When my dog is an adult will he naturally know if something is wrong or if the situation is going bad or will i have to teach as i want to be able to walk him on my own.
I want my dog too protect me but i dont want a hard dog who will attack strangers for no reason.My dad is socializing the dog with anyone and everyone he lets strangers stroke him why he is young,as he thinks when he is bigger he will protect naturally is this correct?

Please let me know to stop me and my dad argueing as i belive strangers should not touch my dog.

Many Thanks
Max

Hi Max

Your Dad is correct, you cannot over socialise young dogs. His natural instincts to protect you and your family will not be affected by allowing people to talk to and stroke your dog. Unfortunately, if he isn't socialised around people when he is young then a dog of this breed could turn into a huge liability. Let him meet everyone and everything - you'll end up with a fab dog you can take anywhere and be proud of.

Angela x

By being exposed to lots of people and normal situations he will natuarally know when things are not right.  an unsocialised dog doesn't learn this and can then become dangerous in normal situations and fearful and run away in others.

I know a lady with the softest, nicest Dobe bitch you could ever wish to meet. Superb with dogs and people.

She did however go balllistic when her owner was threatened once!  :D

Lindsay
X

Max, Brainless' advice is spot on ;)  Unsocialised dogs become untrustworthy and could kickstart a "fight or flight" response in *totally* inappropriate situations :(
A very elderly gentleman I know has an 9 year old small but fat and super friendly multi-mix mongrel bitch.  He was recently threatened by two lads who approached from behind not realising he had a dog with him (she was sniffing a bush a few yards ahead).  They asked him for a cigarette and he said he didn't smoke, they then demanded money, raising their voices and pushing up against him his little bitch who no-one would ever envisage raising a hackle literally flew at these guys, snarling and snapping the air and completely seen them off!  In my wildest dreams I couldn't have imagined her doing this nor could her owner - but she adores her "dad" and her natural loyalty and defensiveness kicked in without ANY encouragement in her lifetime to do this!  Do yourself a HUGE favour - *never* encourage any dog to be wary of anyone or protective towards you.  It's totally unnecessary and extremely dangerous, all the more so with the type of breed you have.  HTH and is taken as well intentioned advice.  Regards Teri :)

IF you are scared about walking when the dog is older, don't rely on him to protect you because if he ever bites anyone he could be PTS. Bring a bat with you and protect yourself! :) Sorry... I don't have any good advise

My staffie is so people friendly it is unreall. She will roll around at their feet to get a cuddle!

But when we had an atempted break in she protected her house & family - as shown by the drops of blood by the back door where entry was gained!

She is used to people walking in & out the house all day & most of the night, but she knew this was not 'right'

Your dog will protect you if needed I think.

How old are you? Will you be strong enough to walk him when he is older - they are powerfull dogs - I dont let any children / teenagers walk my staffie, including my own!

Jo
xxx