The Territory Manager

A dog rushing up to a fence as you walk past is something most people have experienced if they’ve ever walked along a suburban street.
Most of the time the dog rushes, barks, and you continue walking without further issue. But there are repercussions from that kind of territorial behaviour that you may not realise. We’re going to delve into some of the details about what it’s like for the dog who has got themselves into a territory manager role.

There are a lot of things that contribute to territorial behaviour. One of the big mistakes we see is the way owners start to leave their dogs outdoors, unattended, at around 6 months of age. They’re no longer pups, and don't need to be contained inside for safety - they need the space during the day… right?

Wrong. 6 months is when puppies, who may not have been worried about things before, start to become unsure again - a second fear period. Not only that, but they are starting to mature, and are looking for job and things to stimulate them. They are teenagers - who are unemployed.

So imagine this. Your dog is home alone, and someone is approaching the house. There is no one else there but the dog, and they become intimidated and frightened. There is no option but to protect themselves and their home. So they let out a warning bark - to tell the stranger to go away.
You and I both know that the person walking down the street is just heading on their merry way… but your dog? Your dog thinks it’s bark was the action that moved them on.

From that moment, your dog believes that barking is the behaviour that removes strangers. 

This can escalate into even bigger displays as your dog practises and becomes more proficient. If your dog is left alone all day, it can become a major highlight, rather than something that they do because they are worried. Whenever they see someone off, they’re getting a cocktail of hormones: adrenaline, cortisol, dopamine… and they can start waiting in anticipation for that person and dog just to get that stimulation.

So your dog is practising this for long periods of the day because you are out at work. They have their 9-5 job as well. If you come home and try to reprimand them for barking, you won’t have much influence. They have everything under control the majority of the time, why would they need to listen to you? Especially if the guarding game has become a lot of fun.

Did you know: We find that some territorial dogs are practising see-off behaviours up to 20 times in one day! Just install a camera and see how many opportunities there are for your dog to see someone off (we’re looking at you, courier drivers.)

If you have a contained property, and neighbours who don’t mind a bit of barking, you may not find any issue with your dog in this role… but keep in mind the implications. Your dog is deciding that any stranger coming near the property is not allowed. Then, someone you haven’t seen in a while comes visiting - your dog will have no context and will practise the same behaviour. Aunt Sally from the UK is going to get a very big fright when your dog concludes she isn’t welcome - and if she doesn’t leave when the barking and rushing doesn’t work, a bite can be the next step…

We have some advice that we give to a lot of people whose dogs are exhibiting territorial behaviour…

• Do not leave your dog unsupervised outside. Being constantly vigilant is exhausting, and they need the opportunity to settle and rest.
• When your dog is outside, stay with them and have them on a long line so you can guide them inside if you need to.
• Don’t yell at them if they bark. Then you’re just all yelling together and adding to the stress they feel!

Keep in mind that management systems that you implement (like changing your household set up), reduces the rehearsal of territorial behaviours, but it doesn't change the way they feel about strangers or people approaching your property. The only way you can see long term change, and change the emotions your dog actually has about these situations, is to also start a behaviour modification training plan in tandem with management.

So do you need to think about adjusting your thoughts and approach to your territory manager? 

If you want more information on Territorial Behaviours and Barking, we have a Territorial Barking Webinar available that goes into much more depth. If you are seeing these behaviours beyond your home, check out our Reactivity Webinar. You can also book a 1:1 consultation if you need personalised advice and recommendations to your specific situation. 

Authored by Sarah Endres
Dog Trainer and Behaviour Advisor

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