Golden Retriever as guard dog

[REDDOGTWO]

Our Daughter came home this evening for the 4th of July holiday and we were not yet home. She only had a garage door opener and not a front door key where we normally would come it at.

Morgan growled at her and her hair was standing up at her neck.

The daughter just went down to office and closed the door and called to see when we were getting home.

Morgan has seen my daughter many times since we acquired her a year and half ago, the daughter even took Morgan for walks when she visited us this winter.

When we came home called the dogs and we went to see the daughter and then they went right to her. By the way, the other dog, the Rat Terrier just barked just like he does when ever anybody comes over.

I know that Morgan had growled at somebody when they came to the shed when I was not there. I had no idea that they could be this territorial.

 

[Melensdad]

As a long time Akita owner I can tell you a thing or two about territorial dogs and one thing I've learned is that they become more territorial as they age. It seems to peak out at about 4 years old and then hold steady from there. I've talked to my vet about this with each of my Akitas and each time we come to the same conclusion, there are procedures that your dog learns and as long as those are followed all is well.

With my current Akita, if you come to my door and I motion to you through the glass that I will take the dog out back then you are in good shape. For whatever reason, my dog knows that if I take her out back, then let you in, then let her in, then you are "allowed" to be in "her" house. On the other hand if I tell her to back away and answer the door, she will do so, but if you attempt to enter the house then you are her next snack.

I recently picked up a copy of Dog Fancy that had an Akita and a Maltese on the cover. It said the Akita breed is legendary in its territorial protective instinct. As long as the procedure is followed in our house, Misha is a wonderful dog. We have my daughters friends (and their parents) coming to the house all the time, toss Misha out, bring her back in, and then those people can come and go through the doors of the house without any trouble for as long as they are here. If they go away and come back tomorrow, we repeat the procedure. There are a few people who she sees often enough that she considers them family, those are the most frequent visitors.

I suspect that your dog Morgan is exhibiting some similar traits, although to a lesser degree. You dog has now been in the home for a while longer and the home is becoming her home. I suspect that you simply need to reintroduce your daughter to the dog, but if your daughter leaves for an extended time, you should expect to reintroduce your daughter to the dog again.

 

[bczoom]

I'd say Morgan doesn't like people in the house unless you and/or Mrs. Reddog are home.
Since it was your daughter, the dog just growled. If it was a stranger to the dog... who knows. Got a friend or someone Morgan doesn't recognize? Give them access to the house when nobody's home and see what Morgan does.

 

[Junkman]

I'd say Morgan doesn't like people in the house unless you and/or Mrs. Reddog are home.
Since it was your daughter, the dog just growled. If it was a stranger to the dog... who knows. Got a friend or someone Morgan doesn't recognize? Give them access to the house when nobody's home and see what Morgan does.

Lick them to death!!!!!!
It's a Golden, and they are not overly protective by nature. My dogs will growl, but I doubt that they would ever attack, likes some other dogs will. There size and growl is more than enough. The only Weimeraner that I ever had that was actually a guard dog, was trained to be one. He was tough.....

 

[Doc]

But, if they sense fear in the person entering, such as the daughter, then I'm afraid the dog is more prone to bite, as they believe something is wrong for the person to be afraid. This is especially true if the person runs.