The Territorial Canine

The Territorial Dog

Wolves defend the land on which they hunt from trespass by other wolves : they are territorial. Your dog’s territory is probably smaller than the wolf ancestors’, but may be defended just the same. The criterion or degree of territoriality in dogs can usually be changed by a learning process : teaching the dog that invasion from visitors brings good rather than bad experiences. Most of us only want a dog that barks but does not bite : that is enough to deter burglars. A biting dog is a liability that at least will lose you friends and could lead to a prosecution if someone is bitten.

Background

Inheritance

Some breeds are much more territorial than others. Yorkshire Terriers and German Shepherd Dogs being good examples. Cavaliers and Irish Setters are notable for their lack of territorial instincts because they have been bred that way.

Experience

Frequent contact with a variety of people from puppy days onwards, limits the development of territorial behaviour. These contacts must be rewarding in outcome, and an unfortunate kick or unpleasant experience at the hands of a stranger can spark off latent antagonistic tendencies.

Environment

A Fort Knox house in which few visitors come or strangers are seen develops an antagonistic tendency in the dog. This is particularly seen at doors, and along fences through which neighbours etc. can be threatened. Daily and more frequent off-territory walks will change this tendency.

Treatment

Safety First

If someone could possibly be hurt, ensure your dog is muzzled or restrained on a lead when conducting the behavioural therapy outlined below. Muzzles do not make dogs more mean : they behave much the same as if they were unmuzzled.

Owner Attitudes

You must be cool, off-hand and rejecting to your dog before you expect visitors, and at the moment of bell-ringing. The greater your affection or closeness of contact, the more territorial or protective your dog.

Victim Psychology

Frightened people are more likely to be bitten : rapid and jerky movements, together with unnecessary direct eye contact elicit attacks from territorial dogs. Thus, invite people who are calm, who like dogs and can stand still.

The Payoff

Visitors should come equipped with food, or shortly after arrival they should take your dog for a walk. This will produce a positive expectation of the outsider. This is a very important point.

The Penalty

Punishment from the owner for excessive barking or territorial aggression should be modest, well-timed and more with the intention of interruption than pain. A powerful sound stimulus is the Dog Stop Alarm or a flick of water from you the owner. Visitors must never punish your dog.

Response Substitution Therapy

The aim here is to train a response which is incompatible with launching an attack upon a visitor. Train your dog to sit or lie on a particular place (e.g. a mat inside and near your front door or hall) within sight but out of reach of the visitor. The training can be reward-centered : for treats independently of the presence of visitors. When a real visitor arrives, have them toss treats at your growling dog. If your dog might come off the sit or down position, tether him by a well-fixed anchor point.

Complementary Treatments

Bach Flower Remedy - Vervain, Chicory, Holly Homoeopathy - Nux Vomica, Hyoscyamus

Problem Avoidance

Ensure multi-person handling of the puppy from as early as possible.

Exercise your dog frequently in public areas.

Accustom your dog to "nice" experiences at your veterinary practice, going equipped with favourite treats which nurses and colleagues can give your dog.

If in doubt about how your dog might react, muzzle it. By doing so you are just being responsible.