How To Stop Your Dog From Guarding Food & Toys

 

One of the most common behavioral problems faced by dog owners is when their furry friend starts guarding food and toys. It can lead to aggression and unsociable behavior that can be problematic for both the owner and the dog. Fortunately, with a little patience and training, it is possible to stop this undesirable behavior. With this in mind, we have created this blog to help dog owners find the right methods to teach their dog not to guard food and toys. 

 

1. Understand the reason why dogs guard food and toys 

Before you start training your dog, it's important to understand the reason why dogs guard food and toys. In the wild, dogs will often guard their resources in order to prevent other dogs from stealing them. Similarly, dogs may start to guard their resources at home when they feel that they are at risk of losing them. By understanding this natural behavior, it can help you when training your dog to stop their guarding behavior. 

2. Teach your dog the 'leave it' command 

Teaching your dog the 'leave it' command can be crucial when trying to stop them from guarding their resources. Begin by holding a toy or some food in front of your dog and command them to 'leave it'. You can use a treat as a reward when they listen to you. Repeating this command in different situations can help the dog learn to let go of their desires and to obey your command.

3. Change the Environment 

As part of their natural behavior, dogs can perceive certain resources as valuable items that need to be guarded. Therefore, if you can reduce the appeal of these objects, it can help to stop your dog from guarding them. Remove any toys or food from the floor and use puzzle toys or interactive feeders instead which require more time and effort to access their treats. Change the environment so that your dog is less focused on the things they're guarding.

4. When all else fails, seek professional help 

While it is possible to train dogs yourself, some situations and behaviors might require professional intervention. A professional dog trainer can assess your dog's behavior and give custom advice that will work for your dog's situation. If your dog has growled or snapped at you in the past, finding professional help can be the safest way for both you and your dog. 

5. Be Consistent 

Consistency is key when it comes to training your dog to stop guarding their resources. You might be seeing progress now, but letting your dog resume their old habits can lead to a regression in their behavior. Keep up with your training routine to ensure that their new behavior becomes a permanent habit. 

 

Conclusion

In summary, guarding behavior is natural for dogs, and there are simple and effective ways to help both you and your dog overcome this behavior. Teaching the 'leave it' command, changing the environment, seeking professional help when needed, and being consistent with training are all effective methods for stopping the guarding behavior. Hopefully, these tips will help you train your dog and build your relationship with your furry friend. If you're considering dog boarding in Orlando, FL, contact Canine Linguistics today for more information.