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resource guarding between dogs

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  • tiffy
    • Gold Top Dog

    resource guarding between dogs

    tiffy

    Posted : 5/15/2006 6:22:31 PM

    The thread on resource guarding got me thinking. Is it alright to let dogs resource guard between each other? They never do it to me or my BF, but is a squabble between each other over food or a bone okay? Or should it be something I need to work on? They have never drawn blood or anything, just really loud snarling and air snaps.
  • tiffy
    • Gold Top Dog
    tiffy

    Posted : 5/17/2006 1:14:15 PM

    Anybody? Would like some feedback.
  • Sandra TH
    • Gold Top Dog
    Sandra TH

    Posted : 5/17/2006 1:50:45 PM

    I posted a question about resource guarding between dogs and a trainer on this site said that there really isn't much that can be done except to restrict access to guarded objects.  In my house, if you accidentally drop a piece of kibble on the floor a brawl will break out.  I'm real careful now when I'm pouring food from the bag into the container I keep it in and am working very hard on teaching my dogs "leave it!" in case a kibble gets away on me.
  • rredbird
    • Gold Top Dog
    rredbird

    Posted : 5/17/2006 1:54:54 PM

    I currently have three dogs at home (mine & 2 fosters) and one of them is a resource guarder. I don't allow it with the food - all three are fed in their crates but chews/toys will bring it out of the ACD, Sirius.  Since no blood is drawn and no serious fight occurs I tolerate it somewhat - I will tell her to knock it off if she gets too keyed up but she has slowly gotten better.  She knows if she gets too uppity I will take it away and no one gets it!  Of course, my Aussie mix (an adolescent male) loves to wait till her treat/toy is unguarded and then grabs it and runs!  He taunts her with it but she is so quick she usually grabs it right back out of his mouth.  Amazing how they can each get a bully stick but always want the other one's!   None of them are allowed to guard food/toys/treats against people - if they show signs of that we start working on it with them. 
     
    The behavior is not one to encourage but I allow a little of it since I would be cranky if someone came up and tried to take my chocolate from me [:D].