Give that back! A quick guide to resource guarding
What is resource guarding and how can you help your dog gain the confidence to relinquish items
Resource guarding is one of the main issues that people seek out help from a professional for. It can be unsettling to have your dog growl and snap at you. Do not fret! There are ways to work with a dog that resource guards. First though, you have to understand what resource guarding is, and why dogs do it.
Resource guarding is a common behavior in dogs where they display aggressive or defensive behavior when they perceive that their access to resources such as food, toys, or sleeping areas is being threatened. Dogs may become possessive of certain objects or areas and may show aggression towards other dogs, animals, or humans that approach or try to take away these resources.
Resource guarding can vary in severity, from mild growling or stiffening to more extreme displays of aggression such as biting. It can also occur in different contexts, such as during playtime, mealtime, or when the dog is resting or sleeping.
It is important to note that resource guarding is a normal behavior for dogs, but it can become problematic if it results in injuries or if the behavior is not properly managed. If you suspect your dog is resource guarding, it is important to work with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist to address the issue and prevent it from escalating.
How am I making resource guarding worse?
Below is a list of ways that people often unwittingly make resource guarding worse:
Taking away resources forcefully: When people try to take away resources from dogs forcefully, dogs can become anxious, stressed, and more protective of their resources. This can lead to more intense and aggressive resource guarding behaviors in the future.
Punishing the dog for resource guarding: Punishing a dog for resource guarding can make the behavior worse, as the dog may feel threatened or attacked and become even more protective of their resources.
Encouraging competition: If multiple dogs are encouraged to compete for resources, it can increase the likelihood of resource guarding behaviors. Dogs may become more territorial and possessive over their resources, leading to increased aggression.
Ignoring early warning signs: Dogs often display early warning signs when they are uncomfortable or feel threatened, such as growling, stiffening, or baring their teeth. If people ignore these warning signs and continue to approach or take away resources, the dog may resort to more intense resource guarding behaviors. Remember that dogs do not bite or snap for no reason that there are many signals and behaviours that occur before they do.
Inconsistent training: Inconsistent training and management can make resource guarding behaviors worse in dogs. Dogs may become confused about what is expected of them and what behaviors are acceptable, leading to more intense resource guarding behaviors.
Encouraging inappropriate play: Rough play or games that involve taking toys or food from a dog can encourage resource guarding behaviors. Dogs may become possessive of their resources during playtime and become more prone to resource guarding outside of play. This is not always the case but can potentially lead to issues in a dog prone to resource guarding.
Under-socialization: Dogs that are not properly socialized may become more prone to resource guarding behaviors. If a dog is not used to being around other dogs, they may become more territorial and possessive of their resources when other dogs are around.
Genetics: Some breeds of dogs are more prone to resource guarding behaviors than others. For example, breeds that were historically bred for guarding or protection may be more likely to exhibit resource guarding behaviors. However, genetics alone do not determine whether a dog will display resource guarding behaviors, and appropriate training and management can help prevent these behaviors from developing or escalating.
My dog resource guards, now what?
Fear not, there are also many ways to remedy resource guarding. Here is a step by step approach to working with a dog that resource guards.
Step 1: Identify the triggers The first step in addressing resource guarding is to identify the triggers that lead to the behavior. This may involve observing the dog's behavior around food, toys, or other valuable resources and identifying the specific situations or contexts that trigger resource guarding behaviors. Begin a journal and keep track!
Step 2: Avoid the triggers Once the triggers have been identified, it is important to avoid them as much as possible. This may involve managing the dog's environment by controlling access to resources or keeping the dog separated from other dogs or people during mealtime or treat time. Rehearsals of unwanted behaviour serve to further reinforce that behaviour.
Step 3: Teaching the dog basic obedience, such as "sit," "stay," and "leave it," can help control the dog and provide them with guidance as to what is appropriate behaviour. These cues can also be used to redirect the dog's attention away from resources and onto the owner.
Step 4: Train with positive reinforcement: Positive reinforcement training involves rewarding the dog for desirable behaviors and ignoring or redirecting unwanted behaviors. This can help to reinforce positive behaviors and reduce the frequency and intensity of resource guarding behaviors. Many dogs resort to unacceptable behaviour because they do not understand what to do in a given situation.
