So, we are working with Wesley on his guardiness using the type of protocol in "Mine!" and we have not had any guarding incidents in a while - but I also don't really let Wesley have anything I think he might guard, because I am not confident, based on past experiences, that I will be able to find anything I can trade up with with a RMB, for example. We will keep at it and trade up an the rest and hopefully it will keep going well...
I did have a question though - I was talking to the guy in our local pet store (where you buy pet stuff, not pets) about Wes's guarding (I was looking at the squeeky balls he loves so much and will try to guard). He first suggested a firm leash correction each time Wesley growls at me when I try to take something followed by praise and treat as soon as he stops and lets me have the thing. I completely understand what he is saying, that I cannot let a dog think that he has the right to growl at me at any time. I am the leader and to question my authority is a mistake... But, I am not comfortable giving a leash correction in this type of case, because I have read a lot about how meeting aggression with any type of aggression can escalate the aggression and I am sure I would do it wrong anyway.
So, he then asked what kind of corrections I do give, and suggested that I use the shake can that I sometimes use to assist me with getting him off a counter or out of the garbage, if I am across the room to help me with "drop it" and keep him from guarding. He said When Wes had something I wanted, I should say "drop it" and if Wesley didn't immediately drop it or come to me to trade, or whatever I asked him to do, give the can a shake, which will usually startle Wesley and cause him to "leave it" with the garbage or "off" with the counter, and that it should make him drop the thing. Then, he said I should immediately praise and treat with something better than the thing he had.
So, I get what he is saying. It is an effective correction with other things,because it does exactly what a correction (IMHO) should do, it gets past whatever is making him ignore me and lets the dog know immediately to stop that and listen to what I am asking him to do. I assume that is what he wanted the leash correction for - not to hurt the dog, but to startle him into paying attention and understanding that I mean what I say. So, why would the shake can not work for this??
I guess I don't know if it would, but because resource guarding seems like a stickier situation than counter surfing or garbage hunting, I don't want to mess anything up - so I thought I would ask. Will it work to add this to the system... if I give Wesley a chance to listen to what I am saying, and if he doesn't comply, shake until he backs off and the minute he does, stop shaking and praise and treat for good drop it?? It might also help to mention that Wesley is very comfortable with us petting him and coming over to him when he has food, bones or toys. It is only the second that you go to take the thing that he sometimes growls - so, my thinking was never to go take the thing before telling Wesley to drop it - whereupon I would trade him something better. I guess I am of the thinking that I would like Wesley to make the choice to give it to me when I ask him for it, rather than him thinking I might just come and snatch it away (but now that I say that, I realize that best case scenario is him being comfortable with anyone just taking anything from him - but I am getting ahead of myself - different issue for a different time).
Anyway - hope that made sense - and thanks for any advice that may come my way!!