Resource guarding occurs when dogs exhibit behaviors like growling, lunging, or biting over food or toys. This behavior is also known as “possessive aggression” and may occur in dogs of any breed. Training early and often can help discourage resource guarding before it becomes too problematic.
Growling during play does not mean your dog is aggressive. It simply means they're having a great time. Your dog might even growl during a particularly pleasing cuddle or patting session.
While playing tug of war, your dog might get excited and begin growling. This is normal, as the game itself is predatory behavior. However, it is important to keep your dog from becoming overly excited or aggressive, and take breaks to keep the game from getting out of control.
Well, the best way to combat Toy Aggression is with positive reinforcement through rewards. Instead of trying to take your dogs' toys away, try to practice first by replacing them. Take one toy they are protecting but give them another one in return.
The Growl: Dogs do growl while playing, but there are two ways to tell different growls apart. An aggressive growl will be accompanied by snarling and snapping, while a playful growl is just a sound, accompanied by relaxed body movements (no tension).
Growling – Sometimes dogs will growl during play, but these growls are accompanied with loose, relaxed body language. When growling is followed by any of the above behaviors, or is a deep and low, it may be a sign of aggressive behavior that needs to be addressed.
It might be difficult to watch your otherwise sweet adorable dog attack his toys and be aggressive but chances are it's his natural instinct. The behavior can be triggered by a variety of reasons that originate with your dog's ancestors.
If, at any time, the dog shows aggression such as growling, snarling (lifting the lips), snapping, lunging or biting, leave the area immediately and do not attempt to take the item from the dog.
Resource guarding — aggression over food, bones, toys, or even comfy sleeping locations — is very common behavior in pet dogs and often a behavior concern for many dog guardians. Although it is a natural behavior for dogs to exhibit, it may sometimes be scary for both the dogs and the humans.
Playing tug brings out your dog's predatory instincts. They may growl, grunt, and shake their head as though they're killing a prey animal. These behaviours are all normal and not indicative of aggression.
If the dog makes a mistake and bites you, screech “OUCH!” and take the toy away for 3-5 seconds. Act hurt and disgusted. Then re-present the toy and give your Tug cue. Your dog should play with more caution.
Dogs really do love us unconditionally. Your dog follows you everywhere. If you feel like you can not take a step in the house without your dog at your heels, consider yourself loved. Dogs cling to you for more than just security.
It can seem strange when dogs do this – why would they suddenly make a sound of aggression when you're having fun together? The simple answer is: they aren't! This type of dog growling indicates that your pet is having fun; your dog might even be trying to tell you that they want to keep on playing!
Most of the time, there is a genetic component to resource guarding. This means that dogs are born with the propensity to guard coveted items. Resource guarding can get worse due to environmental influences however. Owners often make resource guarding worse by their response – typically through punishment.
The mental and physical stimulation from toys can help them feel calmer by giving them something safe and productive to focus on. If your dog shows little interest in toys, then it's important that you are sticking to toys and games that allow you to play with your dog.
Squeaky Toys
Most dogs become destructive toward the squeaker and some dogs, like Henry, destroy the toy within seconds in order to “kill” the squeaker. Allowing a dog to do this teaches them that it is okay to destroy whatever is making the squeaky noise; this can lead to aggression toward small animals or children.
We do know that dogs can get really attached to a toy that reminds them of a puppy. Think of a child who wanted to care for a baby doll. "Some dogs, female dogs in particular, might bond with something that's like a surrogate for a puppy," Loftin explains.
When played correctly, tug of war is a high-value training method. It improves their impulse control, lets them learn boundaries, is an excellent mental stimulate, and is of course a great way to tire them out. When played responsibly, tug games also help keep your dog's teeth and muscles strong.
The desire to investigate interesting objects and the discomfort of teething motivate puppies to chew. Much like human infants, puppies go through a stage when they lose their baby teeth and experience pain as their adult teeth come in. This intensified chewing phase usually ends by six months of age.
Signs of dog aggression include raised hackles, stiffness, snapping, or lunging. If either dog shows aggression, separate them immediately. But be careful: Never get between two fighting dogs.
You, not your dog, should initiate the roughhousing, and your dog should stop when you indicate playtime is over. Teach your dog a command such as “game over” or “settle” so he learns to calm down after rough play. Make sure your dog knows that excessive mouthing or nipping is not acceptable.
Dogs that are playing may roll on their backs or otherwise give their play partner the upper hand for a bit. But if you're seeing all pursuit, no give and take… if one dog is doing all the chasing and not letting the other get away—or body slamming—that's moving into aggressive territory.
Most dogs assume a neutral or submissive role toward people, but some dogs will challenge their owners for dominance. A dominant dog may stare, bark, growl, snap, or even bite when you give him a command or ask him to give up a toy, treat, or resting place.