What does it mean when my dog is guarding me?
Isabella Little
2025-07-07 18:08:09
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Resource guarding is a natural behaviour that occurs when an animal feels the need to keep others away from a specific item or resource. Resource guarding can occur in any dog breed, and can present as a dog guarding one particular item or everything they view as valuable, from toys and treats to their bed or even a favourite location – or, in some cases, a particular member of their family. Most dogs resource guard food or toys, but occasionally this behaviour can extend to people, too. This can be misinterpreted as protectiveness towards the human – but in reality it’s no less self-motivated than guarding a favourite object, and has the potential to become dangerous if left unchecked. A dog resource guarding a favourite human being can lead to them dominating relationships within the family, which isn’t healthy. Signs of a dog resource guarding include changes to their body language and defensive and aggressive behaviours, such as: Standing over or near a specific item Stiffened body Lowered body posture Raised hackles Growling Lunging Snapping Biting.
Pierce Schmitt
2025-06-29 14:44:52
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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. It’s important to change a dog’s perspective of people approaching while he’s next to his pet owner. While many pet owners feel flattered when their dog resource guards them, it’s important to know this behavior will only escalate, if not addressed immediately.
Leopoldo Crist
2025-06-29 12:27:17
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Resource guarding is when a dog becomes defensive in order to keep you away from a particular item or resource that they treasure. The resource can be food, treats, toys, a place, like a bed or favourite chair, or occasionally even a person. However, if your dog is showing extreme resource guarding behaviour, we would recommend contacting your vet who can recommend a qualified behaviourist. If your dog is already displaying extreme guarding behaviour we would recommend contacting your vet who can recommend a qualified behaviourist who will be able to help you address the issue safely. Make sure all family members and everyone who visits know never to approach or interrupt your dog if they are eating or have a chew. It is important that you never punish or tell your dog off for resource guarding as this will add more stress to the situation and may cause their behaviour to worsen. Remember every dog is different with their resource guarding, and if your dog has bitten or is causing you concern then we would recommend contacting a certified behaviourist to help.
Rosalyn Turcotte
2025-06-29 12:09:38
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Dogs become socially attached to the humans they live with. A dog's bond with humans is actually stronger than the bond with other dogs, this is known as a supernormal attachment. Guarding behaviour can be seen when a dog perceives a potential threat to their human and responds accordingly. Factors such as breed tendencies, past experiences, and the dog's individual personality can influence the intensity of this behaviour. For example, dogs with single owners are more likely to guard them. Guarding breeds are naturally more likely to exhibit this behaviour.
Body Language: Stand or sitting in front of you, facing the perceived threat. They might puff up their chest, raise their hackles, or growl to intimidate the perceived threat. Blocking Dogs may physically position themselves between you and the perceived threat, effectively acting as a barrier. Alertness Guarding dogs often remain hyper-vigilant, constantly scanning their surroundings for potential dangers. Aggression In extreme cases, guarding behaviour can escalate to aggression, including lunging, snapping, or biting.
Bradley Kertzmann
2025-06-29 12:04:30
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Just like us, dogs can become worried if they feel that something they value might be taken away from them. This worry can sometimes lead to guarding behaviour, which is a dog’s way of trying to keep their precious item safe. The main reason for guarding is fear of losing valuable items. Taking things away from your dog as punishment or telling them off for guarding is likely to increase their anxiety about losing things. They may become even more worried and feel the need to protect those valuable things even more. Guarding behaviour can include standing over an item they value, with a very stiff and still posture, lowering their body posture if anyone approaches the item, running away with the item, hiding the item, eating their food or treat very quickly, growling or showing aggressive behaviour to protect the item. If your dog shows guarding behaviours, leave them well alone when they are enjoying food or playing with toys by themselves. The best way to prevent dogs from resource guarding is to teach them from the start that there is no need to worry about losing anything they find valuable.
Eva Hagenes
2025-06-29 11:03:16
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It's almost like he's protecting me, but from what. He doesn't do this for his toys, or food, or anyone else, just me. If someone walks in my room unexpectedly all hell breaks loose, he stands in front of me, barking, growling, showing his teeth, etc. He's not afraid to attack, either, he hasn't actually done it yet but has come super close to it. Only whenever someone dares to touch me, hug me, or come near me.
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