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Why does my dog gets aggressive when I try to take something away?
Dogs have evolved to be excellent opportunistic scavengers. If we or anyone or anything tries to take away what the dog has acquired, the dog may growl and be willing to fight and bite to keep possession of that item. This behavior is called resource guarding, and while undesirable, it is a normal behavior for a dog.
Why does my dog bite me when I take something away?
Canine possession aggression is also sometimes referred to as food aggression or resource guarding. If your dog has this problem, it may growl, snap, or bite to protect a resource, such as food, toys, beds, or other objects, from being taken away by another dog or person. This is the dog’s way of saying, “Back off!
Why does my dog get aggressive when he has a bone?
Dogs with the propensity to resource guard can exhibit aggressive behavior when someone goes near them while they are eating or when in possession of a valuable resource such as a bone, toy, stolen object, or found object. This means that dogs are born with the propensity to guard coveted items.
What to do if your dog is aggressive with bones?
Remove the item only when he is confined and replace the item with another treat. That isn’t training, that’s just self-preservation and management. If he guards the bed or couch when you approach, stop approaching and instead make a game of calling him away to do something fun. Use a cue like “here!” or a hand target.
Why does my dog growl at me when he has a bone?
When your dog is chewing on their bone, they absolutely love it. If you take it away, they will feel negative emotions and assume it is a punishment of some kind. Most times, your dog will be growling at you because he believes you are going to take it away, or that you may do something that is punishing.
How do I fix my dogs guarding behavior?
Here are some dog training tips that can help you solve your furball’s resource guarding habits:
- Use Treats as Positive Reinforcement.
- Focus on Desensitization.
- Avoid Punishment.
- Teach Your Dog to Share.
- Pet Them During Meals.
- Solving Food Aggression Between Dogs.