- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Is your dog constantly on edge, barking at every passerby? Maybe the mail carrier sets them off or the Pomeranian from down the street. Whatever the case, having a dog that reacts whenever a sound or person passes by the house can be stressful. When these reactive behaviors, like barking, growling, and lunging at perceived intruders, are not addressed, it can escalate from a nuisance to danger.
The good news is that your dog can learn to coexist with small noises and interruptions. With consistent, positive training, you can help turn a territorial dog into a more relaxed one.
In this guide, we’ll explore practical strategies for preventing a dog from guarding the house. We also have insights from expert trainers Rachel Lane, certified behavior consultant, dog trainer, and owner of Leash & Learn, and Shir Limazati, founder and head trainer at Another Chance Training.
Here’s your roadmap for making life more peaceful—for dogs and people on both sides of the fence.
Signs of a Territorial Dog
Territorial behavior in dogs may present as aggressive actions towards strangers or other animals who approach or enter the dog’s living space.
Signs of territorial behavior include:
- Intense barking at people or dogs walking by the house
- Growling
- Charging or lunging at the door
- Baring teeth
- Snapping
- Urine marking
- Displaying signs of stress, such as raised hackles, a stiff body, fixation on the approaching person, excessive drooling, excessive panting, pacing, or sudden excessive shedding
Trainer Rachel Lane explains that this behavior typically occurs at the edge of the dog’s space—at the front door, a window, a fence, or the yard perimeter. The level of aggression often increases as the person approaching gets closer and decreases as they move away.
Territorial behavior can extend to specific rooms or spaces within the house and even the people living there, says trainer Shir Limazati. Lane also notes that dogs with territorial behavior at home may not show the same aggression towards strangers in other settings.
Why do dogs become territorial over their house or people?
While territorial behavior may be undesirable, it’s completely natural. It all ties back to your dog’s survival instinct. Over time, dogs have developed territorial behavior as a way to protect essential resources—including their home and their humans.
Territorial behavior can be further exacerbated by a lack of socialization or traumatic events, adds Limazati. Anxiety may also play a role.
Finally, it could be genetics at work. Certain breeds, such as German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Doberman Pinschers, are naturally inclined to guard their territory. Dogs with guarding instincts need to be introduced to alternative behaviors and may need lots of desensitization practice at an early age.
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How To Help a Territorial Dog
It’s normal for dogs to guard the resources that matter to them. But if your dog shows warning signs like excessive barking, growling, or snapping, it’s time to step up your training game.
If ignored, Lane says territorial behaviors won’t resolve on their own. They are likely to worsen and become ingrained.
The good news is that many dogs can learn to dial back their territorial instincts and feel more secure.
Here are six ways to manage your dog’s guarding behavior.
1. Make environmental changes to reduce triggers.
Training can go a long way, but while you’re still working on the basics, it’s up to you to limit exposure to triggers. This may mean:
- Using curtains, blinds, or frosted glass film on windows to reduce visual stimuli.
- Playing white noise or soothing music to block distracting sounds.
- Using dog gates to keep your dog away from the front door when guests are expected or block them from a room with a direct view of the street.
Lane also advises against leaving your territorial dog alone in the yard. Instead, provide a comfortable indoor environment for your dog when they are not under direct supervision. This gives them a place away from stimuli where they feel safe.
2. Teach your dog to settle on cue.
If your dog tends to bark when they sense a threat to their territory, teach them a command that means “be quiet.” Many pet parents use “settle.”
This is a step beyond the basics, but when practiced and reinforced, a solid settle can help an anxious, territorial dog relax.
The goal, says Lane, is working your dog up to stay calm even when significant distractions are happening in the environment. “Eventually, this includes people approaching the home and passing by the house.”
3. Teach a strong recall.
Recall, or coming when called, is crucial for any dog. But it’s especially important for territorial dogs. With a strong recall, Lane points out, you can be sure your dog will come to you on cue if someone approaches.
Start by working on recall indoors, where your dog feels less territorial. Reward your dog enthusiastically every time they come when called to reinforce the behavior.
Once your dog’s indoor recall is rock solid, gradually transition to practicing in the yard. This is where a long leash or long line can be especially helpful, as your dog can roam free while wearing one, but you can get a hold of them quickly if needed.
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4. Practice meeting new people.
Lane recommends teaching your dog a routine for meeting new people. This way, when visitors come to your home, your dog knows how to behave and greet them.
- Set ground rules for visitors. This might include remaining calm, avoiding sudden movements, and greeting you before acknowledging the dog.
- Let guests drop treats. Leave tasty treats by the door for guests to drop on the floor as they enter. Guests should ignore the dog and quietly take a seat to show that they are not a threat.
- Let your dog approach. Once seated, let the dog approach guests when they’re ready.
- Use positive reinforcement. Lay on the praise and treats for any positive interactions.
5. Address any anxiety problems.
Sometimes, guarding behavior is rooted in anxiety. Ask your vet if your dog might benefit from anti-anxiety medications. Additionally, puzzle toys, long-lasting chews, stuffed KONGs, lick mats, and snuffle mats all offer good distractions for anxious dogs.
6. Work on desensitization.
After you’ve spent some time working on the other training steps listed above, you can gradually introduce desensitization and counterconditioning.
The goal of desensitization is to change your dog’s emotional response to triggers by gradually exposing them in a controlled and positive way.
Limazati points out that the process takes time. But for a peaceful pup and home, it’s worth the effort.
How To Get Help With a Territorial Dog
Managing territorial behavior in dogs can be tough! Consider working with a qualified trainer or behaviorist who can assess your dog’s unique temperament, triggers, and reactions to create a personalized plan. This is especially important if your dog exhibits violence or has a bite history. But all dogs can benefit from professional help.
Our experts recommend searching for a local professional through the following organizations:
- Certification Council Of Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
- International Association of Animal Behaviorists
- Association of Professional Dog Trainers
- Fear Free Pets
Additionally, you can ask your vet about anti-anxiety medications. These can help some dogs regulate stress and emotions.
