If you have a dog who displays aggressive behavior, such as being territorial and guarding possessions or even people, it can be problematic.
If you have a dog who displays aggressive behavior, such as being territorial and guarding possessions or even people, it can be problematic. It can be risky for your family and other people around you.If your dog attacks and injures someone, you may have to pay the associated expenses.
It’s also stressful to deal with a dog that exhibits aggressive behavior, but the more you understand the problem, the more likely you can take steps to fix it.
The following are some things to know about a territorial or generally aggressive dog.
Table of Contents
An Overview of Territorial Aggression
Territorial aggression usually begins with warning behaviors when a dog is triggered. Warning behaviors can include territorial barking, but those warnings can turn into other behaviors such as lunging or biting. Territorial aggression tends to be most frequently directed at the same species, meaning another dog, but not always.
Territorial aggression means that a dog becomes aroused in response to dogs or strangers approaching their property. It can also be genetic or due to environmental factors, including a lack of early socialization or an underlying medical condition.
Territorial aggression can be genetic, and it can also be due to environmental factors, a lack of early socialization, or an underlying medical condition.
Certain breeds are more likely to displaysigns of territorial aggression morethan others. These breeds include bullmastiffs, German shepherds, and giant schnauzers. Of course, while it might be more common in certain breeds, any breed can show signs of aggression.
Signs of Territorial Aggression
Some of the signs of territorial behavior that might go beyond what’s normal include:
- Growling
- Freezing in place
- Barking
- Lunging
- Snapping
Urine marking is another territorial behavior. You may notice urine on pieces of furniture or in areas of your home when a new item is brought in. Or in areas where your dog has issues with other pets in your home and is working on reestablishing their territory.
Other forms of aggressive behavior in dogs
Two other forms of aggressive behavior in dogs are possessive aggression and food aggression. Possessive aggression is often directed toward a human or another pet that approaches the dog when he is in possession of an item he wants, like a favorite toy, food, or treats.
Food aggression is a type of territorial reaction a dog experiences when eating its meal or munching on treats. They exhibit hostile behavior as a way to guard their food. It is actually a pretty common behavior in many dogs.
Signs of food aggression can include the dog standing stiffly over their bowl, staring, growling, snarling, biting, or chasing people away when they come close.
Territorial aggression vs other forms of aggressive behavior in dogs
Possessive aggression is an extreme reaction but not as extreme as territorial aggression when they may attack or bark at others. However, all these forms of dog aggression can ultimately be considered territorial because it is behavior the dog uses when their property is being threatened.
All these forms of aggression and their territorial response can be prevented altogether or at the least minimized with a few training tricks, including early socialization and owner control.
Fear aggression in dogs
Fear aggression is a lesser-known aggressive behavior expressed toward people, other animals, and objects. If your dog feels threatened, their body language and behavior are used to drive the perceived threat away.
When determining the difference between aggression and fear, you will notice that a scared dog’s body posture makes him look small and almost invisible. However, aggressive dogs will do everything they can to make themselves appear much larger and more threatening and engage in negative behavior.
What can you do for aggression?
The following are some strategies tohelp curb your dog’s aggressive and territorial behaviors.While you can do things on your own, it may also be a good idea to consult with a behavioral expert or trainer.
Participate in an obedience training program
Obedience training is the foundation of having a healthy and well-behaved dog. If your dog hasn’t gone through obedience training yet, it’s something you should really consider.
Obedience training focuses on helping your dog learn not to react to other people and dogs.
You may be able to do obedience training on your own, but a group training class can provide your dog with socialization that may be valuable to eliminating territorial aggression.
Work on Desensitizing Your Dog
You should work on gradually and positively desensitizing your dog by walking him around other dogs or people in a controlled environment. You might have someone help you, such as a neighbor. They can start slowly walking closer and closer to your home each time you practice with your dog, and you should take a step back if your dog starts to show signs of being reactive or anxious.
As you’redesensitizing your dog, you can provide rewards when they behave well, but don’t push them too far at any one time.
Practice Recall
Recall means that your dog knows to come when called, and it’s a command that’s important for a territorial dog to learn. You can start working on recall indoors, and then once your dog has mastered that, you can move outside.
You always want to be gradual but consistent with your training.
Teach Your Dog a Quiet Command
If your dog barks whenever a threat is sensed, teach a command to be quiet. Begin in a peaceful indoor environment, and then over time, you can add more distractions as your dog gets better at calming himself down on command.
You want the cue to bring your dog to a relaxed emotional state.
