If you own a Bloodhound, you may be wondering if they are territorial. While Bloodhounds are not known for being particularly aggressive, they can be very protective of their homes and families. In this article, we’ll explore Bloodhounds’ territorial tendencies and how to best manage them.
Bloodhounds can be territorial when protecting their food, toys, space or home. This behavior can be avoided and minimized through early socialization, obedience training, setting clear boundaries, along with providing consistent exercise. A dog training specialist should be engaged if your Bloodhound is showing ongoing signs of territorial aggression.
Understanding the triggers for your Bloodhound being territorial are critical, along with knowing how to reduce this type of disruptive behavior.
Are Bloodhounds territorial over their owners?
Bloodhounds are not typically an aggressive breed. They are not even the protective type of dog as they tend to play with everyone.
It is the same way with their owner. They tend to play around and cuddle you as their owner. This breed of dog is often shy and they are likely to hide behind you when visitors are present.
Therefore, signs of aggressiveness over their owner are uncommon.
“On the rare occasion that a Bloodhound is aggressive, they are most likely calm in the presence of their owner or when you caution them.”
This is due to their immense loyalty to their owners, regardless of the situation.
However, when a Bloodhound senses danger, it may become aggressive and act dangerously. They are known as the number one scent dog amongst all dog breeds and have a distinct sense of smell and high potential for identifying dangers.
In such cases, they will likely be protective as the need arises.
How can you tell if a Bloodhound is territorial?
Bloodhounds have a naturally calm temperament and are considered great family pets. So, it is regarded as strange behavior if they act territorially or aggressively.
It is therefore relatively easy to identify behavioral changes and if your Bloodhound is becoming territorial.
Strange snapping at kids
When you notice that your Bloodhound has started snapping or attempting to bite kids, it is a sign of being territorial. This act may occur when a kid plays with a toy that belongs to the dog. These types of aggressive behaviors need to be dealt with immediately.
Strange barking
Bloodhounds are generally calm and don’t bark as much as other dogs. Even at the sight of a stranger, a Bloodhound is likely to remain calm.
However, when you notice your dog barking endlessly when someone moves close to your apartment, it is likely they have become territorial.
Fighting for space
A particular spot in the house may have been known to be the dog’s favorite place.
Some dogs, for instance, love the side of the couch. When the dog reacts by barking or snapping whenever this spot is occupied, it is typically a territorial sign.
Attacking a new dog in the house
Bloodhounds can feel threatened at the sight of a new dog in the house. As such, it may start reacting by attacking the new dog. This is a classic sign of territorial behavior.
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What are Bloodhounds known to be territorial about and why?
When Bloodhounds become territorial, they react to things that are considered personal to them. The dog can be territorial over food, toys, space, and the home.
When you provide a particular toy to your Bloodhound, it eventually assumes this as its personal property.
Territorial behavior can often be shown if the Bloodhound feels the need to fight for such toys. This is especially the case if a young child has the dog’s toy.
“Food is another aspect in which Bloodhounds may exhibit territorial behavior. They can show aggressiveness when their meals are toiled with by a kid.”
An attempt to take away the food while eating may receive a dangerous response from the dog.
Bloodhounds can also be territorial over their space in the house. If the dog sits at a spot in the house, it will eventually take up the space as its own. It can then snap at the person or pet occupying the position.
When left alone at home, your dog can act territorial over the house. Such an act may result from fear and not a sign of aggressiveness. The reason is that Bloodhounds are not typically protective dogs.
How do Bloodhound owners deal with their dogs’ territorial behavior?
Generally, Bloodhounds are not territorial or aggressive dogs. When such a habit occurs in your dog, it is a sign of a behavioral problem.
Often, it may also occur due to abandonment for an extended period. When your dog begins to feel lonely or bored, it can become aggressive and territorial.
“Bloodhounds’ territorial behavior can certainly be dealt with. As an owner, you must take responsibility for correcting such behavior early.”
This correction can come by ensuring you have enough time with your dog. Likewise, you should ensure that the dog socializes regularly and has plenty of opportunities to play with the family.
You may need to visit a dog behavior specialist for consultation and assistance. Doing that allows your dog to be retrained, especially in socializing with humans and other pets.
This option can also help expose your dog to the physical exercise and mental stimulation needed to maintain good behavior.
What can you do to help prevent your dog from becoming territorial?
As an owner of your Bloodhound, you are responsible for preventing your dog from becoming territorial. You must be ready to take your Bloodhound through the journey. It is naturally easier to do this when your dog is still at an early age.
However, it should be noted that Bloodhounds are inherently stubborn. Therefore, if proper care isn’t taken, they may become territorial over time.
Perhaps your dog is already showing signs of becoming territorial. Here are some tips on how to prevent it from happening;
Training
It is critical to give your Bloodhound proper training while it is growing. This act is essential to set up the right behavioral patterns. You can do this training directly, or seek the help of a dog trainer.
Socialization
It is essential to allow your dog to socialize. The dog must be allowed to play with family members and kids in the house. While you are away, the dog must learn to play with everyone else in the house.
This prevents the dog from feeling bored, which causes a change in behavior or aggressiveness.
Your Bloodhound must equally learn to accommodate other pets in the house. You must allow them to play together with the same toy. If possible, they can be allowed to eat together occasionally.
Discourage it from becoming possessive
You should watch out for your Bloodhound having a favorite spot in the house. Once you notice such a thing, you must be swift to discourage it from taking over such a spot.
For instance, when you notice the dog in a particular place on the couch. You must be quick to move your dog away from this particular spot before it takes place as its own.
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What should you do if your dog starts exhibiting signs of territorial aggression?
Your Bloodhound may experience a behavior change when proper care is not taken. However, if you are noticing some unexpected behavior such as snapping and barking from your Bloodhound, then you must do the following;
Visit a dog specialist
You should visit a dog training specialist once you notice signs of territorial aggression in your Bloodhound. Here you can get special training to set your dog in order. Likewise, you can get further instructions to train your dog properly.
Set boundaries
It is wise to set boundaries for your dog. Let it know where it should go within the house and where it can’t. Discourage it from climbing the bed and the couch sometimes. You can also ensure that everyone in the family can control the dog.
Take it for a walk or exercise.
While bloodhounds are great family dogs, they need to be continuously engaged.
This process helps them become busy and reduces the opportunity to become aggressive or misbehave. Boredom or lack of stimulation can result in baying or destructive chewing.
Taking your dog for a walk has many benefits. Not only is it great exercise, but they will be quick to sniff out scents which is one of their favorite things. Your dog will also have the opportunity to socialize during the walk.
Are there any benefits to your Bloodhounds becoming territorial?
Bloodhounds are not necessarily protective dogs. Therefore, it is not beneficial to have such a dog breed becoming territorial. A territorial Bloodhound has the potential to threaten the children in the house along with the neighbors.
Moreover, if you wish to use your Bloodhound as a protective dog, territorial behavior might be seen as beneficial to you. In this case, your dog will be able to scare away strangers and attack Intruders.
