Possessive behavior, often referred to as resource guarding, can manifest in dogs as a dangerous trait. This can range from a dog fiercely defending bones, toys, or even people they consider “theirs.” Such behaviors pose significant risks, not only to the dog itself if it ingests something harmful, but also to humans who may attempt to retrieve the item, potentially leading to bites or serious injury. For dog owners, the liability associated with a dog exhibiting possessive behaviors can be substantial, with unsuspecting visitors or guests often becoming the victims of nips or more severe harm.
As with most behavioral issues in dogs, addressing and correcting established possessive behaviors is considerably more challenging and time-consuming than implementing preventative measures from the outset. To provide insight into averting these problems, regular interactions observed at training facilities offer valuable lessons. For instance, dogs often practice the “Place” command – remaining on their designated mat or bed with all four paws on until released – while staff attend to other duties. This provides an opportune moment to assess if any dogs display possessive tendencies towards items like food-stuffed bones or rubber toys, ensuring potential issues are addressed proactively.
A common approach to mitigate possessive behavior involves approaching dogs with a positive reinforcement strategy, often described as “bearing gifts.” This means approaching the dog with something to offer, encouraging them to look up, sniff your hand, and discover a treat. The practice involves offering several treats before touching the item the dog is guarding. Instead of forcibly taking the item away, the handler shares possession, offering it back to the dog to enjoy peacefully. This method fosters positive associations when humans approach a dog that has prized possessions.
Crucially, this approach contrasts with a dominant or aggressive stance, such as trying to forcibly remove an item with the assertion of being “in charge.” While teaching a dog to relinquish items is important, adopting an aggressive attitude is unlikely to foster long-term cooperation. Proving dominance by simply taking something away from a dog’s mouth does not effectively prevent future possessive behaviors. Even if a dog perceives its owner as physically larger or stronger, this does not guarantee the dog will be safer around other people, including family members or children.
To further illustrate the rationale behind this approach, consider a human dining in a restaurant. If a waiter were to abruptly take away your plate while you were still eating, without explanation, it would likely evoke feelings of apprehension and defensiveness. If this were to happen repeatedly, you might develop an aversion to waiters approaching your table.
Now, imagine a different scenario: while you are enjoying your meal, the waiter approaches and offers you a sample of a new, enticing appetizer. They might then offer to move your plate to make room for another dish you are invited to try, or perhaps bring you a dessert later. This approach cultivates anticipation for positive experiences rather than fear of losing something valuable. If, in this scenario, the waiter needed to quickly remove your plate due to an issue with the food, you would be less likely to exhibit possessiveness or defensiveness. The plate could be removed with minimal resistance.
Possessive behavior itself is a natural instinct, crucial for survival in many species. However, the goal in dog training is to teach them that this level of defensiveness is unnecessary in their human-dog relationship. The ultimate aim is to cultivate a dog that trusts its owner enough to relinquish a prized item willingly. This trust is built through a higher ratio of giving versus taking during interactions.
Implementing these training methods requires practice, and the ideal time to begin is with a young puppy before they develop ingrained habits of defensiveness. If a dog exhibits growling, snapping, or biting in situations involving possessive behavior, seeking professional help is strongly advised. By the time a dog bares its teeth, the situation has escalated into a serious possessive behavior issue.
