Many viewers were shocked by the sudden reaction of the dog in this video, but the explanation might be simpler than it seems: resource guarding.
Resource guarding is a natural behavior where dogs protect what they see as valuable — in this case, the couch. This could be due to comfort, scent, or past reinforcement where the dog learned that growling or snapping makes others back off.
However, resource guarding isn’t the only possible cause. Here are some other key factors to consider when analyzing the incident:
- Subtle warning signs: Dogs often show signs of discomfort before reacting. Look for stiff posture, lip licking, or a hard stare.
- Stress stacking: If the dog had been exposed to multiple stressors throughout the day, a seemingly small trigger could have pushed it over the edge.
- Pain or discomfort: Medical issues like joint pain or arthritis can make dogs more sensitive, especially if disturbed while resting.
- Lack of boundaries: If a dog hasn’t been taught that the couch is a shared space, it may begin to claim it as its own.
In an upcoming slow-motion breakdown, I’ll analyze the dog’s body language frame by frame. But for now — what do you think? Did you catch any signs I missed?