How to stop resource guarding with other dogs?


  • Bruce,
  • March 19, 2022,
  • 8528

Preventing Resource Guarding from Developing in Puppies

  1. Letting them eat or chew in peace. Don't put your hand in their food or pet them while they're eating.
  2. Practicing positive-sum trades.
  3. Teaching them to drop it and leave it.
  4. Managing their environment.
  5. Make sure to properly socialize your puppy.

How to stop a dog from resource guarding a person?

That said, the most effective technique for stopping a dog from guarding resources from human intervention is to change your dog's internal response to anothers attempt to possess their “treasure.” That is why you are best off using Desensitizing and Classical Conditioning to teach your dog to love it when you approach

How do you fix resource guarding with other dogs?

Sit the dogs far apart, one on either side of you, tethering if necessary. Say Dog B's name and give him a medium-value treat. Immediately say Dog A's name and give him an even better treat. If either dog appears uncomfortable at all, move them further apart and start again.

How do I stop resource guarding aggression?

Stop resource guarding once it has started

  1. Make sure all family members and everyone who visits know never to approach or interrupt your dog if they are eating or have a chew.
  2. As best as possible, hide or remove any items that your dog may steal and guard so that you do not have to confront your dog.

How to stop my dog from resource guarding me?

How to Prevent Resource Guarding Between Dogs

  1. Use Treats as Positive Reinforcement.
  2. Focus on Desensitization.
  3. Avoid Punishment.
  4. Teach Your Dog to Share.
  5. Pet Them During Meals.
  6. Solving Food Aggression Between Dogs.

What is resource guarding in dogs?

Resource guarding occurs when dogs exhibit behaviors like growling, lunging, or biting over food or toys. This behavior is also known as “possessive aggression” and may occur in dogs of any breed. Training early and often can help discourage resource guarding before it becomes too problematic.

What triggers resource guarding?

Leaning over or walking directly toward a dog is often a trigger for resource guarding. If your dog becomes still and stiff or raises a lip at any time, don't continue. Remember, the key is to trade for an item of greater value. And the dog gets to decide what's valuable.

Is it normal for a puppy to resource guard?

You may feel confused by why your dog is exhibiting food aggression or guarding other items, especially if you've worked hard on early socialization and feel like you always provide more than enough resources for them. Remember — resource guarding is a normal and natural dog behavior!

Can resource Guarding in dogs be cured?

Resource guarding in most instances is something easily fixable with time and effort. There are severe cases where the expertise of a professional trainer is needed. Resource guarding also shows up as a symptom when there are other behavior issues so enrolling in a positive training class is highly suggested.

What causes resource guarding in dogs?

Resource Guarding Between Dogs Guarding behaviors could happen over a certain resting place, food bowls, or high-value chews and toys. When resources are limited, such as when there's only one chew but two dogs, we tend to see an increase in guarding.

Can a dog resource guard their owner?

Why Dogs Resource Guard Owners. Guarding valuable resources is a natural dog behavior, but it can cause issues within human homes. Dogs will guard beds, food bowls, high value toys, treats, space and people. Every dog has a different personality, but most will resource guard whatever they find valuable to a degree.

What causes dogs to resource guard?

Resource guarding is normal dog behavior. Dogs have evolved as opportunistic feeders, and it's natural for them to protect what they consider to be “theirs” from potential takers. The displays of growling and related body language are the dog's way of saying, “Back off!

How do I stop my dog from resource guarding me?

How to stop my dog from resource guarding me

  1. Understand the problem – Why does my dog guard me?
  2. Commit to solving your dog's guarding.
  3. Do not hold the dog when he's growling.
  4. Block your dog from guarding you.
  5. Don't allow your dog on the furniture (temporarily)
  6. Do not allow possessiveness of food or toys.

How do you punish resource guarding?

You could use negative punishment (taking away something from the dog) to interrupt guarding as a way to prevent it from continuing being rehearsed, for example asking the dog to get off the couch when he is guarding it.

author
Bruce

I’m Bruce. I’m the head trainer at Doggie Do Good Rescue, where I have the pleasure of helping owners with all sorts of behavior problems and special needs dogs learn how to play well together and live happily ever after! In addition to performing dog behavior evaluations for rescue groups, potential adopters and owners who are having trouble with their pets, I also teach pet first aid classes, pet CPR classes and pet dog training classes.

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