Resource guarding is a behaviour exhibited by a dog, to warn others to keep away from something he might consider as ‘high value’.
Such behaviour could be growling, stiffening his body, or eating frantically when approached, by a person or other animal.
This behaviour can be modified, if the correct procedure is followed.
Another reason why puppies should undergo puppy training, is so that they can be taught that it is okay for others to approach while they are eating or chewing a bone.
Again prevention is better than cure.
It is a serious problem and should be addressed before the puppy reaches adulthood.
The dog might become nervous about losing his valued bone. To a dog, chewing a bone is normal canine behaviour, to warn others to keep away.
Growling is only a warning and as such others should take heed and not move closer to the dog.
This behaviour, however, should not be tolerated and will need to be modified, especially if the dog is in a household with small children.
Too many children are attacked because the parents/owners ignore the warning signs exhibited by the dog.
Prevention:
You have to create a positive emotional reaction and doing this is very simple.
The dog should be taught to associate the approach of a person with a treat. When the dog is eating, walk towards the dog and toss a really yummy treat into the bowl, do not move closer.
When the bowl is empty, you can pick it up, place a treat in it and return it to the dog.
You must carry out this procedure efficiently and as quickly as possible – you do not want the dog to think you are taking his bowl away from him.
This same procedure can be applied to any other high value object, such as his bone or a prized toy.
Have you accidentally taught your dog to become a resource guarder?
Too often, we as the owners actually cause the problematic behaviour exhibited by our dogs.
Your dog might be lying quietly chewing away on his bone but the crunching of the bone is irritating you.
So, you take the bone away from the dog. You do this until eventually the dog learns that if he does not take action, he will lose his treasure.
You have now taught him to be a resource guarder.
I am in no way excusing the dog, neither am I saying you should not be able to remove anything from him.
What I am saying, is that it must be done in a responsible manner. Trade him for something better than he has.
This is a brief discussion, if you have a resource guarder in your home, you should consult a qualified behaviourist.
It is not always advisable to try and modify the behaviour yourself as you could end up in the casualty ward.
Yvonne Eland
ADIPCBM (UK)
Specialising in canine management and behaviour.
Email: brumbytoo@vodamail.co.za
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