Resource guarding vs. Actual protection

If we take breeds out of the equation altogether? Looking at a family of pariah dogs and listing traits that would distinguish protectors from defenders or? If breed/type-specific, then we'll have tonnes of fun.

This should be fun, will gather my thoughts(I know its friggin scary) and post something after work and dealing with the herd of hounds at home.

"resource guarding vs. protection and throw in fear biting. How can you know the difference IF there IS one?" We will go piece by piece...I don't care which breed frankly to me it doesn't make a bit of difference with regards to the above. Resource Guarding~ whatever the dog Truly wants. For example, you gave the dog a bone. Never trained the dog to allow human interaction while it is enjoying it's bone. Human walks up and goes to grab bone, dog bites human. This is resource guarding, which is very natural for a dog to do. Human Protection~ Owner and dog walk down the street stranger comes out from the shadows and starts arguing with owner. Dog starts barking and growling at stranger, random person goes to grab dog owners arm. Dog leaps up and bites strangers arm who then releases owner. This dog has successfully protected its owner. Fear Biting~Dog and owner walk into a store, four people rush the dog to greet it. No one properly introduces themself to the animal going right in to touch the dog. Owner is not paying attention to the dogs distress signals (Dogs eyes and posture) and allows random strangers to surround the dog. The dog tries to pull away but the owner pushes it butt down and tell fido to stay. Random person bends over dog slings arm around the dogs neck to hug it because it's SO cute, Dog bites persons face to get away from the situation. This dog is fearful and not trusting of owners handling or strangers.

Hi Acamper, a book for reference with regards to this I would reccomend is, "MINE! - A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO RESOURCE GUARDING IN DOGS". Imo-Resource guarding in its very simplist form can be considered the dog protecting its food. Mastiffs are known for resource guarding or owning an object, which in many ways makes them great for the use of property protection. But to me, when a dog resource guard's there was a step missed by whom ever raised the animal, again that is only because I would clobber a dog in my house that ever did this to say...My 6 year old. I teach my dogs from the earliest age that everything is mine and my families, then after (if they are lucky) they may have it. I may sound "mean" here, but there are reasons for it. I have seen what can happen to a child if a dog is allowed to resource guard. I have also had the call from a puppy buyer needing stitches from a five month old, because it was allowed to resource guard. Your dog will only do...What YOU the owner excepts and allows. But to me, fear based responces are Even more nerve racking...More dangerous and difficult to work with. LOL, which again typically I blame on the owner. Hope this helps!

Yes...I believe so. I like it-very easy read over all..