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“This behavior is often perceived as a dog’s instinct to protect their owners. However, is this really the case?”

— Scott Sheaffer

If you're a dog owner, you've probably had that moment when your dog starts barking, growling, or showing signs of aggression toward a stranger. It's a situation that can leave you puzzled, wondering why your otherwise friendly canine companion is suddenly acting out. This behavior is often perceived as a dog's instinct to protect their owners. However, is this really the case?

My upcoming July 31, 2023 Dog Aggression Answers podcast episode, "Is Your Dog’s Aggression Meant To Protect You?," (click on the link to listen to all episodes) explores this topic in depth. I debunk the common myths surrounding dog aggression and provide you with a better understanding of this behavior.

First, I delve into the concept of anthropomorphizing - attributing human characteristics or behavior to an animal. It's a common practice among pet dog owners and can be the source of misunderstanding when it comes to deciphering a dog's behavior. The assumption that a dog's aggression towards strangers stems from their desire to protect their owners is one such misconception.

Contrary to popular belief, aggression in dogs is not a sign of dominance or an expression of protective instinct. It is, more often than not, rooted in fear. Your dog's aggressive behavior is a way of communicating their discomfort and fear in the presence of a stranger. It's a self-centered behavior, focused on self-protection, rather than the protection of the owner.

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Another common behavior mistaken for protective dog aggression is when a dog resource guards an owner. This behavior can be likened to that of a jealous boyfriend - it's not about protecting the girlfriend, but rather, it's about not wanting to share them. In the case of dogs, the 'resource' they're guarding is their owner. This is often seen when a dog shows aggression towards someone approaching their owner when they are enjoying their owner's company, like sitting together on a sofa while being petted.

To further clarify the misunderstanding around dog aggression, I discuss an intriguing study in the podcast episode involving three dogs reacting to a stranger breaking into their homes. Surprisingly, when faced with a perceived threat, the dogs chose to flee, demonstrating that their aggression was not about protecting their owners, but rather, about protecting themselves.

The July 31, 2023 podcast episode also delves into the influence an owner's demeanor can have on a dog's level of aggression. An owner's fear or anxiety can exacerbate a dog's aggressive behavior, while a calm demeanor can help decrease it. However, it's crucial to note that while the owner's behavior can influence the level of aggression, it does not alter the root cause of the aggression, which is the dog's fear.

Understanding the root cause of your dog's aggression is key to managing and treating it effectively.

We hope this article and the accompanying podcast episode provide you with valuable insights into understanding and managing canine aggression. Remember, every time your dog shows aggression, it’s a chance for you to learn about your canine companion and provide proper management and behavior modification if needed.