[Nebguy]

First off, I highly doubt if the dog killed the guy. Sounds like an internet legend to me.
I don't know what Lilly Sue would do. At 8 months, she's just now starting to show any interest in what's going on outside the house. She wanted to kill the flag what I fly outside (I mean she was REALLY PI**ED!). After I took her outside to show her that the flag wasn't a threat, she patrolled the house growling making sure that no marauding flags managed to get inside.
I had a real life situation at my house when Lilly was about 4 months old. I was in the master bedroom while Lilly was in the living room. I herd her jumping around and figured she was chasing a cat. I turned the corner from the hallway into the living room to find two "older" gentlemen had come into the wrong house. Lilly Sue was jumping all around them trying to get their attention to play with/pet her. Had I heard them while I was still in the bedroom, it could have ended very differently and violently.
If I was an intruder, I'd be more afraid of our Heeler pup. Especially if I'm swinging him by his tail like a weapon.

 

[Nebguy]

Like I said, I really have no idea. She's been "clingy" with my wife and seems like she's being protective of her since she's been pregnant. She's still a pup and she spayed (does this make a difference)? I really think that if the situation called for it, she might bite someone, but kill them? I doubt it. That being said, my FIL was seriously wounded when he bent down to pet his friend's black lab. Stupid dog grabbed him by his throat! I guess you never know.

 

[Nebguy]

You do realize that the most natural reaction for a dog who is feeling threatened is to flee the situation correct? Dogs who possess the temperament to fight an aggressive intruder are the exception not the rule.

That's what I was thinking too Lisa. It would take a real bad a** dog to go after a healthy adult, especially in a protection role.

 

[Nebguy]

Good point Oznog. Seems some here are of the opinion that ONLY specially trained dogs are capable/willing to guard and protect their homes. Dogs have been used as guardians since the beginning of time. I highly doubt these dogs were involved in protection sports. I did a lot of research on the AB before, during and after deciding on what type of dog to get for my family. One thing that attracted me to the AB is that they are "natural guardians" of home and family. Was I lied to? Would I have been better off by saving food costs and just getting a poodle?

 

[Nebguy]

I guess that's not really well defined. I guess some would say that a big 'ol dog barking at someone would be a deterrent in it's own right. I would guess that any large dog could do that. Are we talking about dogs that will indiscriminately attack anyone not in the family that comes in the house? Not to change the subject, but it's a known fact that houses with children's toys, bicycles etc. outside are the ones that thieves pass over. I don't know why. Must be that thieves don't want to take the chance of having to "deal" with a child should things go wrong.

 

[Nebguy]

So would a "junk yard dog" that will attack anyone/anything that comes onto the lot be considered a guard dog or is it the family pet that's ready to rock at a moments notice? I guess that's my question. There are LOTS of dogs that will attack. Problem with most of them is that they can't be trusted to only attack the bad guys IMO.

 

[Nebguy]

The big guns have come out, the natural guardian card has been played. While I believe there are dogs out there that fit that mold they are not as common as most think. Most often times owners misinterpret a dog's behavior as being protective when in fact the dog was exhibiting another reaction/behavior.

Nebguy what is your experience with working dogs? You bought your dog from a breeder that tests their stock for natural guardian traits? Have you tested your dog for these traits? Are you suggesting that I'm wasting my time training my dogs to do what only comes naturally to your dog? Really what would I possibly know about dogs and their ability to protect, I mean I only have 5 adults that are currently trained/worked in the exact thing the topic is about. I know I'll squash it with, I'm not a dog handler but I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night.

Wow. Sorry there 2Bully. I guess I didn't know that I wasn't allowed to have an opinion and for gosh sakes state my opinion on this site.

 

[Nebguy]

That was more of the proverbial "junkyard dog". Just like the ones on television.