Do you have trouble getting your dog’s toys away from him? Do you have to watch out for snaps when you try to play with him?
Your dog might be showing signs of possessiveness related to an instinct known as “resource guarding.” What is resource guarding? Read on to learn more…
If your dog gets aggressive when somebody else wants to play with his toys, Animal Behaviourists suggest this could be the manifestation of an evolved trait called resource guarding, something common amongst dogs in the wild who have to protect their food and other resources from attackers and scavengers.
For house dogs, the protectiveness can extend beyond food to toys, his parents, and even his favorite piece of furniture.
Animal Behaviourists tell us that this trait can be a result of many things, including genetics, rearing, socialization, and other environmental factors. But whatever triggers the behavior, it’s something you’ll want to address sooner rather than later.
What might start out as yawning, licking lips, and baring teeth can develop into growling, barking, and even biting if not tended to. And the solution might come as a bit of a surprise. You might be tempted to take away toys that your dog is being overly protective of, but doing so can actually make matters worse. It can signal to the dog that he is right to be protective because his toys might be taken away.
Instead, show your dog that he has nothing to be worried about by letting him play undisturbed. Avoid playing games that involve snatching or hiding the toy, as these might well trigger aggression in a possessive pup. And if you don’t see any improvements, or if the behavior gets worse, then you might want to seek help from a vet or a trainer.