Overprotective Dog Behavior

Does your dog growl when someone approaches their food, treats, or toys? Pet Insurance Australia offers valuable tips for preventing such behavior in puppies and explains why some dogs exhibit this overprotective nature. We also share insights from Pet’s Training & Boarding Senior Dog Handler, Kirsten Lambros.

Growling when someone nears their food or favorite toy is not uncommon among dogs. However, it’s a behavior that shouldn’t be ignored. Dogs can display varying degrees of aggression in these situations, from low growls to snapping and even biting, directed at either other dogs or people.

It’s crucial to recognize that this overprotective and aggressive behavior can escalate and become a significant problem. Seeking professional assistance is essential, as addressing the issue promptly can lead to its elimination.

Signs That Your Dog Is Being Overprotective;

• Snarling or showing teeth while around food
• Hackles raised on back
• White moon eyes
• Snapping or biting
• Growling when eating and someone or something approaches
• Growling when in possession of toys when someone or something approaches
• Stiffened appearance and standing guard over the food

If you do notice any of these symptoms it is a good idea to call in the experts. Some trainers can come to your home and give you some great advice depending on the level of aggression and how bad the problem is. With understanding and solid advice on your individual circumstance you can prevent this problem from escalating.

Prevention Of Over Protective Dog Behaviour

As the old saying goes…prevention is better than a cure and this is certainly true when it comes to food aggression and over-protective behaviour.

Teaching your new pup that it is OK to have fingers in their bowls from a very young age can help prevent this.

Having the children play ‘Pick Up the Biscuits’ and feeding your pup in a shallow bowl so his/her biscuits will go flying around the bowl and your children will be busy collecting them and putting them back into the bowl as your pup eats. Other tips include:

• Getting your dog to work for their food (think sit and stay before feeding)
• Using a ‘eat’ command
• Putting your fingers in their bowl regularly when they are eating
• Take their food off them and give it back
• Take toys / bones off them, ask them to sit and return the treat

Teaching your pup to remain calm while you interact with their food or toys is key. Consistently returning the food will build their confidence that there’s no need to protect it.

Feeding your dog at the same time each day helps establish a routine. You can also introduce simple tasks like sitting before meals or waiting for your command before eating.

For mildly over-protective dogs, hand-feeding the first few bites gradually reduces their worry. However, severe cases should be handled by professionals who can assess and address the behavior appropriately.

Tips from the Experts

Kirsten Lambros, Senior Dog Handler, Pets Training & Boarding

“It is quite normal for dogs to display over-protective behaviour over things they see as a valued resource, such as food, bones and other people.

“Dogs usually adapt this behaviour when its related to a previous experience for example: If a person or other animal approaches it when it has these resources, they will be taken away which can trigger the protective behaviour.

“The dog may become uneasy and unsettled, as it does not want to lose his personal resources.

“Children are more likely to get bitten because they’re less able to recognize a dog’s warning signals and more likely to behave recklessly around the dog.

“Seeking professional advice and further training is the best option for safety within your household”

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