Pack Leader Question

[Christy&Riley]

From what I understand, it is important to teach dogs to see us as pack leaders to avoid aggression issues. For example, our trainer taught us never to let Riley walk in front of us as she will think she is the leader. As a result, she could think she needs to protect us when people or dogs walk by.

The other night we just went to bed and Riley came running into our room barking in circles. We are thinking a deer must have run by outside and spooked her. I'm not sure if she was trying to alert us or running to us scared saying "Mom. Dad. You need to talk care of this!" I think we've now raised a dog that would open the door and lick an intruder to death and not protect me from the intruder. Of course, I think this was her normal nature anyways but I couldn't help thinking, "What are you running to me for? Aren't you supposed to protect me?" 

Our intention was NOT that she would be a guard dog as I realize GD's are not guard dog material. I guess the reality just really sank home that there is no way she would protect me and I am on my own. LOL  I figure at least her bark may cause an intruder to hesitate...that is until he sees her teddy bear looking face. :-) 

 

Do any of you have doodles that would let an intruder into your house and invite him to play?

 

 

[Christy&Riley]

Riley is really good about not barking. Usually she just does a low wuff. Only time she really barks is when playing. My husband likes to put his coat over his head to get her riled up. Not sure if she has caught on or she still doesn't realize it is him underneath. She probably just pretends to humor the humans. :-)

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

This reminded me of the time my son came home from college and got in late at night.  As he was walking up the stairs, Quincy went beserk!  lol! 

[Sally S Miles]

The alert is indeed for the leader of the  pack, being useful helps to insure position within said pack.  

My pretty bundle of curls, the silly girl is a fabulous watchdog - she would watch... Oh yes she barks when the neighbors come home, when the UPS man brings her a box, and those garbage thieves require an alert - thing is her bark is really BIG.  Kids up on the hill get too noisy, she yells at them. If their dog goes off on a tangent, she will bark back a few times.  She barks whenever anyone pulls into the drive, but so far all will be greeted with a wagging tail and possibility of a tango.

[Christy&Riley]

Regarding your comment on being useful in the pack...

Riley will often leave her toy next to me and sit patiently until I throw it. I assumed it was her way of saying "hey, let's play" but lately I wondered if she might be doing it as a pack member bringing a "find" to the pack leader. I'd be curious to know your thoughts.

[Debbie & Gibbs]

I like that our dogs bark when they hear something outside that they know shouldn't be going on. Dogs become accustomed to the normal neighborhood sounds and when things are a little different our dogs let us know. Gibbs is learning how to be a "watch" dog, which is what our Westie's are.