How to stop my small dog from guarding me is a common question I hear from people, but big dogs will also protect their owners.
The dog continues to growl at anyone who approaches from his owner’s arms. He might not even “permit” his owner to sit on the couch with someone else.
Why resource guarding can be a problem.
Resource protection can be problematic because it can result in hostility.
Your dog might begin to perceive other people and animals as threats if they feel the need to protect you from imagined threats. This can result in bites or other forms of aggression.
It may be challenging for you to engage in typical social interactions with others while resource guarding. If your dog is constantly on guard, it may be challenging for both of you to unwind and have fun.
Additionally, resource guarding can be dangerous for your dog. They may need to be put down if they turn out to be dangerously aggressive.
Why is my dog so possessive over me?
There are several reasons why your dog might be possessive of you:
They might view you as a valuable resource and want to keep you safe from outsiders and canines.
-They may be anxious about being separated from you,
-They might lack confidence and look to you for comfort.
Consult a qualified trainer if you believe your dog is acting possessively for advice on how to handle the situation.
Teach your dog it’s OK to be alone
A small dog may occasionally feel the need to protect his owner because he feels unsafe by himself. He growls and barks at anyone who approaches because he thinks they might be trying to take him away from his owner.
You can alter your dog’s behavior by assisting him in adjusting to life without you. Just as it’s not healthy for any two people to be together all the time, it’s not healthy for a dog to be close to his owner constantly!
As a result, give your dog daily time in his kennel or a separate room. During this time, you could give him a special treat like a Kong toy covered in peanut butter. It’s crucial to ignore the dog’s whining until he stops until he stops.
Another strategy is to attach his leash to a chair and ignore him for 20 minutes while sitting on the other side of the room.
Additionally, you should work on teaching him a strong down/stay command until he is able to lie on a dog mat or bed for up to 30 minutes.
FAQ
Do dogs resource guard owners?
Yes, a dog can resource guard their owners. This is frequently observed in dogs that are extremely devoted to their owners. A territorial dog will defend its owner from other people or animals. Consult a qualified trainer if you believe your dog is protecting you with its resources to help you deal with the issue.
What does it mean when a dog resource guards you?
When your dog exhibits excessively aggressive behavior, such as growling or biting over a resource or something they view as being of high value, this is known as resource guarding, also known as possessive aggression. A dog can use you, their human, as a resource in addition to food, toys, a bed, and favorite bones.
How do you test a dog for resource guarding?
Resource guarding is among the most prevalent dog training problems for which we are contacted for assistance. This can cover a wide range of actions, with the most typical triggers being prized objects like food, bones, or toys. These actions can range from growling or snapping to very severe bites to people or other animals.