How do you know if your dog would defend you?

Canada
February 3, 2010 1:22pm CST
Hello, Ive never had a dog before having my 6 years old Labrador. We got him he was only 6 wks old. He was the tiniest and most quiet. He's a real good dog and listens to us. Ive never hit him and I train him by giving him a treat when he does what I want him to do and it works great. I work from home and he's never been left home alone EVER. We take him everywhere we go and if we cant take him, we dont go. He doesnt go outside alone either. He's not around people much, same for other dogs. Im wondering what would happen if a stranger were to come in the house Uninvited.....would he attack? I had a house inspector come over two weeks ago and he asked me if my dog was going to attack him and I had to be honest and say I didnt know!!!! Then he said that since he was standing between him and me, he probably would. How can one find out without having someone killed?
2 responses
@savypat (20216)
• United States
3 Feb 10
Pay attention to body language, if he growls or barks that is a good sign, our dog does both and she will get between us and a stranger. Pupppies often take some growing to become protective so just watch him, you want to be aware so that he doesn't attack someone you don't want him to. A biting dog can cost you not only heaart ache but cold hard cash.
1 person likes this
• Canada
3 Feb 10
Hello Savypat, Thanks for your answer. He's not a puppy anymore, he'll be 6 yrs old in 2 wks. He does bark when family come over but he wont growl. He's so happy to see my dad or my nephew. He didnt bark nor growl when the inspector came over. He just stood there. I know it will cost me a lot if he bites someone, thats why I keep him on a leash when a stranger comes over. So growling is the sign that he'll bite?
@savypat (20216)
• United States
3 Feb 10
Growling is a warning of danger, whether he will bite or not depends on the dog.
1 person likes this
3 Feb 10
my dog would defend me because the animal knows who feeds him what good dog would not defend his owner from danger that what the dogs job is to defend you your home and you children if need be so my dog would lay down his life for me his master the one who feeds him so i can understand a dog that would not do this ,for his master and the place where he lives
1 person likes this
• Philippines
4 Feb 10
My dog barks and go at our gate if someone she didn't know. In that way I know if someone is coming or someone is outside our house.
1 person likes this
• Canada
5 Feb 10
Hi Healthbeauty, Yes my dog will do the same, bark if theres someone at the door or even on the property. But he's inside, not outside and it lets me know if theres someone near the house.