Don’t bite the hand that feeds you: training tips for resource guarding.

Together with

This issue brought to you by:

Real weight loss, for real people. 

Transform your approach to weight loss with the prescribed medication Semaglutide, from Weightcare

Accessible telemedicine, and affordable monthly subscriptions,it’s never been easier to use  Semaglutide, to reach your health goals. 

What’s Included?

✓ Initial Telehealth Visit

✓ Prescription + Medication

✓ Unlimited Physician Support

✓ Monthly Check-ins

✓ Delivered to your Door

Learn more now!

Resource guarding takes many forms and can be directed at many targets. Here are a few scenarios that may sound familiar:

• Your dog has a bone and growls when another dog approaches.

• Your dog has a toy and growls when a human approaches.

• Your dog bares his teeth if you come close while he’s eating.

Owners often don’t recognize these as problems until the behavior is out of control. After all, isn’t it normal for dogs to establish dominance? You might even think teasing your dog by pretending to take his toy away is funny. And you don't want anyone bothering you while you're eating, do you? Some owners even like knowing their dog can be protective.

Unfortunately, and especially in homes with young children, the family dog is more likely to attack a loved one than a dangerous stranger. In fact, 77% of dog bites against children are from a family or friend’s dog, and approximately 15% of owners have been bitten by their own dog.

The culprit is often unchecked resource guarding. Below, we discuss possible causes of resource guarding and how to address it.

Poll Results

We asked, and you answered! Most of our readers are interested in trying the Figure Eight Stretch.

Sit & Stay Pro Tip — Nip Resource Guarding in the Bud

What causes resource guarding? The most common answer is anxiety. If this is a new behavior, it could be related to a major change, like adding a new family member (furry or human) or moving house. Your dog may worry about food security (especially in the case of a rescue), or they may just believe that a dog or human approaching means their toy or treat will be taken away.

If this problem has gotten progressively worse over time, anxiety may not be the cause. Like every behavior, if it isn’t addressed, your dog assumes the behavior is acceptable.

Whatever the reason, how do you fix resource guarding?

• Make sure you or a family member isn’t contributing to the problem. If anyone is taking toys, treats, or food out from under a dog’s nose, your dog will learn that a person approaching means they’ll lose something.

• Do you have more than one dog? If so, make sure there are plenty of toys, beds, and treats to go around. A lack of resources will result in defensive, aggressive behavior.

• Work to create a positive association where your dog sees a negative one. For example, if your dog seems wary when you approach their food bowl, offer a treat to create a positive association. However, if your dog reacts more forcefully (growling, snarling, etc.) do not offer treats until you see a desired behavior.

• Introduce a new command. You can teach the commands “drop” or “give” the same way you taught your dog to “sit” and “stay.” Don’t underestimate the power of good training and focus. However, if your dog is prone to resource guarding, it’s always best to offer something in return to foster that positive experience, like a treat or an alternative toy.

And, when in doubt, call the professionals.

Poll

Dog Food and Supplement Recalls

No new recalls to announce! 🥳

The Smile Section

If you have a photo and/or story that can make us smile, send it to [email protected].

Vet Recommendations — What to do when your dog is guarding you?  

If your dog is guarding you instead of (or in addition to) food and objects, the website Hepper has some great, vet-approved methods for managing overprotective behavior.

Read the full article here.

Treats

• 📆 Sorry Bobi - The Guinness World Records has officially stripped the "oldest dog ever" of his title.

• 🦌 Black lab saves baby deer from drowning: This Black Lab swam over to a fawn that had fallen into a river and brought her safely back to land.

Want your dog to be featured?

We’d love to!

Think your dog can make us smile? Submit a pic to [email protected] for a chance to see your pet in our Smile Section!