Kennel guarding is a form of territorial aggression.
Dogs have an instinctual urge to guard their territory. Some dogs have more of an urge than others. Because some dogs are more territorial than others, they may fiercely guard the areas of a home they feel are theirs, particularly kennels or crates. These aggressive habits can be minimized through time, socialization and training.
Significance
Dogs in the wild are den animals. They naturally seek out sheltered areas to form their dens to keep their pack safe from harm. While today's domestic dog is far removed from its wild counterparts, some of the same instincts remain. A kennel mimics a dog's den. A dog's territorial instincts may take over and cause the dog to become aggressive when another being, human or animal, tries to approach his kennel. This form of aggression may be particularly troublesome to owners with other dogs or pets in the home, and may also cause problems when a dog owner needs to clean or tend to the dog's kennel. Kennel guarding is very evident in a shelter environment where a dog spends most of its day in a kennel surrounded by unfamiliar dogs.
Identification
A dog who is kennel guarding may bark if an intruder is near its kennel. Growling, baring teeth and adopting a hunched, lunging posture are also seen. A dog who is territorially aggressive displays an alert expression, with ears held erect. The dog's tail will be held high and the whites of the dog's eyes may be visible. These signs are a warning that the dog is willing to defend its territory. If these warning signs are not heeded, the dog may attack.
Considerations
Kennel guarding behavior may be inadvertently encouraged. When an individual or animal walks past the dog's kennel while the dog is inside of it, signs of territorial aggression may begin without the person or animal even realizing it. When the person or animal leaves, the dog is rewarded with a sense of relief--the dog has effectively guarded its kennel, according to "Handbook of Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat."
Prevention/Solution
Kennel guarding is a behavior that needs to be addressed at the onset, according to "Be the Pack Leader." If allowed to continue, the behavior will worsen. Spend time with your dog and expose your dog to a variety of people, animals and situations. This type of socialization neutralizes the fear that everything is a threat. Use operant conditioning to minimize territorial reactions a bit at a time. Modify your dog's environment so the chances for kennel guarding are minimized. This may include moving your dog's kennel to a less-frequented room of the house.
Warning
Do not physically punish your dog for showing territorial aggression about its kennel. A dog who is hit for this behavior will feel its actions are perfectly justified because of the threat it fears manifesting, states the "Handbook of Applied Dog Behavior and Training, Vol. 1: Adaptation and Learning." Encouraging positive behavior and removing the opportunity for negative behavior is more effective. If you feel you cannot adequately handle a dog who is exhibiting kennel guarding behaviors or the dog is particularly aggressive, seek the help of a licensed dog trainer or behavior specialist.
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