Resource guarding is a common behavior in dogs, where they exhibit aggressive behavior towards people or other animals when they perceive a threat to their valuable resources, such as food, toys, or sleeping areas. Canine-possessive aggression is a specific form of resource guarding, where dogs exhibit aggressive behavior towards humans or other animals when they attempt to approach or take away their possessions. Understanding the causes and triggers of canine-possessive aggression is crucial to managing this behavior and ensuring the safety of both dogs and humans. In this blog post, we will explore the key insights from a scientific study on canine-possessive aggression and resource guarding, published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science and available at https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2018.00115/full.
The study, which was conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Sydney, aimed to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and behavioral correlates of canine-possessive aggression and resource guarding in pet dogs. The researchers analyzed survey data from over 1,000 dog owners and found that approximately 20% of the dogs had displayed some form of resource guarding behavior towards people or other animals. The most common types of resource guarding reported were guarding food, toys, and sleeping areas.
One of the key findings of the study was that canine-possessive aggression was associated with several risk factors, including age, sex, breed, and the dog's level of training and socialization. For example, male dogs and certain breeds, such as the Cocker Spaniel and the Springer Spaniel, were more likely to display possessive aggression than female dogs and other breeds. Moreover, dogs that had received less training and socialization were more likely to show possessive aggression than dogs that had received adequate training and socialization.
The study also identified several behavioral correlates of canine-possessive aggression and resource guarding, such as fearfulness, anxiety, and impulsivity. Dogs that were fearful of people or other animals, had separation anxiety, showed impulsive or hyperactive behavior, or were frustrated by lack of exercise or socialization, were more likely to exhibit possessive aggression towards their resources. These findings suggest that addressing the underlying emotional and behavioral issues of dogs can help reduce the risk of resource guarding and possessive aggression.
So, what can dog owners do to prevent and manage canine-possessive aggression and resource guarding? The study recommends several strategies, such as early socialization and training, positive reinforcement-based training methods, providing adequate exercise and enrichment, and proper management of the dog's environment and resources. In addition, dog owners should be aware of the warning signs of resource guarding, such as growling, snarling, and biting, and seek professional help if their dogs show signs of possessive aggression.
In conclusion, canine-possessive aggression and resource guarding are complex behaviors that require a comprehensive approach. Scientific research can provide valuable insights into the causes and correlates of possessive aggression and resource guarding, and help guide effective prevention and management strategies. By understanding and addressing the underlying factors that contribute to resource guarding, we can promote the safety and well-being of both dogs and humans.
Dr. Mandy Meyk at The Gentle Ways specializes in humanely identifying and re-training your dog potentially suffering with resource guarding and or possessive aggression.
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