A majority of people who purchase Golden retrievers want them as a companion dog. They might also want their Goldens to serve as guard dogs. The question is: can Golden retrievers be guard dogs? People have the impression that every dog will instinctively warn off strangers while having unmatched loyalty to their owners. Dogs are known to protect the property they consider their territory against intruders. However, these are only several qualities that make an ideal guard dog. Since Golden retrievers are super friendly, they may not seem like candidates for a good guard dog. However, it is surprising that these dogs can be the ultimate guard dog with the right training in just a few sessions. Goldens have inborn traits that you will need to train out of them before you can trust them to guard your valuable property and perform a guard dog’s duties.
Qualities of an Ideal Guard Dog – Can Golden Retrievers Be Guard Dogs?
Can Golden retrievers be guard dogs? Guard dogs must be large and hefty since larger dogs are more intimidating and can instill terror in intruders.
They should also exhibit fearlessness that will drive them to attack someone who harms their owner or breaks inside their property.
They must be athletic to be flexible and move with ease so they can immediately react to imminent danger.
Guard dogs must exhibit loyalty to their owners and not get waylaid by treats and other offers from strangers.
They must be highly intelligent, alert, and even watchful so they can sense their surroundings and judge real threats and start defending the territory. Can Golden retrievers be guard dogs?
Guard dogs must be extremely obedient to their owner and follow commands to attack in case of real threats. They must also calm down when a situation is nonthreatening.
Can Golden Retrievers Be Guard Dogs? – Top 6 Qualities of Golden Retrievers
Loyalty
A majority of dog owners expect their dog to be loyal. Golden retrievers are exceptional in creating strong bonds with their owners. Once this bond is established, rest assured that your dog will never betray you. Can Golden retrievers be guard dogs?
Golden retrievers are big on loyalty. They will stick by their owners through thick and thin. This is a good quality that makes them awesome candidates as guard dogs. According to experts, they are the most loyal dogs based on their past performance and temperament.
Loyal dogs are extremely protective of their human owners and are dependable since they cannot bear to see their humans in pain or danger.
Intelligence
Can Golden retrievers be guard dogs? If you have experience training a dog, you will know that intelligent dog breeds are easier to train. Since the Goldens are extremely intelligent, it only takes a few repetitions for them to learn and follow your commands. Once they are trained, there is an almost 100% probability that they will follow your command when you give it.
Because of their high intelligence, they are capable of learning from past experiences. They can distinguish intruders from friendly visitors. Meaning you don’t have to be worried about your Golden exhibiting aggression to strangers who pose no harm.
If they had optimum socialization as puppies, they won’t have to struggle to differentiate between good people and those with evil intentions.
Active
Golden retrievers are known for their high energy. They enjoy physical activity. Because of this, they will be ready and willing to defend against attackers. Goldens are energetic and have high endurance because they were traditionally bred for retrieving small animal game.
This breed is used to tough physical activities of the hunt. They can spend long hours outdoors. You can depend on them to keep up with you on your hike in the mountains and long jogs.
Since Goldens are a huge and athletic breed, they enjoy physical activity. They won’t be satisfied with a sedentary lifestyle, and they require at least one hour of physical activity every day. It keeps them mentally and physically stimulated and promotes stamina and energy required to chase after intruders.
Obedience
Golden retrievers are typically obedient to their human owners and enjoy pleasing them. Because of this, they are highly trainable and easy to manage. To start training your Golden retriever to become a guard dog, it is recommended to train them at the puppy stage. They will learn to follow your commands correctly.
Golden retrievers are also superior in terms of agility and obedience. When you examine their history, it should come as no surprise that Golden retrievers are among the top performers in obedience competitions.
It is also possible to allow your Golden to wander in the park freely and in other wide spaces. They have an intimate bond with you and will always be loyal and obedient. Since they are intelligent, they will find their way back home. But when it comes to younger Golden retrievers, you may find that they might be a bit rebellious compared to their older counterparts. They need to undergo training first.
Attentive
Golden retrievers are known worldwide to be people pleasers. They are highly trainable and attentive to commands given to them. Because of this, they are ideal dogs for training in various services.
These dogs are highly enthusiastic and attentive. They will please you thoroughly and have a strong bond with you. If you’re looking for the ultimate dog that will be a faithful and awesome companion, a Golden retriever should be on top of your list. They will stay close to you and make sure that you are protected at all times.
Hunting
You should see a golden retriever in action to know they are extremely good hunting dogs. Since they are spirited and curious, all they need from you is the go-ahead so they can dive into something.
Goldens are athletic dogs and exhibit a balanced gait, which helps them in the wild. They have muscular hindquarters, which improves their agility. Hunting dogs such as Golden retrievers are the ideal guard dog since they are active, athletic, and observant of their surroundings.
Final thoughts
Golden retrievers are known for their awesome and friendly personality. But every dog owner requires their dog to be aggressive and intimidating when the situation warrants it. Can golden retrievers be guard dogs? Since they are highly trainable and intelligent, they make an ideal guard dog who can perform the dual role of protecting your property as well as being your gentle companion.