I'm sorry if the title sounds wrong, I couldn't think of a better one.

But, when we're training sunny is it best to train him to be nice, and good to strangers (obviously a yes ) but be aggressive (in defence) to people who attack and try to break into the house?

Thats a good question

personally I dont need Toffee to be a guard dog so want him to be friendly to everyone (Im far scarier than any dog alive , lmao)

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http://toffee-days.blogspot.com/

Thats a hard one because how would you expect him to know the difference , therefore making his descision to be agressive towards people his choice ( not good in my opinion) if your dog has natural allert tendencies he will bark at the door or if someone aproaches and i would be happier with that than trying to train him to distunguish between friend or foe . I would never train a dog to make his own choice as to who he was going to allow in the house that makes him boss . if he barks when someone comes to the house then be happy with that and make sure he knows its your choce to let them in or not , A potential intruder will be put off by just his bark .

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since sunny is part GSD and GSD are quite protective it's kind of his natural instinct to defend his owners/pact. I know it's good if he barks at people who threaten him or anyone in his pact but don't want him barking at innocent people.

my dad used to train security guard dogs, he also used to bring them home to play, they knew their command to pinn down any "offender", any guard dog training must be done with extreme caution, i would say keep the dog friendly, you would never forgive yourself if he hurt someone innocent...

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You never own a cat unless the cat owns you!

I think dogs do know the difference between a threat and a friendly stranger. Milo has been "trained" to accept strangers but he still lunged at someone who tried to attack my OH. They aren't stupid!

I would say always train them to be friendly, training them to be aggresive is just asking for trouble unless you really know what you are doing.

Oh god no I would never train an animal to be aggressive.

That's what you put in the OP!

i had a german shepherd, and he was the softest guy you could have met,but when there was anyone around he would let you know and i know he would have protected me with his life.i didnt train him that way it came natural to him.

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http://janices-toy-poodles.piczo.com

I know what I mean.

I would want him to be aggressive to someone who did try to attack me or someone, but I would train them to do it, so they do it to innocent people.