Why does my dog protect his treats instead of eating them?

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

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!

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.

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.

Thank you for your question. Many dogs like to hide things, including treats and food. This is probably a remnant from their ancestors who may have had to hide some of their food items to protect it from other members of their pack or predators. We would not consider this a problem behavior unless he is becoming aggressive around his buried food/toys.

Hello. While this is not abnormal behavior, it should also not be tolerated. Winston needs to be taught to relinquish objects so that he does not chew on something that is important to you ( like the TV remote ) or swallow something dangerous to him. Work with him every day to give or put down objects on demand. You may need to work with a trainer to get started in the right direction. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

If Mia is eating enough and growing normally I would not worry too much about this behavior. If however you feel like she is becoming undernourished because of this then I would be concerned. Try strictly meal feeding her. Put her food down for 10-15 minutes and if she doesn’t eat it pick it up right away. Then do not allow her to ha e any food until her next meal. This will encourage her to eat her food when it is available rather than play with it.