Find Ways to Manage Your Dog’s Anxiety
Territorial aggression is very often rooted in anxiety. There are many ways you can help manage your dogs anxiety. For example, maybe you close the curtains to your home while still training your dog on basic concepts. You could also feed your dog in a place where they feel they have privacy.
Using a ThunderShirt or pressure wrap can help calm some dogs, as can having long-lasting chew treats. Too often, dog owners don’t realize thatterritorial aggression can be very problematic.
It’s important to work on limiting and then eliminating the behavior sooner rather than later if you see it happening with your dog.
Benefits of behavior modification for negative behavior
The tips we provided above are techniques used to modify a dog’s behavior. These behavior modification techniques are useful as long as they are done correctly. Offering praise and approval, positive programming, and shaping are all good ways to deter negative behavior.
Work on creating positive associations when dog training. Get their attention, use positive reinforcement, and reinforce the training with rewards, in the beginning, weaning them off and just offering praise for their positive behavior at the end of their training. Behavior modification can help dispel aggressive displays and cut down on excessive barking.
Is it normal for dogs to be territorial?
Some behaviors like territorial barking are normal reactions for many dogs. Even dogs that have been socialized from a young age may bark as a response to strangers who are encroaching on their space. This kind of behavior is normal for many dogs but, if not addressed, can lead to other aggressive territorial behaviors.
Is your dog protective or aggressive?
To determine if your dog is protective or aggressive, you need to determine if they are showing natural behavior when they act aggressively. Several dog breeds were specifically bred as guard dogs and instinctively protect their family.
So, you can’t always interpret your dog’s behavior as aggressive. There are times when the dog is just acting protectively rather than possessively or jealously.
Signs that your dog is protective are as follows:
- They focus intensely on new things introduced to their environment
- They have a calm temperament overall
- If there is a threat, they will stand between you and that threat
- Barking and growling at potential threats
- When the threat is diminished, they return to normal behavior and disposition
On the other hand, a dog acting aggressively will have more rigidity in its posture, express an intimidating bark, snarl, growl, show its teeth, and lurch forward, ready to charge at a perceived threat. The dog may also snap, bite, nip, cause wounds, or bite with shaking. All of these are aggressive behaviors to take note of.
As you can see, it is normal for a dog to be protective, but it is not okay for them to exhibit aggressive behavior that can ultimately cause injury or harm to another. As a dog owner, it is your job to identify your dog’s behavior and take the necessary measures to make sure no one is hurt.
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FAQs
How do you break a dog of territorial aggression? ›
For dogs exhibiting territorial aggression, you will need to gain enough control to have your dog sit, stay, and when calmed down, take a reward at the front door. Generally, a leash and head collar will give the fastest and most effective control (see Training Products – Head Halter Training).
What causes a dog to become territorial? ›Aside from instincts, there are several factors that can cause a dog to display territorial behaviors. The lack of early socialization, sexual maturation, environmental factors, inbreeding, pack mentality, or an underlying medical condition can all lead to aggressive territorial behaviors.
How long does it take for a dog to become territorial? ›Signs of Dog Territorial Behavior
It's easy to spot territorial aggression because it generally occurs right at the boundary line of the dog's space, such as doors, fences and property lines. It might also happen in and around your vehicle. This type of aggression usually first arises around 8 to 10 months of age.
By letting someone else help, you not only socialize your dog, but you teach him that other people can make him happy, too. One way to work on curbing overprotective tendencies is to exercise more – but do it purposefully. A well-exercised dog won't have extra energy to snap and snarl at everything that moves.
How do you stop territorial marking? ›- Clean soiled areas thoroughly with a cleaner specifically designed to eliminate urine odor. ...
- Make previously soiled areas inaccessible or unattractive. ...
- Keep objects likely to cause marking out of reach. ...
- Resolve conflicts between animals in your home. ...
- Make friends.
Territorial Dog Breeds
While there are exceptions to every list, these six breeds are well known for their territorial behavior: Doberman Pinscher. Rottweiler. Bull Mastiff.
In fact, dogs can be aggressive in guarding everything they consider their possessions, such as food, bowls, items they steal or find, and toys. They are also very territorial and will defend any area they consider to be under their domain (e.g., the home).
Can aggression be trained out of a dog? ›Is training an aggressive dog possible? Yes. Aggression in dogs, whether it be toward a dog's owner or other dogs, is a serious behavior that should be adjusted with the help of a professional dog trainer.
How do you correct a possessive dog? ›Hold out a treat, and call out the command “leave” as he lets go of the item and walks towards you. Reward him with the treat for his obedience, and remove the item as quickly as possible. “Give” is another useful command for combatting possessiveness in your dog.
