Resource Guarding and the Rottweiler

[DNeff]

Resource guarding can be a frightening wake up call for many novice rottweiler owners. Many times these owners are not aware of the problem until their dog has threatened them with a growl, snap or bite. This is not a problem that should be fixed through threatening the dog further or physical punishment, since many times this will only escalate the dog or make them feel more threatened and insecure.

In my opinion rottweilers are more prone to resource guarding in part because of their strong herding background. Herding is a behavior that encourages the dog to control and protect the stock he is responsible for, at the command of his handler. This behavior has been selectively bred in to the rottweiler for some time now, which means it will often be seen in similar ways in the day to day activities of the modern rottweiler even if that dog has not been actively "trained" in herding.

There are many ways to deal with rottweilers who have over stepped their bounds and have begun to guard or control space, toys, objects or people.

The first step should be to start the dog on a "Nothing in Life is Free Program". I have included a short description and some excellent resources about this topic.
http://members.aol.com/dplantier/nilif.htm

Next it is critical to teach the dog that giving up an item means a bigger reward will follow. This process takes time and commitment, but it will produce a dog who has a whole new outlook on you taking items from them. Jean Donaldson's book "Mine" is a truly amazing resource for how to best achieve this technique with a guarding dog.
http://www.dogwise.com/ItemDetails.c...45027&Method=3

By giving your dog a job or stimulating activity, it may help decrease their chances of reverting to inappropriate behaviors. Physical activity and regular exercise are also an important part of your dog's daily life.
http://members.aol.com/dplantier/living.htm

Make a point to obedience train your dog. Taking classes and actively training your dog every single day will have a big impact on your relationship with your dog and their willingness to comply to your requests. Classes can be located through local obedience clubs which can be found on the AKC website.
http://www.akc.org/dic/clubs/search/...bed&display=on

It's important to learn to read your dog's cues and signals. Many times your dog is conveying a wealth of information that we are unable to understand due to a lack of knowledge regarding canine signals and cues. Turid Rugaas has a wonderful book called "On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals". There are also several websites out there with some good information regarding canine body language.
http://www.neholistic.com/articles/0099.htm
http://diamondsintheruff.com/calmingsignals.html

Find a skilled trainer and behaviorist who is willing to find a non-confrontational way to work through your guarding issues. APDT has a large list of trainers throughout the US who might be able to help you with your dog. Please thoroughly interview and follow up on all references before trusting someone to assist you with your dog.
http://www.apdt.com/trainers-and-own...-a-trainer.htm

Be aware that may times a dog's actions are a product of his environment, training, and upbringing. You may have inadvertently created, perpetuated or built this behavior without even realizing it. It is also important to note that there are usually several issues that have contributed to your dog's current behavior. By addressing the above steps you will be able to best tackle this problem and succeed in turning around you and your dog's behavior.

Some excellent resources of resource guarding:
"Mine" by Jean Donaldson
http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIP...eGuarding.html
http://www.sthuberts.org/petpouri/articles/fooddish.asp
http://www.flyingdogpress.com/probtips.html
http://www.clickersolutions.com/arti...ctguarding.htm

Good luck!

Dawn + Osa
U-CD Cammcastle's Mystic Riven CDX OAC OJC OGC OAJ NA TT CGC
http://members.aol.com/dplantier
http://members.aol.com/rottweilerworld

[Bucky's Mom]

What an awesome post - thanks for taking the time to compose and post this - Lisa (Bucky's Mom)

[TrinityRun]

Dawn,

Wonderful compilation of links and sound advice.

This deserves a sticky!

[Sharon Marples]

Sticky Please! Excellent post!

Moderators??

[Brooke&Ryan]

I also agree. I really think that this deserves a sticky. It is a wonderful resource!!

:)
Brooke

[Luvs]

Great post! I have to agree that this needs to be a sticky. What a wealth of information!

[Carina43]

Excellent! I think a lot of people will appreciate the thought you put into this post.
Definitely deserves a sticky, IMHO.

[K9-man]

Lots of good information here! :)

[JaniceH]

Excellent info....but sorry to sound stupid...what is a "sticky" ????

[Stubby]

Sticky means it will stay on the top of the first page.

And yes, it should have one. :)


Good info!

[Roxibear]

I received this reply from you on an earlier post about resource guarding. I'm not sure if I thanked you but I meant to. My girl is now 5 months and seems quite comfortable with the hand going down to put extra food in. A few weeks ago I needed to remove a chew toy from her. There was no problem doing this but I reckon if I had carried on the way I was before there would have been. This was all due to tips giving in the recommended articles. Thanks.

PS passed the articles on to a lab owner who has quite a serious problem with it.

[JaniceH]

Like Roxibear, I also followed advice from the Forum when Teazle growled at me as a very young puppy. She growled when my hand went near her food and also when I first gave her a chew stick.

Thanks to the advice, she no longer bolts her food and happily lets me put other food bits in. She just isn't tense any more. Also she eats her chew stick usually curled up between my legs or if I am doing something like kneeling down and looking in a cupboard she plonks herself on the back of my legs to eat it. I don't understand why. I can take it off her any time if I needed and she happily gives it up.

The main problem is if she finds something really tasty when we are out on a walk. That is difficult for her to give up. This is something I am having to work hard on. But I am pleased with her progress which is all thanks to the advice on this forum.

[VON KIRCHER]

This is an excellent post, very helpful, and good timing as well. Thanks a bunch.

Nathan, Michelle and Mr. Zeus

[HerculesMomma]

Excellent post! I'm not sure I knew Hercules was "resource guarding" since he doesn't have food aggression issues. But boy, when it comes to his toys and rawhides - look out! Besides starting our OB classes tonight, we'll be picking up a few of those books too :D Since he was just adopted and he's 2 1/2 yrs. old, hopefully I still stand a chance of breaking him of this habit! ;)

[Ilovemypuppy]

Thank-you for this excellent post and the time and effort put into it...just incredible...yes a sticky is in order :D