STAY OFF MY TURF!  
By Pia Silvani, CPDT, CABC
Director oft Training and Behavior – St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center

Few things are more disconcerting than having a dog that is friendly with the family, yet cannot tolerate houseguests.  Many people feel safe and secure when Fido barks at strangers approaching their residences.  Sometimes, though, too much of a good thing can be problematic.  A warning bark is acceptable, provided the dog silences once you approach or tell him to be quiet.  But when the barking turns into growling, lunging, nipping and/or biting— the dog has taken control.  Then your canine “guard dog” has become a risk.

 The term “territory” is not limited to your home.  It can be a car, the neighborhood or anything else a dog feels he must protect.   When evaluating the problem, examine whether the dog’s behavior results from a territorial problem or a protection issue.  Is he protecting himself or you? 

 The following can help determine the root of your problem.  There are also times your dog may exhibit both types of unwelcome behavior. 

 Territorial Problems:   

(1)     Your dog is tolerant of—even friendly with—people away from his home but threatening or aggressive toward people as they approach the household. 

 (2)     Your dog vocalizes at people or other dogs who pass your car or house, regardless if you are     present. 

       (3)     Your dog’s threatening behavior is directed only at family members, other dogs and/or guests who attempt to go near him while he is resting on his bed, in his crate or on his favorite rug.   

(4)     Your dog exhibits fearful behavior toward strangers and/or dogs away from his home and displays aggressive behaviors toward people and/or dogs in the home.

 Protective Problems:   

(1)   Your dog is well behaved with people when you are absent yet becomes aggressive toward others when you are both in the car, at home or you have him on lead.

(2)   Your dog will not allow people (perhaps including family members) and/or dogs to approach you while he is in your lap, next to you or on lead. 

(3)   Your dog positions himself around you when a perceived threat approaches. 

The following tips can serve to manage your canine’s improper “guarding” behaviors.   

(1)               Block Visual Triggers - If your dog has access to windows, simply block his view.  This doesn’t mean he will stop listening for intruders, but many dogs spend hours sitting by the window waiting for a “victim” to chase.  Talk about reinforcing!  Dozens of times each day a dog has the opportunity to learn “If I bark, they go away.”   

(2)               “But He Loves It Outside!” - If your dog is outside barking at passersby, never leave him unattended.  A fence should not act as an extension of his interior world.  Dogs prefer to be with their social group.  When placed outdoors alone, they entertain themselves.  A dog’s barking increases as he finds new and exciting things to chase.  Furthermore, his vocalizing can disturb the neighbors.  It is essential to spend time with your dog outdoors so as to develop a reliable recall. 

(3)               Understand What Triggers Your Dog’s Actions - Is it the doorbell, a letter carrier or some other stimuli?  Once you pinpoint his trigger(s), manage your dog so he no longer hears or sees them.  For example, if your dog is crated in the car, cover the crate or put sunshades on the windows so he cannot look out.  If your dog only reacts to the mail carrier, change from a mail slot in the door to a mailbox on the street (or P.O. Box if necessary).  If your dog stalks along the fence, create a visual barrier so he cannot see pedestrians.     

(4)               Positive Exposure Builds Confidence - Expose a fearful dog to as many people and dogs as possible away from “his turf” so he cultivates good experiences.  If he is tolerant of people away from the home, take him on daily walks, have people give treats, play catch and do other fun things.  Set up play dates with a sociable doggy friend.  Avoid dog parks since this could be too overwhelming.  If your dog is very anxious around people, avoid this step.  The closer he gets to what frightens him, the more anxious he will become.   

(5)               You Are Not The Dog’s Possession - Write down all of the triggers that cause your dog to react.  Is it only when you are sitting with him on the sofa, or when a person approaches to shake your hand?  Remove the dog’s impetus–you!  Avoid shaking hands.  Say hello instead and give the dog a treat for good behavior.  Remove the dog from your lap when sitting on the sofa.  Most dogs don’t have the nerve to continue growling and barking once they are “on their own.”   

Aggression problems are extremely complex and risky to you, the public at large and other animals.  Seek the advice of a veterinary behaviorist, an applied animal behaviorist or a skilled trainer who avoids the use of abusive procedures in their treatment programs.  Not only should you be concerned with protecting the general public but also how your dog is handled during treatment.