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How to Stop Your Dog from Resource Guarding

Resource guarding is a behaviour where dogs protect their resources from other animals or people. It is normal for dogs to guard food, toys, and other objects. However, if your dog is showing excessive guarding behaviour, it is important to take action. This article will discuss how to stop your dog from resource guarding and provide tips on how to prevent it from happening in the first place.

Understanding Resource Guarding

Resource guarding is a natural behaviour for dogs, and it is important to understand why they do it. Dogs may guard resources to protect themselves, their puppies, or their territory. They may also guard resources because they are feeling anxious or threatened. It is important to recognise when your dog is displaying this behaviour and take action to address the underlying cause.

Resource guarding can range from mild to aggressive. Mild resource guarding can include growling or snapping when someone approaches the dog’s food bowl or toys. More aggressive resource guarding can involve snarling, snapping, or biting if someone attempts to take the item away.

Preventing Resource Guarding

The best way to address resource guarding is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some tips for preventing your dog from developing this behaviour:

  • Socialise your dog: Socialising your dog from a young age can help them become more comfortable with other people and animals. This will help them feel more secure in their environment and less likely to guard their resources.
  • Provide plenty of resources: Make sure your dog has plenty of food, toys, and other resources to keep them occupied. This will help reduce their need to guard their resources.
  • Supervise your dog: Supervise your dog when they are playing with toys or eating. This will help you identify any resource guarding behaviour early and address it before it escalates.
  • Teach “drop it”: Teach your dog the “drop it” command. This will help them understand that they do not need to guard their resources and that you can take them away without any consequences.

Addressing Resource Guarding

If your dog is already exhibiting resource guarding behaviour, it is important to take action to address it. Here are some tips for addressing resource guarding:

  • Avoid punishment: Punishing your dog for resource guarding will only make the problem worse. It will make your dog more anxious and more likely to guard their resources in the future.
  • Redirect your dog’s attention: If your dog is guarding a toy or food, try to redirect their attention to another activity. You can do this by offering them a treat or asking them to perform a trick.
  • Use positive reinforcement: When your dog stops guarding their resources, be sure to praise and reward them. This will help them understand that they do not need to guard their resources and that they will be rewarded for not doing so.
  • Desensitise your dog: Desensitising your dog to certain triggers can help reduce their resource guarding behaviour. For example, if your dog guards their food bowl when someone approaches, try having the person stand further away and gradually move closer until your dog is comfortable.

Conclusion

Resource guarding is a normal behaviour for dogs, but it can become a problem if it is excessive. It is important to take action to address the underlying cause and prevent it from happening in the first place. If your dog is already exhibiting this behaviour, it is important to take action to address it. Avoid punishment, use positive reinforcement, and desensitise your dog to certain triggers. With the right approach, you can help your dog stop resource guarding and become more comfortable with other people and animals.


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