Working Through Resource Guarding
The advice on this page is opinion only. The Site Owner and Site Creator are not liable for the use or misuse of the advice and information provided. All of the information is to be used at your own risk. The advice here is not meant to replace the opinion of a professional trainer, only to supplement it with additional knowledge for the pet owner.Resource guarding can be a 'scary' issue, as dogs do have the capability of hurting us. If at any time you fear for your personal safety or are afraid of your dog, seek the advice of a professional trainer willing to work humanely with your dog.One suggestion to help with resource guarding is to work on "Tradeoffs" with your dog. Trade him for a lower value item, like a toy, by giving him a tasty liver treat. Work until all you have to do is command him to "Give" what he has in his mouth and he will--without a treat. Practice taking his toys from him, inspecting them, and then promptly returning them with a warm "Good dog!" He will be learning that you control the resources and that you are fair--you give it back to him. Work up to something as valuable as a raw meaty bone. Grab some high-value treats, like extra beef heart or meat. Approach the dog while he is eating, saying his name warmly and happily so that he looks up at you. Show him the food you have and give it to him. Repeat this at each meal so that he equates your approach with a yummy treat, until he is looking up eagerly and wagging his tail when you approach.At this point in time progress to asking him to release his bone to you. Start with him on lead, so that he can't slink of with his bone or run away from you. Give him his bone. Immediately ask him to "give" it to you. Show him a nice high-value treat if he is reluctant to release it. Once he gives it to you, give him the treat, inspect the bone, and then immediately hand it back to him and let him eat his meal in peace. Do this at every meal until he readily gives his bone up to you and you can do it without him on a leash. Treat intermittently at this point. Now you can try taking the bone at varying times after he has started chewing it. Either call your dog over to you or approach with a nice piece of meat. Ask him to "give" his bone and take it from him as he gives it to you, feed him the meaty treat, inspect the bone, and then give him back his bone. Leave him to eat his meal in peace. Always exercise caution, and if you feel frightened of your dog at any point, contact a professional trainer who uses humane methods and who will be willing to work through this with you without just telling you to "get rid of the bones". Also keep in mind that you are wanting your dog to voluntarily relinquish this prized possession; you are firmly requesting him to "give" it to you, but not forcing him.BACK to Myths
