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Originally Posted by Nishasmom  I have been doing training classes since we got our dog. She is well behaved, and obedient (except for the high-value guarding). Here's the deal...1st day home, I gave my 7 wk old puppy a sausage thing from the pet store. I randomly went to pet her and BAM she tried to attack me!!! A 7 pound attack dog  (she was even protective of poo she was eating!). Anyways, my first reaction was to flip her over and hold her like that until she stopped growling. I then (shaking) called my trainer...her advice dont let her have stuff like that anymore  . We didn't listen, but instead let her eat stuff out of our hands ect. She has gotten way better.
When I found this site, most recommended letting her be alone in her crate  . I did that for a while, but recently spoke with my breeder about it. She said to keep working with her on it. (none of her dogs have it {which I don't believe}). I can pet my dog, walk by her, talk to her, ect. when she is eating. BUT if I spend a lot of time petting her, she gets angry. So...what if she was chewing on something in the yard and my kid (if I had one) went up and laid on her (as kids do)? I want my dog to be "kid proof" is this possible?? Or is there no hope, my dog can never be trusted w/ high value items. I would do anything it takes to break her of this...any advice??? |
When you take a high value item from a dog who has a strong guarding/possession instinct, you are only going to amplify the situation.
It is one thing to trade an item for another and teach the dog that you are not the taker and keeper of all things good. It is quite another to simply take the item. Think about this from the dog's perspective.
If you lean over your dog while your dog is enjoying a nice treat, and constantly barrage the dog with molestation (petting the head, laying on her, etc...) I do not blame her one bit for getting pissy about it. She has likely warned you before she actually lashed out more aggressively.
If you had a child, your child and dog should be supervised properly! Children should NEVER lie on a dog!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What you need to do to break her of this is to learn more about canine behavior. You need a qualified instructor to teach you appropriate handling of these situations. You
can teach her how to "out" a high value item, but this takes time, consistency and RESPECT for the dog for being a DOG. Since what you've been doing is increasing her guarding behavior, please seek help with this!
Yes, I generally recommend putting a dog into it's crate and allowing said dog to enjoy a good bone. A dog should be allowed to be a dog in peace. But for now, your girl should not get ANY high value item until you get a handle on how to deal with this properly. No need to set her (and YOU) up for more failure. You displaying fear to her reactions will only cement her behavior further.
Please get into classes with a qualified instructor (i.e. not Petsmart or big box store trainers, but trainers who are well versed with working breed dogs; contact breed clubs, USA or DVG in your area.)