Possession Aggression in Dogs

Possession aggression in dogs, also known as "resource guarding," is an undesirable and potentially dangerous trait that develops when the dog feels the need to protect its food or another item. According to the "Maran Illustrated Dog Training" course, when a domesticated dog begins demonstration possessive behavior, other animals or even humans may be at risk of being bitten. Once you understand why your dog is exhibiting this behavior, you can take steps to correct the problem.

  1. Food Aggression

    • Your dog may have been exposed to food aggression as a puppy before you brought it home. Large litters compete for their mother's milk and when they begin to eat solid food, the puppies may fight to see who gets to eat first. Among the most common possessive aggressions, food guarding may cause the dog to growl or snap if anyone approaches its bowl. The dog may also gulp its food quickly to prevent another from eating it.

    Item Guarding

    • Pet owners give their dogs chew toys or stuffed animals to make the dog happy so it's no surprise that the dog may develop a sense of ownership of the item. If a dog is given a toy and left alone to play with it at leisure, the dog may become possessive of it. If the toy is removed when the dog is done playing, the dog is less likely to aggressively guard it.

    People Possession

    • Some otherwise-calm dogs develop a protective instinct and they will show aggression towards other dogs or humans who approach their owners. Allowing the dog to take part in this type of behavior sets a dangerous precedent for future encounters with others. The dog owner should leave his dog's side, if possible, to keep the situation from escalating.

    Early Symptoms

    • Possession aggression may worsen if the behavior isn't checked as soon as it begins. Early symptoms that a dog or puppy is beginning to guard items may include a hunching its body over its food bowl or over a favorite toy. The dog may also stiffen its body if another animal or human approaches.

    Children

    • Dog's may not view children in the same adoring light that humans do and youngsters are at an increased risk of being bitten by a dog that is possessive. Since small children move about at a similar eye-level to a dog, the dog may view them as a greater threat. In addition, children are less likely to pick up on a dog's warning signs to stay away.

    Training

    • Dog owners may be able to successfully treat the early symptoms of possession aggression by not allowing the dog to continue its behavior. Feeding the dog by hand for part of its meal and putting away its bowl after it eats may reduce food aggression. Asking the dog to perform simple obedience tasks, such as Sit, Down or Stay, before allowing it to play with a toy may reduce item aggression. If the aggression continues, a professional dog trainer should be consulted.