Understanding Territorial & Resource Guarding

Territorial aggression and resource guarding are complex behaviors often rooted in fear, anxiety, or learned responses. Understanding the triggers and underlying causes is the first step towards finding the right help.

Territorial Aggression

This occurs when a dog feels the need to defend their perceived territory (home, yard, even a specific spot) from intruders, whether human or animal. It can manifest as barking, lunging, growling, or biting when someone approaches or enters their space.

Resource Guarding

This involves a dog showing aggressive behaviors (stiffening, growling, snapping, biting) to prevent humans or other animals from approaching or taking something they value. This could be food, toys, bones, a resting spot, or even a person.

It's crucial to remember that these behaviors don't make a dog "bad." They are often signs of underlying insecurity or stress. Working with professionals can help manage these behaviors and, in many cases, rehabilitate the dog.