Definition of «guarding instinct»

"Guarding instinct" refers to a natural or innate tendency for someone or something to protect and defend something valuable or important.

It has a very strong guarding instinct and is very suspicious of all strangers. (puppy-training-solutions.com)
His natural guarding instinct makes him wary of strangers and impatient and cross with other animals. (dogbreedanswers.com)
Their powerful guarding instinct makes them trustworthy even with small children and helpless animals. (conservationinstitute.org)
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