My 6-year-old dachshund growls at me when I try to move him off the couch. He didn't used to do this. Now I'm scared to touch him. What happened?

He's guarding the space because moving him has become unpleasant — you probably started physically lifting him off when he didn't comply, and now he's defensive. You taught him that your approach = loss of the good spot. Here's how you undo it. Stop making him move off the couch entirely for two weeks. Let him have it. During that time, practice calling him off voluntarily. Stand near the couch, show him a treat, and say 'off.' If he jumps down, give him the treat and let him get back up immediately. Repeat 5 times a day. After a week of zero conflict, start introducing a delay: call him off, give the treat, wait 10 seconds, then invite him back up. Gradually increase the delay. You're teaching that getting off the couch is temporary and rewarded, not permanent and punishing. Most dachshunds de-escalate in 3-4 weeks if you're consistent. If he's still growling after a month, consult a vet behaviorist. Some cases need medication to lower baseline anxiety.