Bone or Toy Guarding

January 1, 2009 by Dog Service Network
Filed under Behaviors, Guarding / Territorial

I find this problem mainly in the gundog breeds dogs such as Labradors, Springers, and Golden Retrievers but have also come across it in Shar Pei’s Staffs and English Bull Terriers, and most of the guarding breeds.

I think genetics, and early learned responses whilst still with the mother and siblings can have an affect on this behaviour. If we really think about it object, toy, or bone guarding is a natural action and reaction to a situation where possession may mean survival. The problem we have is we perceive it as unacceptable or dangerous behaviour.

The way the situation is handled at the outset will have an enormous effect on the overall outcome, and in some cases determines the dog’s fate. Head on aggression and punishment in this scenario is both dangerous and pointless.

Try this:

Remove the cause of the dog’s guarding behaviour. If it’s a specific type of bone or treat, the simply make sure that you do not stimulate this behaviour by never giving those objects again.
Basic obedience training can help by teaching either: “Leave it” “Drop” or “Dead” and use various objects such as shoes, socks, tissue this is always best started when the dog is a puppy. I also never play tug with my dogs accept in very special circumstances ie a timid or shy dog, As I believe this can also stimulate a guarding reaction.
Give you dog something you can carefully remove from a distance, for instance you could tie some string round an object or bone then when the time is right use the trigger words “Leave it” “Drop” or “Dead” At the same time as removing the object with the string, immediately treat the dog puffed jerky, cheese or dried liver is ideal. Then give the object /bone back and repeat the exercise
Trade with him, a barter system of swapping objects can help in this case. He picks something up you offer him a tasty favourite treat in return, then give the item back to him. Do not treat or praise him whilst he is growling or threatening, as this can be seen as praising the
To punish object guarding either verbally or physically will probably only serve to remind him that he was right not to give up the object and will probably lead to you being bitten and he/she being rehomed or worse still put down. Remember growling is a warning, a threat that he is not happy with a situation, if overtly challenged then he may feel it necessary to back it up with an attack.

This can only be taken as general advice and cannot replace a behaviourist who is experienced in aggression, and these types of behaviour, Object guarding in isolation may in some cases be easily cured, but coupled with other aggressive or dominant tendencies may point to a much more serious problem The tips above will at least get you started in the right direction, but further coaching from a professional may be necessary and judicial.

© Copyright: Stan Rawlinson (Doglistener) one of the leading Dog Behaviourists and Obedience Trainers in the UK. Who has owned and worked dogs for over 30 years, starting with Gundogs then moving on to the behavioural and obedience side of Pet Dogs. He now has a successful practice covering London, Surrey and Middlesex. Visit his Web Site for more information and details of his work. www.doglistener.co.uk

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