When a dog warns a human or another dog to stay away from his/her food, toys, bed, or anything they consider belonging to them, it is referred to as GUARDING RESOURCES. That is a nicer way of saying POSSESSION AGGRESSION. The warning can be a low growl, raised lip, or biting/snapping. There are recommended steps to take to modify this behavior, especially if your dog’s show of dislike when you approach, has escalated to a point that you become fearful. Whenever aggression is surfacing, it’s best to get professional training for your dog and your family.
That said, let’s discuss puppy steps to prevent the unwanted behavior of guarding resources. Prevention is always better than trying to work on a cure. Be proactive, not reactive.
Even if you have a sweet, loving puppy, approximately eight to sixteen (8 to 16) weeks old, that shows absolutely no sign of aggressive behavior, if you touch his food, toys, etc., it’s important to take certain steps to prevent your puppy from guarding resources in the future.
Place food bowls out in the open and not in the corner of a room or in the puppy’s crate.
Hand-feed the puppy by scooping some food from his bowl with your hand and offering it to him. Just a little of each meal served will do.
When the puppy is in bed, sit beside him and play with him. A few minutes is fine. The point is to let him know that nothing is his, and his alone, and it’s OK for you to touch it, take it, and hold it. But give it back! Then take it again…and so on.
Toys and chews should be in a general location of the house where you usually play with your puppy and not kept exclusively in his crate or bed. They should be handled and played with while playing with your puppy. Teach your puppy to give and take. If the puppy has a toy in his mouth, offer him another to drop the first. Hold it in your hand, count to five (5), and offer it back to the puppy. DO NOT ENGAGE IN TUG OF WAR! (There is another article on that subject in Murphdog Magazine.)
Any time your puppy is chewing on a bone or other chew toy, make sure to pet him, touch the chew toy, pick it up, hold it, count to five, and give it back.
All members of your family should take the same steps, especially if there are children in the household.
Guarding resources can also extend toward guarding a particular area, like a chair, part of the couch, or a human family member’s bed. If your pup begins to show signs of growling or barking, restrict the puppy from that area completely if you want him to get off the couch or chair or will not let someone else sit there.
Aluminum baking trays make a great deterrent. Just place one or two on the cushions of the furniture.
Your dog is not a person too. He does not get undisturbed private time anywhere to play or chew on anything!
Your dog should never be allowed to sneak off under the table to chew something in privacy. You will never want your child to reach under the table if that is where your dog wants to be alone, undisturbed, and guarding something that is “his.”
