How do I know if my dog is protective over me?

When a dog is protecting a person, he’s reacting to a dog or person approaching the pet owner and himself. Protective dog behavior manifests differently for different dogs. Dogs will either freeze, glare at the approaching person, snarl, show teeth, snap or even bite. If your dog barks at the approaching person, ignore him until he stops. Once your dog stops barking, say “yes” and reward with treats while your friend walks out of the room. Dogs will exhibit different behaviors when they are protective, and it is crucial to recognize these signs to address the issue. Resource guarding can be tricky to address, so it’s always important to partner with a professional dog trainer who only uses positive reinforcement. If a dog lunges, bites, muzzle punches and/or snaps at someone, then it’s time to bring in a professional.

Dogs have been known as loyal protectors and companions for thousands of years, serving not just as pets but as members of the family who play an integral role in the safety and security of their household. Recognizing the signs that your dog is trying to protect you is crucial for understanding their behavior and ensuring their efforts are guided positively and safely. Body blocking is a protective behavior where a dog positions itself between its owner and a perceived threat. This behavior indicates that your dog is actively safeguarding you from what it perceives as danger. Barking at strangers, noises, or other animals is often an attempt to ward off potential threats and protect you. Growling is a more direct form of communication, signaling discomfort, fear, or the presence of a perceived threat, and it’s also trying to protect you by warning off whatever it perceives as dangerous. A dog trying to protect you will often exhibit vigilant behavior, constantly watching and sometimes staring intently at potential threats. Protective dogs will often position themselves in a way that allows them to act quickly if needed, and following you closely, particularly in unfamiliar environments, is often a sign they’re trying to protect you. Dogs have keen senses and often alert their owners to unusual activity or noises the human ear might not detect, and this alerting behavior is a way of protecting by ensuring you’re aware of potential dangers.