Dogs have provided humans with loyal and unwavering protection throughout their evolutionary history. From protecting livestock to being watchdogs for property and families, our canine friends are nothing less than superheroes.
Many dogs have powerful protective instincts, but some can be a bit harder to train. No two breeds are the same when it comes to trainability levels. Even members of the same breed can have different temperaments due to the environments they’ve been raised in.
Though early obedience training and socialization help turn your dog into a powerful and watchful ally, there are guard dogs easier to train than others. Read our guide to find out about protection dogs that are easier to train and don’t drive their trainers bonkers.
Guard Dog Breeds that are Easy to Train
1. German Shepherd
German Shepherd is an obvious name that comes to mind when we’re discussing the best guard dogs with high trainability. These were originally bred in Germany as enduring working dogs and have become one of the most popular companion dogs as well.
You have seen them on TV and in movies, you’ve seen them at the airport as security and search and rescue dogs. German Shepherds have made a name for themselves with their versatile traits. From military dogs to excellent guard dogs, these intelligent and fearless dogs are really humanity’s best friends.
Though their appearance and medium to large size can make them look a bit intimidating, German Shepherds are generally great family pets. As working dogs, they love to be given a job to do, which makes them amazing to train.
The American Kennel Club suggests early socialization and puppy training classes for these canines.
2. Doberman Pinscher
Doberman Pinschers have a fierce look despite their sleek build. With their perky ears and alert eyes, their whole appearance shouts “guard dogs”. Dobies were bred in Germany as working dogs and are one of the most popular military and security dog breeds.
Dobies are extremely loyal and protective dogs that move with agility and confidence. They make the most dedicated companion dogs and have been called gentle giants due to their affectionate nature towards their family members.
Dobbies are very intelligent dogs and learn to follow commands and complete complex tasks efficiently. They tend to be somewhat aloof towards strangers, which makes sense as they’re great guard dogs. They can become more well-behaved with early obedience and socialization training.
3. Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois are canines developed in Belgium, known for their resilience and intelligence. One of the best protection dogs, Mals are hard to beat in the versatility and protectiveness game.
From being loving companions to their owners to police work and being a part of military units, Belgian Malinois are dogs that can do it all. They were originally bred for herding animals, which makes them smart canines with an alert mind.
Hill’s Pet suggests avoiding harsh training; they’re naturals as guardian dogs, and these instincts will come to them without much effort. Early socialization is always a must for dogs, and Mals are no exception.
4. Rottweiler
Rottweilers are big and sturdy-looking dogs literally bred for the protector lifestyle. Rottweilers’ history as guard dogs can be traced all the way back to the Roman Empire. If this can’t convince you of their fabulous talents to protect their homes, nothing else might.
Rotties are confident and fearless dogs, and this shows in their posture and the way they hold their large heads high. With proper training, they become the unstoppable guardians for their families and also make great police dogs.
Training Rotties to be personal protection dogs or guardians for your property takes understanding their nature. Their instincts do most of the job; what you need to do is build a connection with these pups and socialize them while they’re still puppies.
5. Boxer
With their muscular bodies, broad chest, strong legs, and surprisingly sweet and comical face, Boxers are as versatile as you can wish for. They have strong protective instincts and stay fearless in the face of any potential threat against their families and territory.
While they’re clownish faces can make you smile, their loyalty and alertness will help you sleep at night with peace. These powerful dogs move with a grace and athletic ability that can throw their enemy off guard.
Though they have a little stubborn streak, if Boxers have lived around people and other animals from an early age, they can grow to be well-mannered pups. First-time dog owners should assess their abilities before adopting a Boxer.
They’re very intelligent dogs, which means they love mental stimulation games and novelty. Repetition will annoy them during training, so think of creative ways to engage them.
6. Giant Schnauzer
Giant Schnauzers are huge and imposing dogs that can scare away predators from a good distance. Their appearance is just as impressive as their talent to be fabulous watchdogs. With their pointy ears, thick coats, and unique facial hair, these canines etch their vision in our memories.
If you’re looking for a dog that can own any room with its mere presence, Giant Schnauzers are the breed for you. They are hard-working dogs that wear many hats: police and military working dogs, companions, and rescue dogs. And they can nail any role they have to play, as the AKC notes.
These large dogs are very committed to their families and treat strangers with suspicion. To get them to coexist with other pets will require consistent and early socialization. Despite their strong personalities, they’re easy to train guard dogs due to their natural talents and their eagerness to please their owners.
7. Airedale Terrier
Airedale Terriers are medium-sized dogs with adorable faces and curly, dense coats. These fabulous canines were developed in England and enjoy the title of “The King of Terriers”. These highly energetic and very clever dogs make fantastic watchdogs.
Airdales are considered the most intelligent Terriers of them all, which says something. They have a strong personality, so if you’re a first-time pet parent, this breed might not suit you well. They can be loving to their owners and enjoy spending time with them if they’ve bonded well.
With a life expectancy of 11 to 13 years, Airdales are a healthy and robust breed and are often picked as watchdogs. It’s important to begin training Airdales when they’re puppies, as they can grow to be quite strong-willed.
Understanding them is the key to helping them channel their watchdog talents. Instead of forcing them to do what they don’t want to do, use positive reinforcement and rewards instead.
Conclusion
A good guard dog can be a fabulous ally for you and a watchful presence for your family. Many factors determine which dog breed will suit your lifestyle the best; weigh all aspects before deciding. Always get in touch with a reputable breeder or a good rescue center to find your furry companion.
