Are Golden Retriever Good Guard Dogs: An Expert Review

When it comes to family life, Golden Retrievers fit right in, offering happiness and company. But are Golden Retrievers good guard dogs? When we think of a guard dog, an intimidating image would come to mind – totally different from our lovely and outgoing Goldie. Thus, many owners come to us asking whether their Golden Retrievers can fulfill this role.

This question is not just about their ability to bark at a stranger or guard the backyard; it requires a deeper understanding of a Golden Retriever’s nature. To give you a detailed answer, let’s take a look at how their inherent traits can be translated into protective actions. 

Understanding the Term “Guard Dog” 

Before addressing the question “Can Golden Retrievers be guard dogs?”, we should first understand what this term really means. In a nutshell, guard dogs refer to dogs that are specifically trained to protect you and your family. There are three training levels for these lusty companions: 

• Alarm dogs: trained to bark loudly when strangers approach, but don’t attack. Their responsibility is to keep out intruders, such as burglars.

• Sentry dogs: The most typical type of guard dogs. They are trained to protect property, including warehouses and shipyards. Since these dogs might attack any stranger approaching, they are much more aggressive than alarm dogs. 

• Attack dogs: The fiercest type of guard dogs. You won’t see them in typical households but in military or police K-9 units. Since they are trained to attack or even kill on command, these are not to be kept as pets. 

Our experts note that, unlike normal pets, guard dogs are not socialization-trained. Since they are responsible for protecting owners and their properties, these dogs have a strong territorial nature and dominant personalities. Due to these traits, careful consideration is required if you want to have other pets in the household. 

Are Golden Retrievers Good Guard Dogs?

Now that you have an insight into what guard dogs really are, it’s time to see see if our Goldies fit the bill. Their friendly and sociable nature makes them great as a family pet, but not as a guard dog – something that requires sternness and intimidation. 

Let’s dive deeper into the characteristics that make Golden Retrievers less suitable for this role: 

• Friendly nature: Golden Retrievers are renowned for their friendly, outgoing personalities. They’re more likely to greet an intruder with a wagging tail than a menacing growl.
• Low aggression: These dogs have a naturally low aggression level. They’re not inclined to view strangers as threats, which is a key trait for guard dogs.
• Love for people: Goldens are people-pleasers. They enjoy human company, even from strangers, which can compromise their effectiveness as deterrents.
• Gentle temperament: Their gentle nature makes them excellent family pets but less intimidating to potential intruders.
• Lack of territorial instinct: Unlike many guard dog breeds, Goldens don’t have a strong territorial drive.

However, it’s not all bad news for Golden Retriever owners concerned about security. While they may not be ideal guard dogs, they can still contribute to your family’s safety in their own way.

Why Golden Retrievers Are Great As Protection Dogs?

“What are protection dogs,” you might ask? While the term “guard dogs” is more popular, protection dogs can also defend their owners. However, these dogs don’t undergo specialized training to teach them how to behave like security animals. They are meant to be kept as family pets and can safely interact with friends, kids, neighbors, or other animals in the household.

Here, we present you the top traits that make Golden Retrievers perfect as protection dogs: 

• Large size: With a maximum weight of 75 pounds, Goldies are true biggies. This trait is a huge plus point when protecting their families and homes. 
• Obedience: Due to their affectionate and obedient nature, Golden Retrievers are easy to train. With the right training method, they can carry out various tasks effectively, including basic protective duties. 
• Intelligence: Aside from being obedient, Golden Retrievers are also extremely intelligent. According to Dr. Stanley Cohen, Goldies are ranked fourth smartest among all dog breeds. This means they are highly trainable and can be quick to signal their family about anything out of the ordinary.
• Alertness: Goldens are generally alert and will bark to announce visitors or unusual activity.
• Loyalty: Golden Retrievers form strong bonds with their families and may naturally want to protect them.

Read more >> Are Golden Retrievers Good with Cats?

Step-by-Step Guide on Training Golden Retrievers to be Protective Dogs

To develop your Golden Retriever’s protective instincts, our experts suggest these steps:

Step 1: Start with Basic Obedience

Start by training your Golden Retrievers basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come.” This establishes you as the leader and makes further training easier.

Step 2: Teach the “Alert” Command

Train your dog to bark on command. Use a word like “speak” or “alert.” Reward them when they bark after hearing the command.

Step 3: Introduce the “Quiet” Command

Balance is key. Teach your dog to stop barking on command to prevent excessive noise.

Step 4: Practice Scenario Training

Set up mock situations where a friend (unknown to your dog) approaches your house. Reward your dog for alerting you with a bark.

Step 5: Reinforce Territorial Behavior

Encourage your dog to patrol the perimeter of your property during walks. This helps develop a sense of territory.

Step 6: Socialize Wisely

While you want your Golden to be friendly, teach them to be cautious of strangers. Allow them to meet new people, but always under your supervision.

Step 7: Teach the “Watch” Command

Train your dog to focus their attention on a specific person or area. This can be useful in potentially threatening situations.

Step 8: Incorporate Sound Discrimination

Train your dog to respond differently to familiar sounds (like family members’ cars) versus unfamiliar ones.

Step 9: Use Positive Reinforcement

Always reward good behavior with treats, praise, or play. Never punish your dog for not showing protective behavior.

Keep in mind that recognizing the breed’s limitations is essential. While Golden Retrievers are extremely smart and highly trainable, certain personality traits prevent them from being sentry or attack dogs. They are more suitable for the role of deterrents rather than aggressive protectors. 

Conclusion

So, are Golden Retrievers good guard dogs? While the role is not really suitable for them, they can still contribute to home security through their alertness and loyalty. Their friendly demeanor might deter some intruders, but they typically do not offer aggressive protection. For families looking for a loving companion with protective instincts, a Golden Retriever can be an excellent choice. However, those asking, “Are Golden Retrievers good guard dogs?” may want to consider other breeds or additional security measures if a stronger deterrent is required. With proper training and realistic expectations, Golden Retrievers can serve as alert and affectionate protectors of your home and family.