Resource Guarding from Other Dog

[Nicole Leveque]

My new puppy, Oliver (approx. 5 mos. old - just 1-1/2 weeks in my home), growls when he has a toy, treat or bone and my 11 mo. old rottie approaches. Yes, she's likely there to take it away, but I'm not too happy about the growl. He's ok w/ me taking anything and everything from him (including food and treats), and never growls at me.

Should I be concerned, and is there anything I can or should do?

[Sheryl]

Harley has just recently started to growl when one of the cats gets too close to his food or kong if there is food in it. He would let me take anything away from him with no growling. I emailed the behaviour specialist that I have been consulting and she said to add something really tasty to the bowl or kong so that Harley associates the cat getting close with an extra yummy treat. Maybe that could help you out.

[Renee Premaza]

Hi Nicole!

Resource guarding among dogs is normal canine behavior. Don't forget that when dogs are in the wild, their survival is of utmost importance to them, and sharing may not be on the daily agenda.

What you can do is put both dogs on the Nothing in Life is Free program, and make sure you're puppy starts going to obedience classes. At 5 months old, it sounds like he's becoming a bit competitive and when he learns that you're the one who controls ALL of his resources, he'll begin to look to you for direction.

He may be okay with your taking his stuff, but if you are taking things away from him (1) forcefully, or (2) without making exchanges to build his trust in you, then he will feel even more protective of things with your other dog. It's as if he's saying, "Mom takes my stuff, and I have to accept that, but I'll be damned if I'll let THAT DOG take it too!"

Reduce your dogs' need to feel competitive by being in charge and controlling all resources with both dogs. I would recommend that you also read a book called, "Feeling Outnumbered? How to Enjoy your Multi-Dog Household," by Dr. Patricia McConnell and Dr. Karen London. The book can be purchased directly at www.dogwise.com

In the meantime and until you begin doing training with this puppy, give him treats (only after he's done a behavior to earn them!) and bones while he's in his crate or a separate room away from the Rottie. If you prevent the guarding behavior from occurring, it won't become a learned habit at this very early age.



My new puppy, Oliver (approx. 5 mos. old - just 1-1/2 weeks in my home), growls when he has a toy, treat or bone and my 11 mo. old rottie approaches. Yes, she's likely there to take it away, but I'm not too happy about the growl. He's ok w/ me taking anything and everything from him (including food and treats), and never growls at me.

Should I be concerned, and is there anything I can or should do?