Defending Treats

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Defending Treats

Posted : 6/27/2006 10:21:24 AM

Hello all, new here. I've read some really good ideas on teaching a new puppy not to bite and was wondering if you had any ideas about a puppy that "guards" treats. She will growl and snap if you get to close while she has a pig ear. She is a 9-10 wk old pound puppy. She doesn't do this with food, in fact I have to sit in the chair next to her and pet her to get her to finish her bowl. If I don't she'll follow me around instead of eating. I'd like to get this stopped before she gets bigger.

Thanks

Be sure to see pics and stuff in the mixed breed forum.

glenmar

Posted : 6/27/2006 10:31:25 AM

What you are seeing is resource guarding. Kibble isn't very high value. Pigs ears are. Now personally, I wouldn't be giving pigs ears at all since they are soooo loaded with chemicals......someone will be along soon to describe the "trade" method.

spiritdogs

Posted : 6/27/2006 6:02:44 PM

Whatever you do, don't continue to "test" her in any way. This is a behavior that gets worse if you do that. Grab a copy of Jean Donaldson's book, "Mine! A Guide to Resource Guarding in Dogs" and follow the protocols in the book. This is a behavior that is dangerous if let go, but relatively easy to train away if you start now. Eventually, you should be able to give her higher value treats, but for now, start at square one. BTW, pig ears are full of salt, yucky stuff and dye. There are healthier treats out there. I use raw marrow bones (big soup bones) from the supermarket - but, again, not until I have gone through the anti-resource guarding training protocol.