If you are wondering how to deal with an overprotective dog, you MUST know that these animals are NOT naturally inclined to cause harm.

In fact, dog aggression from overprotectiveness is a case of a dog’s desire to keep harm away from you and the property they’re protecting.

But when is a protective dog too much? And how do you deal with an aggressive, overprotective dog?

In this blog, we’re going to talk about dog aggression coming from overprotectiveness and how you, as a dog owner, can help your dogs.

Read on to learn more.

Key Takeaways

• Giving dogs treats hoping it will stop their overprotectiveness doesn’t work at all. Your dog has to know they can count on you to protect them.


• Being the leader who shows your dog that you are in charge can ease your dog’s overprotectiveness.


• “Security dog” and “border patrol dogs” are just some examples of the types of overprotective dogs. Although different, both dogs exhibit behavior connected to their need to protect: barking, charging towards the threat, even biting!

LEARN HOW TO HANDLE OVERPROTECTIVE DOGS WITH THE DOG CALMING CODE
Table of Contents

1. How to Deal with an Overprotective Dog: Why Are Dogs So Overprotective?


2. What Role Do You Play in Dealing with an Overprotective Dog: Take Charge!


3. 9 Signs of an Overprotective Dog


4. 8 Ways To Deal with an Overprotective Dog


5. How to Deal With an Overprotective Dog: The Dog Calming Code Can Help You!

 



 







How to Deal with an Overprotective Dog: Why Are Dogs so Overprotective?

What is an overprotective dog?

This kind of dog is easy to spot. One of the overprotective dog types is the “security guard” dog.

They usually spring up at the very first sound of the doorbell. Their energy levels can go from 2 to an instant 10! They get up from their little corner to run and bark at the person or animal on the other side of the door.

The other kind is the “border patrol” dog. This overprotective dog restlessly goes around the property checking on gates and fences and making sure nothing gets in.

Although different, these dogs exhibit aggressive behaviors that drive their dog owners crazy.

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But really, what causes a dog to be overprotective?

Dealing with an Overprotective Dog: This Dog Thinks They Are in Charge

The number one reason for a dog who charges towards the door from the slightest knock or from a doorbell is this: they think they’re in charge.

 

Let me explain through an analogy…

Let’s say you come visit my house.

I ask you to sit, give you refreshments, and entertain you with conversation.

All of a sudden, the doorbell rings. Will you get up to get it?

You would probably say “No, I won’t because it’s not my house.” You know that it’s not your job to answer the door.

That’s the homeowners job because they’re in charge of everything related to their home.

And it’s the same with our dogs: because they think it’s their responsibility to answer to anyone who comes near the house, they go frantic at the sound of a doorbell, or bark when someone gets too close to your property.

They think they’re the leader of the house, so they are the first to the door.

They think they’re in charge of you and the property, so they rove and guard non-stop to keep you safe.

In short, these dogs are stressed, agitated, exhausted, and just can’t relax. All they have on their mind is protect, protect, protect.

So how can you help?

TEACH YOUR DOG HOW TO SWITCH OFF BY BEING THE PACK LEADER WITH THE HELP OF THE DOG CALMING CODE
What Role Do You Play in Dealing with an Overprotective Dog: Take Charge!

In your relationship with your dog, who is responsible for answering the door?

You could say that “My dog knows I am the one in charge.”

But do they really?

If your dog believes they are in charge, they will continue to be aggressive towards anyone near the door or fence.

The “security guard” and the “border patrol” dogs are constantly barking at the door, constantly patrolling the area with an aggressive energy because they think they’re in charge of it!

You're a big deal in your dog's world, and that can sometimes lead to them being a tad overprotective. In your dog’s eyes, you and the property are priority #1.

But you don’t want that! You just want your dogs to be calm and chill, and let you do all the worrying.

WITH THE DOG CALMING CODE, YOU CAN HELP YOUR DOGS CALM DOWN AND SWITCH OFF

Here’s where the challenge comes in.

You’re probably thinking “I need to get a training program to stop this aggression.” A good move, yes. But which program?

Because here’s what I’ve observed so far: most programs aimed at stopping overprotectiveness by just giving dog treats so they will stop worrying.

Treats and rewards are not enough. You have to learn how to show them they have NOTHING to worry about.

How do you do this?

 



 







How to Deal with an Overprotective Dog? Be the Pack Leader By Showing Them You Deal with Danger!

Remember this ONE CRUCIAL TRUTH before we discuss additional steps to handling an overprotective dog:

Your dog is overprotective because they don’t see you as the leader who will do the protecting.

“But Dan, I do all my best to protect my dog!”

I have no doubt you do.

But dog psychology is more complex than what us humans understand. Your actions can send your dog a different message.

(Dog psychology comes with various concepts that are essential for dog owners to understand. I talk more about cracking the dog code with my online training program The Dog Calming Code™️.)

The bottomline is telling your dog “Don’t worry, I’m in charge here” just won’t do it.

So how do you show your leadership, especially when it comes to answering the door?

Here are several examples of what you can do (taken from Doggy Dan’s Golden Rule #4: Dealing with Danger).

• If your dog is barking at someone from a distance, show them that you acknowledge what they’re barking at BUT DON’T MAKE A BIG DEAL OUT OF IT.


• Calmly reassure the dog that you saw their perceived threat, and they have nothing to worry about by telling them “Thank you” and walking away.


• If your dog still barks after doing this, take them to a room to help them let some steam off and bring their energy level down.


• Always make sure your energy is not stressed or agitated as well. Because even if you say “Thank you!” and walk away IF your energy level is anything BUT CALM, your dog won’t be calm.

These are just some examples of dealing with a dog who can’t stop barking and worrying about their perceived threat.

(Important note: Remember, it’s you who needs to do the worrying!)

I talk more about dealing with perceived danger in Doggy Dan Golden Rule #4. I have a blog dedicated for this which you can check out here.

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9 Signs of an Overprotective Dog
They’re Constantly Vigilant

Dogs, with their innate sense of alertness, are often found keeping a watchful eye on their surroundings.

They are always alert, prepared to notice any possible intrusions or disturbances, whether it's the sound of leaves rustling or distant footsteps.

Standing Alertly

In the presence of unfamiliar sounds or movements, dogs can be seen standing tall, ears perked up, and muscles tensed, all in preparation for any potential encounter.

Their alert posture serves as a testament to their acute awareness and readiness to react.

They Center Their