Do Labradors Guard?

[rosebury29]

I've always read that Labradors can't guard (not in their nature) but will be an acceptable watch dog.
Well, since Cocoa turned 4 + months he has changed from carefree, friendly puppy to very serious and aggressive dog (only with strangers).
He is AWESOME with me, DH and our 5 kids. But, he protects the house deadly with raised hair, growling and barking and does the same with anyone he doesn't know.
If he were another breed I wouldn't think twice about it, but he's a Lab!!
Will socializing more help or is he just being protective?
Thanks,
Stacey

[Rottielover]

any breed can guard, or protect. But most of the time when they act that way it is out of fear for themselves. Not all labs are as friendly as you think, just like not all pitbulls and rottweilers are horrible beasts. You can not generalize. You must work on his situation before it escalates to far. Work on the out command. Teach him there is nothing to fear. Do not baby him, it will become alot worse

[CyberKitten]

I am not an expert on labs by any means but often care for my beloved chocolate lab - nephew who is a well behaved wonderful dog who has never ever acted in the way you describe, even at that age. I also see other labs and knew many growing up and while labs can be aggressive without training and proper teaching, imho your's puppy's behaviour is not that typical. Is he enrolled in an obedience program?

"Our" lab has never been protective - in fact, he would let everyone and anyone in I suspect unless they did do something to him or he sensed something wrong (many dogs and cats seem to sense ppl with bad intentions). When a stranger comes in, he licks them or wags his tail - I think that is more of what to expect.

I would recommend more socialization so he is used to more different people and is not so aggressive. A study conducted not too long ago showed aggressive labs were responsible for more dog related attacks than pit bulls so it would be a good investment!

[dogbyte40]

I agree with Rottilover,
Socializing him more will help. At 4 months of age I feel his agression is mostly based on fear, and could potentially lead to a bite, take extra time to show him people are nothing to fear and his temperment can improve.

[julesuoft]

My black lab is now 15 months old. Before we got her, our friends kept telling us how important it was to socialize your dog during the early stages of their lives. After 4 months, we made it a point to bring Chloe to basic obedience classes (for about 8 weeks) and regular socialization with dogs at the dog park. During the summer months, we took her at least every other day. During the winter, we'd take her to the dog park in the morning each weekend.

Also, even though lots of people warned us about having a lab in a condo, it has actually worked in our favour. Chloe is exposed to different people, both young and old in the elevators. We see a lot of different dogs around the neighbourhood.

What has this resulted in? Well, in 15 months, I've only heard Chloe bark 3 times in total. All three times happened around 4-6 months. I have NEVER heard Chloe growl or be aggressive to anyone. It's still early for you. Start taking him to puppy classes and get him exposed to other dogs. When he's a bit better, you can consider taking him to Petsmart. I know when we took obedience classes there, many lab/ retriever owners brought there dogs there just to be around other people and dogs.

Oh, and it's important to expose your puppy to different environments and sounds. We've taken Chloe on walks over highway overpasses, major roads, parks, dog parks, camps. She's even been to a Canada's Day celebration with fireworks. Now, she's not startled at any noise and I have to say, is a true angel!

I hope these pointers help.. I'm definitely not a lab expert but have put a lot of time and effort teaching and helping my Chloe develop into a happy "puppalina".

[Akeeter]

If you mean Woof, Bark & carry on something fierce when a stranger comes to the door...Yup! They do that! I think Labs are just as protective of personal property as any other breed. They may be less protective of people though. Their deep, loud bark is enough to send most people on their way.

If you mean 'guard' in terms of biting or holding (keeping a person in one place without biting them), I don't think that is a good idea for you, legally speaking, or for a dog. (It's likely to get seized by Police or animal control people & killed.)

[Lucky Rescue]

If he were another breed I wouldn't think twice about it, but he's a Lab!!

People have a lot of misconceptions about Labs. They certainly can guard, and may do more than that if they feel there is a theat. Many people are bitten by Labs, often children, since parents sometimes feel it's perfectly alright to leave a toddler alone with them , since "it's a Lab!"

This guarding/protecting may not start until the dog is more than 2 years old, since Labs mature quite late.

[Prin]

Too right, Lucky. Some of the most possessive, dominant, snarly dogs I have met are labs. Getting a lab is not a free pass to a good dog. Good dogs are hard work.