Dogs can be very territorial and some may display resource aggression especially with their food. Food guarding or food aggression is one of the most common types of resource aggression observed in dogs. You can see this behavior in a dogs growling or barking when a person or another pet approaches their food. The vocalization serves as a warning to stay away and not to take anything. A common trigger for the behavior is when approach is made before a dog has finished eating. They may also bark or snap at anything that they perceive as a threat to their access to food. Resource aggression can be dangerous especially if you have kids in the household. The behavior should be nipped in the bud before it can be deeply ingrained. Puppies that come from large litters tend to display the behavior and can start very young.
Sudden changes in your pet’s behavior should warrant an appointment with your best vet clinic North Phoenix, AZ .