Quote Originally Posted by JaySee
I don't recall Gaara's sand shield ability originating from the shukaku. The only explanation we've had of that IIRC is it's his mother's love.
That was simply what his uncle told him in the beginning. However later as he was dieing he told Gaara that his mother didn't love him at all, and in fact he was a child she didn't want. It starts at 7:13 in ep 77 if you want to refresh your memory.