Do dogs really have an instinct about people?

[Mary Ann]

Karen, you make a good point. Country dogs have different jobs than city or suburban dogs. They are often the first line of defense for a rural family. I can't envision ever living in the country without a good dog. I start real young teaching my dogs to bark up a storm when someone comes. Sometimes, just the sound of walking into something akin to a kennel is enough to make a bad guy choose another target. They have a job, and they have to take it seriously. I just want to make sure they understand how far to go. I had a Golden for years that was great at this. She could look really fierce when you didn't know her, but was really a marshmallow. I have a friend with a dog like this, and hers is a big sweetie, too. But I've seen his hair stand on end until he's been told it's okay. Same with the barn dogs where I work, a bloodhound somethingerother mix, and a Mastiff. I often work alone there, and I like having them with me.

But I think Duchess makes a good point too. Dogs that don't understand how far to go, or that won't take their cue from their humans, is a hazard. Sometimes, the only way for a dog to find out is to overstep the boundaries. For most, that's all it takes, and they learn.

[KarenN]

You're right, Mary Ann, and as I said this was a first and only. Simba hasn't done it before or since - just the barking, menacing look. Hopefully this was an isolated instance, and witht he correction he recieved he won't do it again, but I do not want him to lose his protective nature, nor can I make him "like" everyone. There is however a difference bewteen liking someone and attacking. Mat has been here two or three times since and Simba has not warmed up to him, nor has he attacked again.

[linda]

I have added an addition verbal cue to my dog's vocabulary that seems to work. He is a farm dog--and also the one who goes with me in the car everywhere--my car alarm. When he is doing the right thing, but I've got it already, the command is, "Enough". That way I am not telling him to ignore whatever is happening, I am not telling him that he is a bad dog. I am rewarding his actions, but telling him that I have it under control now. This guy is ordinarily very friendly, but I have no question about whether or not he would protect me. He has demonstrated this on several occassions. This is one of those dogs that should live forever--he is a perfect one. He has great emotional balance and knows what is his and what belongs to us. I bought him a rawhide chew bone and he won't even touch it in the house. We will have to let him take it outside someday when his friends aren't over visiting. Food sitting on the floor or in the car is completely safe, unless he has been told he can have it. He won't let his friends chase HIS cat outside. This is a really neat dog. We are very lucky to have had him in our family. He will be a hard act to follow.
Linda