is better to seek the help of an experienced dog trainer if you do not have the relevant knowledge or experience;
- It is best to teach your dog the “stranger” command outside the home and in a way that other family members are present during the training;
- It is better to start training at the age of 1.5 years;
- Dogs don’t like the smell of alcohol, so an “attacker” with a hangover will immediately provoke an aggressive reaction;
- The “stranger” command should be understood as a frightening growl, not a loud bark at the door, because this can form a bad habit;
- Any stranger wearing special equipment or protection can become a training assistant;
- Before you start training, the dog must have simple skills and perform basic commands, such as no, come, sit, next to me.
How does the training proceed?
It is worth noting right away that it is best to teach a dog the “stranger” command with the help of an assistant, and it is even better to seek help from a professional dog trainer. Since a specialist can immediately determine whether the dog is suitable for performing such commands. Another important point concerns those puppies that are initially wanted to be made into guards or protectors. In their case, you need to immediately limit contact with strangers and not let them squeeze, pet, or play with them. Also, already at an early age, you can teach them the “stranger” command and pull the leash.
After the pet’s psyche is formed, it becomes stronger and masters everyday skills, you can move on to exercises for teaching the “stranger” command. And the training goes like this:
- You need to ask your assistant to put on protection or thick clothing;
- Classes are held in a quiet and remote place where there are no irritating factors around;
- The dog must be kept on a short leash;
- The assistant should irritate the dog at close range and provoke its aggression; you can wave a stick or a stone;
- Without letting go of the leash, you need to say “stranger” in a threatening tone;
- The dog’s reaction in the form of barking, growling and alertness indicates that everything is going well. But it is still recommended to repeat this command several times;
- Next you need to say “no”, let the dog calm down, praise it and let it rest a little.
The exercise should be repeated three times per session. Moreover, the training is carried out after feeding the puppy (a couple of hours later) and after a walk.
What to do with non-aggressive dogs?
It happens that the dog does not want to show aggression, but this does not mean that training should be stopped. It is enough to move on to more radical methods, for example:
- Ask the assistant to wave his arms and try to attack;
- Trying to take away a treat from the owner that is intended for the dog;
- Attack the owner and lightly touch the dog, but carefully, so as not to cause injury, but only to provoke the desired reaction.
It is important to remember that increased aggression can cause a reverse reaction in the dog, it can start to be afraid, cover its muzzle with its paws and try to hide. Therefore, it is so important to monitor the puppy’s behavior and reaction, clearly responding to it. The main thing is not to forget to praise the pet, and in the first lessons even reward it with a treat.
You can reinforce the developed skill during walks. For example, when walking a dog on a leash, say the command “stranger” if a stranger appears nearby. When you hear growling or barking, praise and say “no.” You can also ask an assistant to quietly approach and pat the dog on the rump, while saying the command.
If you teach a dog correctly, then when you pronounce a command, it will growl at strangers and not be afraid if they swing at it. The dog should not attack, because there is another command for this – “attack”, but it should be practiced only under the supervision of a dog trainer, especially in the case of fighting breeds.
It is quite possible to teach the “stranger” command without outside help, in about a month. But only if all the rules and recommendations are followed. You will have to spend a lot of time, patience and effort on training, but you will be pleased with the result. And most importantly, you will be able to raise a loyal, kind defender who can come to your aid at any time.