Resource guarding can be recognized when your dog acts aggressively trying to protect something at its end. This can be literally anything that they think is valuable to them including, food, toys, socks, shoes, sofas, or even you! In order to make sure that your dog is practicing resource guarding is when they act the following;
- Growling
- Lunging and Air Snapping
- Biting
Situations like these are very common – Dog-Harmony Reviews believes that it is important for a dog owner to teach them that there is no need to guard objects like food or treats because there is plenty more for them. What most dog owners do in response to this with punishment and aversive.
In order to train your dog for resource guarding training as well as many other pieces of training, you need a certified and experienced dog trainer or dog consultant. Peter Hargreaves dog trainer is one of the most experienced and high-rated dog trainers that can be of immense help with your dog!
Here are a few things Dog-Harmony Reviews suggests that might help deal with your dog’s resource guarding problem.
What NOT to Do
- Don’t Punish a Growling Dog
If a dog is practicing resource guarding and growls while they protect their object, never punish them for their growl. Once they understand that they are being punished at growling (punishment like tapping, slap, yelling, or even a shock collar), they’re most likely to skip growling the next time and go directly to biting!
- Don’t Take Away Their Food
One of the things that will make the situation worse is when you try to take their food away, especially when they’re eating it. This doesn’t make you the boss. Doing this will make them understand that every time you come near their food, they’ll lose it. So, the next time you come near their food, they will be defensive and be ready to attack you.
- Don’t Leave Out Random Stuff
Do not leave out random stuff like toys or treats that your dogs might guard. Things like laundry baskets, shoes, socks, or even treat – make sure to keep these things somewhere high or out of their reach. If they have something they’re guarding, try to trade it for something else, this usually works with dogs.
What To Do
- Manage the Environment
The first and most important thing to do if you want your dog to stop resource guarding is to manage the environment in the best possible way. For instance, if you don’t want your dog to steal the treats and guard them, make sure that the treats are not in his access.
- Hire a Trainer
It is essential to have an expert dog trainer to ensure your dog is on his best behavior. Peter Hargreaves dog trainer is one of the renowned and worthwhile trainers you can come across. It is important to maintain safety for both your dog and yourself when it comes to resource guarding.
- Don’t Disturb Your Dog
When it comes to guarding treats, one of the easiest ways out is simply not to disturb your dog while they eat. Let them eat their food in peace and we’re sure they won’t be extra sensitive about their food.
Conclusion
A dog’s behavior needs attention, especially if they’re getting aggressive indoors. There are a lot of puppy/dog training videos and exercises that you can do to train your dog but they might or might not be effective. To ensure having the best results, consult a dog trainer/expert who can help you, not only in resource guarding but many other issues like excessive barking, separation anxiety, fear & aggression, and many other things.
