Instructions on trading possessions with your dog when they exhibit territorial behavior
Juliana DeWillems, a certified dog trainer and dog behavior consultant, has founded JW Dog Training, a digital dog training and behavior consulting service. Recently, she has shared a solution to a common issue among pet owners - resource guarding.
Resource guarding is a behaviour where dogs display possessiveness over food, treats, and toys, often due to instincts from the wild. This behaviour can be dangerous, especially in emergency situations where it's necessary for a dog's safety to retrieve an item. DeWillems suggests a 'trade' method to retrieve items from dogs without causing conflict.
The 'trade' method involves using the best dog treats. Purina Beggin' Real Meat Fun Size Original with Bacon Flavored Dog Treats are ideal for dogs of all ages and stages. Each strip contains just seven calories, making them a suitable option for training sessions.
In a video demonstration, DeWillems shows a dog guarding a chew toy. She uses the treats to encourage the dog to let go of the item. The goal of the trade is to make it a win-win situation for the dog, as they lose the item but receive a lot of treats.
It's important to respect your dog and leave them alone when they've got something that's fine for them to have. However, if resource guarding is an issue, consulting with an expert is recommended. While avoiding taking items from dogs is ideal, there are times when it's necessary for their safety.
DeWillems calmly takes the chew toy after the dog has eaten treats from the third handful. She gives the dog another handful of treats for reinforcement after taking the chew toy. It's important not to overdo 'trades' as your dog should know to make them only when they have something they shouldn't.
Practicing 'trades' even when not in an emergency situation can help in situations involving resource guarding. An article about alternative ways to stop resource guarding might be useful: "I tried alternative ways of giving my dog treats to stop resource guarding - here's what worked".
While the 'trade' method can help in emergency situations, it doesn't get to the root of the issue. If resource guarding persists, it's crucial to consult with a professional dog behaviorist for a comprehensive solution.
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