Step 5: Desensitization and counterconditioning Desensitization involves gradually exposing the dog to the triggers of resource guarding in a controlled and safe environment. Counterconditioning involves changing the dog's emotional response to these triggers by associating them with positive experiences, such as treats or playtime.
Step 6: Seek professional help If the resource guarding behavior is severe or persistent, it may be necessary to seek the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. These experts can provide individualized guidance and support to help address the specific behavior patterns and underlying causes of resource guarding.
Step 7: Practice trade-up games Trade-up games involve trading a less valuable resource for a more valuable one. For example, offering the dog a more desirable toy in exchange for the toy they are guarding. This can help to teach the dog that giving up a resource can lead to something even better.
Step 8: Gradually increase the challenge As the dog becomes more comfortable with desensitization and counterconditioning, it is important to gradually increase the challenge by exposing them to more difficult or triggering situations. This should be done gradually and in a controlled manner, with the guidance of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.
Step 9: Avoid punishment Punishing a dog for resource guarding can make the behavior worse, as the dog may feel threatened or attacked and become even more protective of their resources. Avoid using physical force or punishment to address resource guarding behaviors.
Step 10: Be consistent Consistency is key when addressing resource guarding behaviors. Guardians should be consistent in their training and management strategies and ensure that everyone in the household is on the same page. Inconsistent training and management can make resource guarding behaviors worse in dogs.
Step 11: Continue training and management: Fixing resource guarding in dogs is an ongoing process that requires continued training and management. Even after the behavior has improved, guardians should continue to reinforce positive behaviors and avoid triggers that may lead to resource guarding.
Book suggestions for positive reinforcement and resource guarding
"Mine! A Guide to Resource Guarding in Dogs" by Jean Donaldson - This book is considered a classic resource on resource guarding in dogs, and covers the causes and treatment of this behavior in depth.
"The Cautious Canine: How to Help Dogs Conquer Their Fears" by Patricia McConnell - This book includes a chapter on resource guarding, with tips on how to manage and modify the behavior.
"Canine Behavior: A Photo Illustrated Handbook" by Barbara Handelman - This book includes a chapter on resource guarding, with detailed descriptions of the behavior and suggestions for treatment.
"Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat" by Gary Landsberg, Wayne Hunthausen, and Lowell Ackerman - This book is a comprehensive resource on animal behavior, including a chapter on resource guarding in dogs.
"Preventing and Treating Resource Guarding in Dogs" by Malena DeMartini-Price - This book is a practical guide to identifying and treating resource guarding in dogs, and includes case studies and step-by-step training plans.
"Resource Guarding: Protocol for Treatment" by Jean Donaldson - This is a booklet that outlines a step-by-step training protocol for addressing resource guarding in dogs, and includes detailed explanations of each step.
"Control Unleashed: Creating a Focused and Confident Dog" by Leslie McDevitt - This book includes a chapter on resource guarding, with suggestions for building a dog's confidence and reducing their need to guard resources.
"The Official Ahimsa Dog Training Manual" by Grisha Stewart - This book includes a chapter on resource guarding, with tips for teaching dogs to share and managing their behavior around resources.
"The Culture Clash" by Jean Donaldson - This book is a comprehensive guide to understanding dog behavior, including a chapter on resource guarding.
"Fight!" by Jean Donaldson - This book focuses specifically on dog-on-dog aggression, but includes a chapter on resource guarding and how it can contribute to dog fights.
"Feisty Fido: Help for the Leash-Reactive Dog" by Patricia McConnell - This book is focused on helping dogs who react aggressively to other dogs while on leash, but includes a chapter on resource guarding and how it can contribute to dog-dog aggression.
"Behavior Adjustment Training 2.0: New Practical Techniques for Fear, Frustration, and Aggression in Dogs" by Grisha Stewart - This book includes a chapter on resource guarding and offers a training plan for modifying the behavior.
"Dog Aggression: An Integrative Approach" by Brenda Aloff - This book is a comprehensive guide to understanding and managing dog aggression, including a chapter on resource guarding.
"The Other End of the Leash" by Patricia McConnell - This book is a popular guide to understanding dog behavior, and includes a chapter on resource guarding and how it can contribute to human-dog conflicts.
"Don't Shoot the Dog: The New Art of Teaching and Training" by Karen Pryor - This book is a classic resource on animal training, and includes a chapter on resource guarding and how to modify the behavior using positive reinforcement.