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Dogs love people, and we love them, too. This is the main and most common reason why there are so many dog owners. Dogs are good friends, and they protect their owners. Here are 7 signs your dog is protective of you, and he will do anything he can to keep you safe at all times.
You will probably love your friend even more once you know these seven signs.
7 Signs Your Dog Is Protective Of You
Your Dog Will Growl
The most common and obvious sign that your dog is trying to protect you is growling. Dogs usually growl when they are playing or when they are in danger. But he will also growl when he senses danger directed toward his owner.
This does happen on a regular basis for some owners, and it isn’t pleasant, but it means that your pet loves you and wants to protect you.
Some dog breeds will growl even when the smallest dangerous situation presents itself. Others will growl rarely.
However, all dogs that want to keep their owners safe will growl once they sense danger. Keep in mind that it doesn’t have to be a danger to you. It only needs to make sense to your pet.
High Alert In a Case of Danger
When your pet is looking in one direction and refuses to move, he is sensing danger. That danger can be directed at you, and he will want to alert and protect you. This sign can be followed by others on our list, or it can be present by itself. In any case, it means that your dog feels that danger is coming from the direction he is looking.
The best thing to do is to take a break and leave your dog to look in that direction for some time. Once the danger isn’t present anymore, he will return to a normal state. Of all 7 signs your dog is protective of you, this one is best-known by dog owners who have knowledge.
He Will Crouch Down
If your dog crumples, you may have a reason to be worried. Most of not all dogs will do this when they are preparing to attack or when they want to scare a predator. They also do this when playing, but this isn’t related. An interesting fact is that dogs may also do this as a way to hide. Although it sounds strange, it is the truth.
Don’t forget that your dog will also growl and bark heavily. It is an obvious sign of aggression and not pleasant behavior. For your dog, this simply means that danger is near and more aggressive behaviour is mandatory.
Your Pet Will Run Around
Have you ever wonder why your dog is running in circles or around you for hours. The explanation is simple. He felt danger, and there is an obstacle between that danger and him. In most cases, a fence will be that obstacle, and obviously, your dog cannot do anything about it. Instead, he will run close to the fence, bark, and growl.
It is worth noting that some dogs can jump over the fence and pursue that danger. But, for you, it means that your pet believed there was a danger that was a threat to you, and he wanted to eliminate it. For lack of a better word, this is a very appealing sign that your dog is trying to protect you and keep you safe.
It can be fun as well, but probably not for the people and pets on the other side of the fence if you have a big pet.
Standing Up Hair
This is another sign that your pet is prepared to fight. All dogs and even cats do this in order to make themselves look bigger and more dangerous. It is usually the first sign your pet is preparing to engage. Some pets will do this in order to scare off their enemies and escape.
They do not do this when they play unless they feel danger.
Standing up, hair can be seen on the neck and back. Depending on the dog breed, it can look extremely dangerous and even scary. In some cases, it may look funny as well.
Whale Eye
When a dog is showing white eyes or white parts of the eyes it is known as whale eye. Some may refer to this as “half-moon eye,” and it refers to exactly the same thing. Dogs do this when they sense danger.
They will usually look at the danger source, which can be a human, another dog, or anything else. He is trying to see the danger and scare it off.
Almost always, the ears of a dog will be all the way back when he is showing whale eye. Yes, this sign can be followed by others from the list. For example, he can show teeth as well, bark, or even growl.
Exposed Teeth
Your dog will expose teeth when he is in danger or when you are in danger. If we take a closer look, we can see that all dog breeds will do this as one of their first actions in order to scare off the enemy and prepare to engage. Luckily, this can end quickly, and your pet will go back to normal behavior.
Exposed teeth can be followed by growling, standing up hair, and even with crouched body position. You may want to know that some dogs will form their teeth and the jaw into a C shape, which looks interesting and even funny.
Managing Overprotective Behavior
Protective instincts are common in dogs due to their loyalty and strong bond with their owners. However, when these protective tendencies turn into aggressive behavior, it can create unnecessary stress and potential harm. Here’s how you can manage your dog’s overprotective behavior:
1. Positive Reinforcement
Reward your dog for their calm behavior. If they remain relaxed when others are around, provide them with a treat or praise. This strategy reinforces the idea that there’s no need for them to be protective all the time.
2. Training
Investing in basic obedience training can significantly help control overprotective behavior. Commands like ‘sit’, ‘stay’, and ‘leave it’ can be extremely beneficial in managing situations where your dog starts showing aggressive protective instincts.
3. Socialization
Socializing your dog with various people, places, and situations can help them become less protective. The more accustomed they are to different environments and individuals, the less likely they are to perceive them as threats.
4. Exercise
Regular and adequate exercise can help manage your dog’s energy levels, thereby reducing anxiety and restlessness. This method can help them stay calm in situations where they might typically display overprotective behavior.
5. Consult a Professional
In case your dog’s protective behavior becomes aggressive or unmanageable, it’s critical to seek professional assistance from a dog trainer or behaviorist. They can provide tailored strategies and techniques to manage this behavior.
Remember, each dog is unique, and methods effective for one may not work for another. Patience and consistency are key when trying to modify any dog’s behavior. With time and effort, it is possible to manage your dog’s overprotectiveness, creating a safer and more peaceful environment for everyone.
The Final Word
These were 7 signs your dog is protective of you and he wants to keep you safe. All you need to remember is that some dogs may show all 7 signs, while others can show just one. This depends on the dog and the danger that is present. Some pets can show a mixture of the signs as well.
Learn more about Why My Dog Is Ignoring My Commands here.
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