| Resource guarding usually happens over people, toys and food. Even after training, do not expect the dog to stop this behavior without your involvement. You have to stop the behavior by first anticipating it, and being acutely aware of it (your dog’s behavior and body language). Then stopping it in its tracks with a correction. Things to look for in your dog’s body language—running over to you, putting himself/herself between you and another person, nudging, growling, snapping at another person/dog/child. More severe issues include attacking over a toy, food, water or other resource. The human always controls ALL resources and always corrects the dog for naughty thoughts (any of the above mentioned behaviors warrant a correction). What does a correction look like? You use the Ecollar at a level that completely stops your dog. I pair the correction with the out command. Out means disengage/move away and go lay down. You will practice this when your dog comes home. Set up the dog in a resource guarding scenario (give your spouse a hug, give your dog an toy, put out food, are all examples) and practice the out command, until it is clear to your dog that resource guarding is unpleasant and uncomfortable. Sometimes the behavior goes away but other times it’s a management issue for the life of the dog. It depends on how structured the dog’s life is (no resources available unless you provide them), and also how disciplined you are with you dog. Just remember for some dogs, the behavior is dangerous and warrants a permission-based lifestyle. That means you control everything all the time. No toys or food should be left out, and if affection is the problem, only you can dole that out. If affection is an issue, you have created the problem, so take ownership. Then you have to curb the love and give it in more constructive ways, like in the form of structured play, walks, hikes, and place time. These are all healthy ways to replace affection. One final caveat: some dogs are a serious danger over resources and have attacked their owners in multiple occasions, and put them in the hospital. These type of dogs should never be allowed to have resources that trigger them. Consider these type of dogs like recovering addicts, and never allow them to have the very thing that gets them into an explosive mindset. |
Running Out of Chances
February 24, 2023
