Is My Dog Being Too Protective of Me?

Dogs have had a protective relationship with humans since their domestication began ages ago. Even today, many people purchase dogs with the hope that a loyal canine companion will protect their property or children from intruders.

However, there is a line where your dog’s protective instincts can go too far. If you think your dog is too protective of you, keep reading to learn more.

Protective Behavior in Dogs

Some signs that your dog is too protective of you are:

• Your dog growls and shows its teeth when someone hugs or otherwise interact with its owner.
• Your dog tries to get in between you and the stranger, blocking you from interacting.
• Your dog acts aggressively around strangers or lesser-known family members.
• Your dog has attempted to attack a stranger.
• Your dog urinates inside when strangers enter the home. This can be a way of marking their territory.

If you have seen these behaviors in your dog, you may be frustrated trying to figure out how to fix them. Overprotective behavior can stem from many different root problems.

Why Do Dogs Become Overprotective?

To solve this problem, you will want to understand the root cause. This will be different for every dog. Some common causes of protective behavior are:

• The dog has become hypervigilant due to a lack of guidance or safety from its owner, either a current owner or a past one.
• The dog was not properly socialized in puppyhood and therefore did not know how to react appropriately to strangers.
• The dog is rewarded for protective behavior.

Fixing Protective Behavior in Dogs

Every dog’s reason for acting in an overprotective way is different. So, training methods will be different. The most important aspect of fixing overprotective behavior is to set a clear boundary with your dog that it is not okay. This involves a firm “no” whenever they express protective tendencies.

Considering protective behavior most often comes with aggressive behavior, it’s best to see a professional dog trainer for this behavior issue. It’s not safe to go out in public and start practicing socialization with a dog known to be aggressive or highly protective.

A professional trainer has the safety tools and knowledge needed to gradually get your dog comfortable with new interactions.

Final Thoughts

Although dogs are naturally loyal and protective, there is a line where protectiveness becomes dangerous. If you feel your dog is overprotective, seeking help from Dog Training Now Charleston will make a positive difference.