Resource guarding in dogs can be scary to deal with. It seems like all of a sudden your sweet, affectionate best friend is turning into a growling fiend. And it can be over something as silly as a leaf he picked up outside. Many times it’s a toy or food bowl that triggers the behavior. It can even be something as important as letting you near another family member.
Like many aggression behaviors, resource guarding is based in fear – fear that something the dog values will be taken away. And, in less-enlightened times, that’s exactly what happened. Something the dog protected would be removed and the dog punished for the behavior.
What if you added to it???
What if, instead of taking the valued “thing” away – you added to it? What if you transformed from a “threat” to a source of all good things?
If your dog “resource guards” his/her food bowl, don’t take it away. Instead, add food to the bowl and step away. If you’re not sure you’d be safe reaching in, add the food using a spoon.
Chances are, your dog will be shocked. And, perhaps the next time, won’t be quite as reactive to a presence near the bowl. It may take some time. And it may require every member of the family adding food. If you have more than one dog, we’d recommend feeding each one separately – either in a crate or in separate rooms.
Some people may argue that we’re “rewarding” the dog for “bad” behavior by giving it more of the resource. What we’re trying to do is communicate to the dog that you, and everyone else in the family, are sources for all things wonderful. You will never hurt your dog, or deprive him of the good things in life. Instead, you’ll always be where good things come from.
We recently spoke to someone who told us their dog “guards” her when her husband comes near. It’s a small dog, so he stands on her lap and growls at the husband when he comes into the room or gets close to where she’s sitting. She’d spoken with a trainer who recommended she not allow the dog on her lap anymore.
What does that teach the dog? We think it reinforces the bad behavior, letting the dog know that the husband’s presence means he was right – he doesn’t get to hang with “mom” any more.
Instead, we suggested that “husband” come in the room, give the dog a treat, and walk out. Repeatedly. Dog was happy to see “husband” inside 15 minutes. He became a source of good stuff, instead of punishment.
Grow your dog’s world with positive experiences
Add to your dog’s experience of good stuff. Don’t make his world smaller. Grow it with positive experiences and discoveries that good things come from good behavior.