How do you get a territorial dog to like another dog? ›Let your dogs sniff each other and greet each other normally. Give them positive reinforcement through calm verbal affirmations. After letting them play for a while, put both dogs in a “sit” or “stay”, then let them interact again. Finally, take them on walks together, allowing them to sniff each other along the way.
How do you deal with territorial barking? ›
Quiet coyote
If your dog tends to bark when she senses a threat to her territory, teach her a command that means “be quiet.” In my house, that command is “settle.” Don't wait for your dog to be like Murphy, stuck in a barking loop in the backyard, before teaching her to calm down.
- Socialize Your Dog. It's essential to find a safe place where your dog can socialize with other dogs. ...
- Work On Barking And Growling. Barking and growling are both forms of aggression. ...
- Leash Training.
Is a Dog More Protective of Female Keepers? This isn't a general rule, but some pets are more likely to exhibit protective behavior with female keepers. This is because women generally have a softer voice and are gentler whenever they care for the dog.
How do you train a dog with possession aggression? ›"The goal is to teach the dog that it will receive a favored treat or reward that is even more appealing than the object in its possession." Approaching calmly, offering a food reward and taking the possession, praising the puppy and returning the object teaches the puppy that your actions are not to be feared.
What to spray to keep dogs from marking? ›- Nature's Miracle No More Marking Stain and Odor Remover.
- Pet Organics No-Go Housebreaking Aid Spray for Dogs.
- PetSafe SSSCAT Motion Activated Spray Dog Deterrent.
- Lambert Kay Dog Repellent Pump Spray.
- Harbor's Dog Training and Repellent Aid for Dogs.
- Bodhi Dog Not Here!
- Spay or neuter your dog.
- Exercise your dog.
- Thoroughly clean previous marking spots.
- Address any anxiety causing your dog to mark.
- Establish yourself as the pack leader, eliminating the need to compete.
The results demonstrated no reduction in aggressive behavior after surgical castration and a significant increase in dog-directed aggressive behavior after chemical castration.
Why is my dog being aggressive towards other people all of a sudden? ›There are multiple reasons that a dog may exhibit aggression toward family members. The most common causes include conflict aggression, fear-based, defensive aggression, status related aggression, possessive aggression, food guarding aggression and redirected aggression.
What does territorial aggression mean? ›territorial aggression (behavior directed toward the defense of an area by an individual or a group against entry by others, usually members of the same species).
How do I stop my dog from being possessive of owner? ›Don't say anything, don't touch him, and don't look at him – just stand up. Affection is something you give to your dog on your terms, not his. By ignoring his behavior, you're teaching him his behavior is not acceptable and he won't get your attention until he's calm with all four feet on the floor.
Will CBD Oil Help aggressive dog? ›
Many veterinarians, professional dog trainers, and pet owners alike have discovered that CBD can promote calm in dogs. While dog aggression remains a complex problem, the calming effect of CBD oil may be part of a successful and well-designed training program to address aggression in dogs.
Is it my fault my dog bit me? ›In the question of “Who's to blame for a dog bite?” the law is clear on the answer. It is never the dog's fault. It is rarely the victim's fault. It is almost certainly the fault of the dog's owner or the person who was supposed to have control of the dog when it attacked.
How do you know if your dog considers you Alpha? ›If your dog sees you as the alpha, they will permit you to eat first and refrain from snatching or stealing food. This is a sign of respect. In your home, you set your dog's feeding schedule. If your pup sees you as the alpha, he or she will patiently wait for food or subtly ask for table scraps.
How do I stop resource guarding aggression? ›- Use Treats as Positive Reinforcement. ...
- Focus on Desensitization. ...
- Avoid Punishment. ...
- Teach Your Dog to Share. ...
- Pet Them During Meals. ...
- Solving Food Aggression Between Dogs.
It can take up to one month for an old dog and new dog to really settle in and accept each other's position in the pack. If you want a second dog, you need to be ready to commit to this process and not panic.
What should you not do after a dog fight? ›Don't: Isolate the dogs from one another. If you don't get the dogs back together after a fight a bit of scar tissue develops in their mind, and in your emotions. After a few fights the scar can become too deep. When this happens their is nothing that can be done.
What is second dog syndrome? ›In dogdom, there's a turn of phrase called, "Second Dog Syndrome". This describes the process of adding another dog to the home quite well, but not necessarily in a positive light. As humans, we are bound to forget all of the time and effort it takes to raise a puppy right.
