Tricks to avoid resource guarding
As a dog trainer, I quite often encounter dogs with resource guarding issues. This may include the dog guarding its food, a favourite toy or even a comfy sleeping spot. The guarding runs from mild (a hard stare from the dog to even a small growl) to severe (biting). The severe cases often end up with the dog at best being re-homed to the dog being euthanized at worst. Resource guarding cases break my heart because almost all of them could have been prevented in puppy hood. With a little bit of work on owners’ parts when dogs are young, resource guarding will never become an issue.
Dogs guard what they deem valuable - it is that simple. It is up to us, the owners, to teach our young pups that we are not a threat to the good stuff and that we are the ones that actually provide it in the first place. Here are a few games to play with young pups to teach them that there is no need to resource guard:
Food guarding
Put your pup's dinner down for him. Withdraw to at least six feet. Wait until he gets a few mouthfuls and then approach the food bowl. Once at the bowl, reach down and remove the bowl, add some extra tasty treats and then put the bowl back. Ideally all members of the family should be doing this on a regular basis and adding as many tasty treats as possible. This teaches the pup when hands take away his food bowl it is OK as the hands will actually add yummy treats. After a few times of doing this, most pups will actually wag their tail when family members approach when they are eating as they know something extra yummy will be put in their food bowl. This should be done weekly to teach and maintain.
Chew toy sharing
Sit on the floor with your pup holding his chew toy. This could include a rawhide or a greenie or even a raw bone. Whatever the object is make sure it is something of high value to the pup. Do not give the chew toy to the pup but rather hold it for him to chew. Every now and again, remove the toy from the pup and then dig into your pocket for a tasty treat. Furnish this treat to your pup and then recommence holding the chew toy for him to chew. You are not bribing the pup by showing the treat up front but rather rewarding him after you have taken the chew toy away. The lesson we want our pups to learn is that we are not a threat to the chew toy. We are good to have around. We take the toy but give something good in return and then we give it back. The goal here is for the pup to want us to take away his chewy as he knows something good is coming his way in return.
Placement guarding
If you allow your dog on the couch or your bed, it is essential that you teach him that he must get off on your command. It is after all YOUR couch or bed. When your pup is lying on the couch, his bed or under your computer table, with a cookie in your hand, lure him off by saying “off” in a happy but firm tone of voice. If he does not get off right away, gently take him by the collar and pull him off and give him praise and that treat. Praise first, treat second. You do not need to give him a cookie for getting back on the couch: the couch itself is a reward. The treat with this game is always used for getting off the bed or couch not getting back on. Over time phase out the treats but the lesson learned is that good things come your pup’s way when he gets off when asked.
Shelley Smith is a Certified Master Dog Trainer with an educational background in psychology. She has been training dogs and their owners for over 12 years. Shelley's training combines counter conditioning and positive reinforcements. She currently lives with three dogs: two German Shepherds (one a rescue) and a mutt with weight issues. To contact Shelley, visit www.dogtrainershelley.ca or call 778-836-3647.
Drool-worthy events . . .
Everybody and their dog walk
Sunday, May 17, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., it’s the Citizen Canine’s annual Everybody & Their Dog Walk, at Beaver Lake Park (entrance off Elk Lake Drive) in Victoria. Lots of fun for the kids and dogs.
Championships for agility dogs
Campbell River is hosting the 2009 BC/Yukon Championships for agility dogs, Friday, May 15 to Sunday, May 17, Campbell River Sportsplex, 1800 S Alder St., Campbell River.
Oceanside Doggy Dayz Festival
Enjoy three days of dog-focused fun at the Oceanside Doggy Dayz Festival, Friday, May 15 to Sunday, May 17, in Parskville and Qualicum Beach. For all the details, visit online.
Lickety-split
Three Dog Bakery is hosting a Lickety-Split Social, Sunday, May 17, noon to 3 p.m., at their Port Moody and Point Grey locations. Visit www.threedogvancouver.com for more details.
Dog jog
Calgary Humane Society is hosting its annual Dog Jog, Sunday, May 24, 11 a.m. at Fish Creek Provincial Park in Calgary. Register at www.calgaryhumane.ca.
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