Understanding Dog Resource Guarding: The why behind the behaviour
Resource guarding, a natural behaviour seen in dogs, involves a dog becoming possessive or protective over specific items or individuals, such as food, toys, or favoured human. While this behaviour has roots in ensuring survival in the wild, it can lead to tension or aggression in domestic settings. Resource guarding typically stems from a combination of genetic predisposition and learned behaviour.
How to Address Resource Guarding
Identify the Trigger: Recognising the trigger for resource guarding behaviour is crucial. Observe when and under what circumstances your dog becomes possessive. Whether it's food, toys, spaces, or people, pinpointing the cause is the first step toward addressing the behaviour.
Desensitisation: Desensitisation involves gradually exposing your dog to the trigger in a non-threatening manner. Start at a distance or intensity that does not provoke a guarding response and reward your dog for remaining calm. Slowly decrease the distance or increase the intensity over time while continuing to reinforce calm behaviour.
Avoid Confrontation: Confrontation can reinforce the dog's belief that they need to protect their resources. Instead of forcefully taking the item away, employ techniques such as trading with something of higher value or using trained cues like "drop" or "leave it."
Diversion: If your dog exhibits guarding behaviour, redirect their attention to another activity or cue. Havinng a number of reliable cues, such as "focus" or "come," can be beneficial. Offering an alternative toy or initiating a play session can also help redirect their focus.
Seek Professional Help: Resource guarding can be complex to address, and if the behaviour persists or worsens, it's advisable to consult a professional dog behaviourist. They can provide a tailored approach suited to your dog's specific needs.
Saftey Comes Firtst
When working with a dog that exhibits resource guarding behaviour, prioritising safety is paramount for both the handler and the dog. Utilising physical barriers such as baby gates, crates, or exercise pens can help create a safe environment by providing separation between the dog and potential triggers. These barriers serve as a preventive measure, minimising the risk of confrontations and ensuring that interactions occur under controlled conditions.
In addition to barriers, the use of a muzzle can be an effective tool for managing resource guarding behaviour. Muzzles provide an extra layer of safety by preventing the dog from biting or engaging in aggressive behaviours while allowing them to breathe and pant comfortably. It's important to acclimatise the dog to the muzzle gradually using positive reinforcement techniques to ensure they associate it with positive experiences.
Incorporating safety measures such as barriers, muzzles, and clear communication protocols is crucial when working with a dog that exhibits resource guarding behaviour. By prioritising safety, guardians/owners can create a controlled and secure environment conducive to addressing and modifying the dog's behaviour effectively and through positive associations.
Managing Resource Guarding
While resource guarding may be a natural behaviour, understanding its origins and implementing appropriate strategies can help mitigate its impact. Through patience, consistent training, and avoidance of confrontational tactics, resource guarding can be managed and, in some cases, eliminated entirely. Remember to prioritise your dog's well-being and seek professional guidance when needed.
By promoting a positive and understanding environment, we can foster healthy relationships with our dogs while addressing challenging behaviours like resource guarding effectively.
For more information on dog behaviour and training, feel free to reach out to us. We're here to help you and your dogm thrive together.