What is the dog calming code? ›Instead of your dog doing his own thing, he will be watching you and focused on you and what you want him to do. With The Dog Calming Code in place and a solid relationship set up, you'll find your dog is LISTENING to you, wanting to FOLLOW your lead and TAKE DIRECTION.
How do dogs show dominance over you? ›Signs of dominant behavior in dogs:
Resistance to voice commands. Aggressive response to eye contact or verbal correction. Food guarding or other aggressive behavior while eating. Persistence about leading the way on walks or through entryways.
While you can start to notice protective behaviors as early as 12 weeks, full-blown protective behaviors typically wait until about 6 months of age, when your dog reaches adolescence.
Why does a dog circle before lying down? ›
Turning in circles before lying down is an act of self-preservation in that the dog may innately know that he needs to position himself in a certain way to ward off an attack in the wild.
How do dogs pick their favorite person? ›Dogs choose their favorite people based on positive interactions and socialization they have shared in the past. Like humans, dogs are especially impressionable as their brains develop, so puppies up to 6 months old are in their key socialization period.
Why do dogs put their paw on you? ›Conclusion: Pawing means your dog wants your attention. If your dog puts their paw on you while you're spending time together, it's likely an expression of affection or the gestural equivalent of “pet me more!”
How do you tell if a dog doesn't like you? ›- They cower or hide when you're around.
- They tuck their tail between their legs when they see you (and notably don't wag their tail)
- Their body stiffens, or fur stands up in your presence.
- They flatten their ears or arch their backs around you.
It will take some time and effort, but in the end, it'll be worth it to have a calmer, happier dog. It's not easy to live with a territorial dog, but with consistent, positive training, you can manage potentially bad behavior and make life more peaceful for dogs and people on both sides of the fence.
How do you get a territorial dog to like another dog? ›Let your dogs sniff each other and greet each other normally. Give them positive reinforcement through calm verbal affirmations. After letting them play for a while, put both dogs in a “sit” or “stay”, then let them interact again. Finally, take them on walks together, allowing them to sniff each other along the way.
Can you retrain a territorial dog? ›Should I Train My Territorially Aggressive Dog Myself? If your dog is aggressively protecting objects, people or territory, it is crucial to utilize the help of a qualified positive trainer. A trainer will teach your dog how to cope better in these situations, as well as use humane methods to stop negative behavior.
Is it normal for dogs to be territorial? ›In fact, dogs can be aggressive in guarding everything they consider their possessions, such as food, bowls, items they steal or find, and toys. They are also very territorial and will defend any area they consider to be under their domain (e.g., the home).
What breed of dog is territorial? ›Territorial Dog Breeds
While there are exceptions to every list, these six breeds are well known for their territorial behavior: Doberman Pinscher. Rottweiler. Bull Mastiff.
Can dogs live together after fighting? The answer is, most of the time, YES. There are times when dogs may be like an incompatible couple and need to divorce, but in general, there are things you can do to help combative pups get along.
Why is my dog attacking my other dog all of a sudden? ›
There are a variety of reasons dogs may show sudden aggression towards each other. Some of the most common causes of conflict between familiar dogs include frustration, illness, and resource guarding. You'll need to clearly identify the root of the problem to restore household harmony.
How long does it take for dogs to get adjusted to each other? ›It can take up to one month for an old dog and new dog to really settle in and accept each other's position in the pack. If you want a second dog, you need to be ready to commit to this process and not panic.
Can territorial aggression in dogs be cured? ›a behavior plan that may include training (of the dog and owner), regular exercise for the dog, planned socialization depending on the behavior, and perhaps most critical, a behavior plan including counter-conditioning and desensitization. The dog will be taught behaviors that are incompatible to aggression.
How do I stop my dog from being possessive of owner? ›Don't say anything, don't touch him, and don't look at him – just stand up. Affection is something you give to your dog on your terms, not his. By ignoring his behavior, you're teaching him his behavior is not acceptable and he won't get your attention until he's calm with all four feet on the floor.
What does territorial aggression mean? ›territorial aggression (behavior directed toward the defense of an area by an individual or a group against entry by others, usually members of the same species).
How do I train my dog to not be aggressive to other dogs? ›- Socialize Your Dog. It's essential to find a safe place where your dog can socialize with other dogs. ...
- Work On Barking And Growling. Barking and growling are both forms of aggression. ...
- Leash Training.
If you have a dog that is acting aggressively toward visitors to your home or property, it's vital that you consult a qualified behavior professional immediately. Catch it early if you can– if your dog appears uncomfortable, anxious, stiff, or is growling, then seek help before the problem escalates.