Resource Guarding in Dogs
What is it and how to address it?
What is Resource Guarding?
A behavior where dogs protect their possessions from others.
A behavior where dogs protect their possessions from others.
Commonly Guarded Items
Toys, food, places, and even people can be guarded.
Toys, food, places, and even people can be guarded.
Signs of Resource Guarding
Growling, snapping, and biting when approached.
Growling, snapping, and biting when approached.
Why Do Dogs Guard?
An instinctual behavior rooted in survival.
An instinctual behavior rooted in survival.
Is It Aggression?
Not necessarily. It's about control over resources.
Not necessarily. It's about control over resources.
Prevention is Key
Train puppies early to reduce possessive tendencies.
Train puppies early to reduce possessive tendencies.
The "Trade-Up" Method
Offer something better to encourage letting go.
Offer something better to encourage letting go.
Avoid Punishment
Punishing can exacerbate the problem.
Punishing can exacerbate the problem.
Professional Help
Consider consulting a behaviorist for severe cases.
Consider consulting a behaviorist for severe cases.
A Happy, Well-Adjusted Dog
With patience and understanding, resource guarding can be managed.
With patience and understanding, resource guarding can be managed.
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