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October 17, 2023 8 mins

If you are wondering how to deal with an overprotective dog, you MUST know that these animals are NOT naturally inclined to cause harm.

In fact, dog aggression from overprotectiveness is a case of a dog’s desire to keep harm away from you and the property they’re protecting.

But when is a protective dog too much? And how do you deal with an aggressive, overprotective dog?

In this blog, we’re going to talk about dog aggression coming from overprotectiveness and how you, as a dog owner, can help your dogs.

Read on to learn more.

Key Takeaways
  • Giving dogs treats hoping it will stop their overprotectiveness doesn’t work at all. Your dog has to know they can count on you to protect them.
  • Being the leader who shows your dog that you are in charge can ease your dog’s overprotectiveness.
  • “Security dog” and “border patrol dogs” are just some examples of the types of overprotective dogs. Although different, both dogs exhibit behavior connected to their need to protect: barking, charging towards the threat, even biting!
LEARN HOW TO HANDLE OVERPROTECTIVE DOGS WITH THE DOG CALMING CODE Table of Contents
  1. How to Deal with an Overprotective Dog: Why Are Dogs So Overprotective?
  2. What Role Do You Play in Dealing with an Overprotective Dog: Take Charge!
  3. 9 Signs of an Overprotective Dog
  4. 8 Ways To Deal with an Overprotective Dog
  5. How to Deal With an Overprotective Dog: The Dog Calming Code Can Help You!
    How to Deal with an Overprotective Dog: Why Are Dogs so Overprotective?

What is an overprotective dog?

This kind of dog is easy to spot. One of the overprotective dog types is the “security guard” dog.

They usually spring up at the very first sound of the doorbell. Their energy levels can go from 2 to an instant 10! They get up from their little corner to run and bark at the person or animal on the other side of the door.

The other kind is the “border patrol” dog. This overprotective dog restlessly goes around the property checking on gates and fences and making sure nothing gets in.

Although different, these dogs exhibit aggressive behaviors that drive their dog owners crazy.

UNDERSTAND OVERPROTECTIVE DOGS BETTER WITH THE DOG CALMING CODE

But really, what causes a dog to be overprotective?

Dealing with an Overprotective Dog: This Dog Thinks They Are in Charge

The number one reason for a dog who charges towards the door from the slightest knock or from a doorbell is this: they think they’re in charge.

 

Let me explain through an analogy…

Let’s say you come visit my house.

I ask you to sit, give you refreshments, and entertain you with conversation.

All of a sudden, the doorbell rings. Will you get up to get it?

You would probably say “No, I won’t because it’s not my house.” You know that it’s not your job to answer the door.

That’s the homeowners job because they’re in charge of everything related to their home.

And it’s the same with our dogs: because they think it’s their responsibility to answer to anyone who comes near the house, they go frantic at the sound of a doorbell, or bark when someone gets too close to your property.

They think they’re the leader of the house, so they are the first to the door.

They think they’re in charge of you and the property, so they rove and guard non-stop to keep you safe.

In short, these dogs are stressed, agitated, exhausted, and just can’t relax. All they have on their mind is protect, protect, protect.

So how can you help?

TEACH YOUR DOG HOW TO SWITCH OFF BY BEIN

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