My dog growls when I try to take his things. Is this normal behavior?

Resource guarding (growling, snapping, or even biting when food or toys are taken away) is a common problem. To some extent, yes - this is normal behavior for dogs, in that they are hard-wired to defend food and other high value items from other animals. However, it's definitely something that we want to try and work on, since this behavior can be a problem in human households. I would recommend teaching Huxley to come when you call him, so that you can call him away from things when needed instead of physically intervening to take them away - make sure to always reward with a treat when he listens. You can also teach him to "drop it!" when asked, which gives you an easy way to get items away from him when needed. This article gives more detailed information on how to teach both of these skills: https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-obedience-commands-every-dog-should-know/ If this behavior worsens as he gets older, then I would recommend getting in touch with a veterinary behaviorist who can evaluate Huxley in person and help you put together a more detailed plan for working with him. You can search for one in your area here, if needed: www.dacvb.org

Hi there. Many dogs will freeze and growl, snarl, or snap if they have something valuable (like a bone or bully stick) and they're afraid you might take it away. This is actually quite a normal behavior for dogs, and is just their way of trying to protect their stuff :) To help Sam learn that you're not a threat, you can try walking by and casually tossing him a treat occasionally while he's chewing on his bone. This way, he learns that good things happen when you approach - so no need to growl! NEVER reprimand him for growling, and never try to forcibly take the bone away, as this will only teach him that he was right to be wary of you approaching and is likely to make the problem worse. If you want more detailed information about how to work on this problem, I highly recommend the book "Mine!" by Jean Donaldson.

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is not a normal behavior in puppies. I recommend you seek the help of a dog trainer or behaviorist to try to deal with this while he is still a puppy which is a lot easier than when he becomes an adult. Good luck!

Hi there. Resource guarding is a very common (and normal, to some extent!) behavior in dogs. Do not try to take high-value treats away from her while she is chewing them, as this will only teach her to be anxious and on guard whenever you approach. Instead, leave her alone to chew them in peace. You can also practice walking up to her while she is chewing on something, dropping a tasty treat like a piece of cheese or a hot dog slice, and walking away without bothering her. This way, she learns that having you approach her when she has a "treasure" is a good thing, and not a threat! If this behavior escalates over time instead of getting better, then I would recommend getting in touch with a veterinary behaviorist or a good reward-based trainer who can evaluate her in person and help you put together a training plan to address it. Play growling during tug of war is normal, and it not typically a cause for concern.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is of course unacceptable behavior and it is called food aggression. This is usually corrected with appropriate training. I would highly recommend you consider reaching out to a dog trainer who can work with you in person to correct this. Best of luck!

It's very common for dogs to growl and even bite in response to having something taken away. Instead of chasing Pilot and forcibly trying to take the sock out of his mouth, I would recommend calling him to you for a special treat - something like a piece of cheese or chicken, that he doesn't usually get. Most dogs will happily drop whatever they are holding and come to you for the treat. While you're giving the treat, someone else can go and pick up the sock. Alternatively, if you're by yourself, you can get his attention and then toss the treat away from where he's standing so that he has to go and get it - then pick up the sock while he's busy doing this.

This can be very normal for a new toy as they can be very territorial over them. I would try to let him play with it on his own until the “new” wears off so you don’t get bit. Or if you need that toy for some reason, play with another toy to try to distract his attention. I hope this helps!