Oh no! First case of resource guarding with new rescue dog

    • Gold Top Dog

    Oh no! First case of resource guarding with new rescue dog

    We adopted Zoey last Saturday.  My DH and I have taken off work all week to make sure that everyone is getting along (we have two other dogs, Tanker and Roxy).  Things seemed just fine.  We have even left the house for two or three hours and no one seems the worse for wear.  I was very careful to keep everyone separated while chewing on marrow bones, since I know many dogs will resource guard them,  and everything was fine.  The dogs eat about three feet from each other, but I am right there and do not allow anyone to go near anyone else's bowl.  I do leave "used" marrow bones lying around for the dogs to chew whenever they want.  Tonite I was picking up some scattered marrow bones and putting them away in a basket when Zoey suddenly went after Roxy because she was near the basket.  I was right there and grabbed both dogs by the collars, no one was hurt.  I have put the basket of bones up, since Zoey seems to think it is a resource worth guarding.  Do you think I should put all bones up?  I kind of hate to do that, as Zoey and Roxy chew often and I don't really want them to chew the legs on my furniture should they feel the need to chew...
     
    My DH and I both have to be at work Monday.  I am a little worried that a scuffle might break out when I'm not there.  We haven't crated Zoey, since up until now we haven't seen a need.  Do you think I should start crating her and then crate her on Monday while we are at work, or do you think I am overreacting and this is something they will work out?
    • Gold Top Dog
    Yes, I think you should put away all "valuable" resources.  You can usually train a dog not to guard from the humans, but training them not to guard from other dogs is near impossible.  They are so quick with the nuances of body language.  Better not to take the chance.
    Remember, dogs are dogs, so what you hate to do, or what you want, isn't always how they view the world.  They're safer if you treat them as canines.
    • Gold Top Dog
    I would absolutely crate her.  But then, everyone here knows what a stickler I am for crates.....