Understanding Your Dog's Frustration:
Sylvia Koczerzuk Koczerzuk 
A Key to Preventing Resource Guarding
Have you ever noticed your dog getting frustrated when you take away something they really want or when you interfere while they’re eating? This behaviour is more common than you might think and can lead to resource guarding.
When we constantly take things away from our dogs or mess with them during mealtimes, it can create anxiety and frustration. Imagine how you would feel if someone repeatedly interrupted your dinner or took away your favourite belongings without warning! Our dogs feel the same way.
Resource guarding is a natural behaviour in response to situation and this is sprinkled throughout the guides. To prevent resource guarding, it's essential to build trust and respect our dogs needs.
Here are a few tips:
Avoid Interruptions: Let your dog eat in peace. Avoid taking their food or bothering them during meals.
Teach a Drop Command: Train your dog to drop items on command. This is particularly important for young dogs and helps manage situations where they might pick up something dangerous.
Management: Use management techniques to prevent access to items you don’t want your dog to have. Puppy-proof your home and provide safe chew toys and enrichment activities.
Positive Associations: Create positive experiences around their valued items. Use treats and praise to show them that good things happen when they share.
Respect Their Space: Give your dog a safe and quiet place to enjoy their food or chew toys without disturbances.
Trade, Don't Take: If you need to take something away in the moment, offer a high-value trade instead. This teaches them that giving up an item results in something even better.
By understanding and respecting our dog's natural behaviours, we can reduce frustration and foster a trusting and happy relationship. Let's make mealtimes and playtimes stress-free and enjoyable for our furry friends!
Remember that some of our challenges actually help with situations with many situations.
Categories: : behaviour modification, dog training, resource guarding, prevention