PLEASE READ👇
Resource guarding is normal, barking & growling = normal 👇
So we don’t want to *stop*these behaviors because if we do, we remove their ability to communicate discomfort. And that is how we end up getting bit… BUT we do want to teach our dogs reasonable responses & how to make good decisions for themselves (eg moving away when worried instead of biting, etc)
I never want my dogs to think that when I approach they lose something. Me approaching should always = positive feelings whenever possible
Prevention is key, but my priority (learned from professionals) is changing my dog’s emotional response to me being near her when she has something of value
Here’s how I did this game (again, always work with a professional):
1️⃣: When Aura had something she valued (food, toy, chew) I’d toss higher value food or treats in her direction, only being close enough to not get a reaction out of her. Remember, this is a low pressure positive reinforcement “game,” where we’re starting to teach our dog that when we approach, ONLY good things happen. I practice each step for several days, with 5-10 treats at a time. Short sessions.
2️⃣: I toss treats as I walk by. No cue, no pressure, just walk and toss. Walk & toss (with 5-10 treats then leave her alone)
3️⃣: Introduce the “trade it out” cue. Mine is “can I have that.” I toss a higher value treat away, remove her food bowl, then give it back
4️⃣: My favorite, because it’s how we should end every interaction with a being. Better than we found it! I trade it out” and before I give it back, I add even better treats to it, to MAKE IT BETTER!! I practice this just a few times then I leave her alone to enjoy it.
Importantly - I NEVER punish this!!
We practice this a lot in puppy class with the local trainers I work with @goroguedogtrainingllc , and they remind pet parents that even if your dog isn’t demonstrating resource guarding tendencies now - it’s important to practice to avoid it
Again, every dog is different. Work with a science based PRACTICED positive reinforcement trainer whenever possible 🙏
For SAFER 🐶 tips follow along!
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