Why is my dog guarding me all of a sudden?
Jed Mitchell
2025-06-20 15:35:31
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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. In adult dogs, if resource guarding has come on suddenly it’s a good idea to schedule a vet exam, as changes in behaviour can be a sign of pain or an underlying medical condition. A qualified behaviourist can work with you to get to the root of the issue for your dog and provide tailored advice.
Monte King
2025-06-09 03:13:19
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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.
Leda Block
2025-06-08 23:41:28
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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. Dogs will either freeze, glare at the approaching person, snarl, show teeth, snap or even bite. Protective dog behavior manifests differently for different dogs. It’s important to change a dog’s perspective of people approaching while he’s next to his pet owner. Pairing good things with scary situations will change your dog’s perspective, and soon he’ll learn that an approaching person makes cheese rain from the sky. 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.
Michelle Hauck
2025-06-08 23:15:13
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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. Other factors could also contribute to similar behaviours: Fear Dogs may exhibit protective behaviours when they feel afraid or threatened. Pain Dogs in pain may become more protective of their bodies or their owners as a way to avoid exacerbating their discomfort. Separation Anxiety Dogs suffering from separation anxiety may become overly attached to you and exhibit guarding behaviour as a response to the fear of being left alone. Your fear Dogs can easily pick up on your emotions and will react accordingly.
Read also
- How to stop your dog from guarding you?
- How to stop resource guarding at dog park?
- What to do if your dog is protective of you?
- What does it mean when my dog is guarding me?
- How to test if your dog will protect you?
- Should I punish my dog for resource guarding?
- How do you know if your dog doesn't respect you?