Reactivity
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      Possessive

      Why is it important to address possessive behavior as early as possible

      Introduction

      Possessive behavior is a common problem in dogs. It occurs when a dog feels the need to protect something that it considers to be its own, such as food, toys, or even its owner. This behavior can be dangerous, as it can lead to aggression towards people or other animals.

      Common Misconceptions

      • Possessive behavior is protective behavior. This is a common misconception, but it is important to understand that possessive behavior is not the same as protective behavior. Protective behavior is when a dog feels the need to defend its owner or territory from a real threat. Possessive behavior, on the other hand, is when a dog feels the need to guard something that it considers to be its own, even if there is no real threat present.
      • Possessive behavior is a sign of dominance. This is another common misconception. While dominance may play a role in some cases of possessive behavior, it is not the only factor. Many dogs who exhibit possessive behavior are actually insecure and anxious. They feel the need to guard their resources in order to feel safe and secure.

      Possessive - Video Walkthrough

      Steps to Address 

      Teaching Phase

      • Start by teaching your dog basic obedience commands such as "watch" and "out". This will help you to have more control over your dog and to be able to manage their behavior in triggering situations.
      • Begin with the dog on leash and collar. This will give you more control over the dog and help to prevent them from becoming aggressive.
      • Use basic obedience to enforce calm, obedient behavior around triggers that cause the dog to be possessive. For example, if your dog is possessive of food, you might start by teaching them to sit and stay while you approach their food bowl.
      • Mark and reward for appropriate behavior. This will help your dog to learn that they will be rewarded for good behavior around triggers.

      Reinforcing Phase

      • Once your dog has learned the basic commands, you can start to introduce triggers such as people or other dogs into the training session.
      • Practice all forms of managing the behavior, such as tolerating other dogs and people, or following through with commands such as "out". The dog should remain calm and neutral, avoid reactive behavior, or remove itself from the triggering situation.
      • Mark and reward for acceptable behavior. This will help your dog to learn that they will be rewarded for good behavior around triggers.
      • Correct inappropriate behavior or disobedience. This will help your dog to learn that bad behavior will not be tolerated.

      Proofing Phase

      • Continue practicing good behavior around a variety of triggers that cause possessive behavior. This will help your dog to generalize the behavior and to be able to perform it in a variety of situations.
      • Use established protocols that help the dog stay successful in triggering situations. For example, if your dog is possessive of food, you might start teaching them to go to their bed when they see you approaching their food bowl.
      • The dog should anticipate acceptable behaviors and follow through with protocols and commands. This will help the dog to become more independent and to be able to manage their behavior on their own.
      • Corrections should be infrequent, but always stay aware of the dog's behavior and mindset. Correct for signs of loading or escalation. This will help to prevent the behavior from becoming worse.

      Maintenance Phase

      • The dog should be conditioned to protocols that help avoid possessive behavior. This means that the dog should be comfortable with the protocols and should not be triggered by them.
      • It's important to always pay attention to your dog in situations that may cause them to become possessive. If you see your dog starting to get tense or anxious, you can take steps to prevent the behavior from escalating.
      • Use a crate, muzzle, leash and collar, or other tools that ensure safety or prevent your dog from acting on possessive tendencies. This will help to keep everyone safe in triggering situations.

      Case Studies

      Here are a few case studies of dogs who were successfully treated for possessive behavior:

      • Case Study 1: Buster was a 2-year-old German Shepherd who was possessive of his food bowl. He would growl and snap at anyone who came near his food bowl, even his own family members. His owners worked with a certified dog trainer to help Buster learn to give up his food bowl willingly. They also started feeding Buster in a separate room, which helped to reduce the triggers for his possessive behavior. After a few months of training, Buster was no longer growling or snapping at people when they came near his food bowl.
      • Case Study 2: Bella was a 1-year-old Golden Retriever who was possessive of her toys. She would growl and snap at other dogs who tried to play with her toys. Her owners worked with a certified dog behaviorist to help Bella learn to share her toys. They also started giving Bella more opportunities to play with other dogs, which helped her to learn that sharing is fun. After a few months of training, Bella was no longer growling or snapping at other dogs when they tried to play with her toys.

      Pet Parent Coaching Tips

      Here are a few tips for pet parents who are dealing with possessive behavior in their dogs:

      • Be patient and consistent. It takes time and consistency to change a dog's behavior. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately. Just keep working with your dog and eventually you will see progress.
      • Be calm and assertive. When you are working with your dog on possessive behavior, it is important to be calm and assertive. If you get angry or frustrated, it will only make the problem worse.
      • Use positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement is the best way to train your dog. When your dog gives up a resource willingly, be sure to praise them and give them a treat. This will help them to learn that giving up resources is a good thing.
      • Don't force the issue. If your dog is not ready to give up a resource, don't force the issue. This will only make them more possessive. Instead, try to desensitize them to the trigger by gradually exposing them to the resource in a controlled environment.

      Conclusion

      Possessive behavior is a common problem in dogs, but it is one that can be addressed with patience and consistency. By following the tips above, you can help your dog to overcome their possessiveness and learn to share their resources peacefully.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Q: My dog is only possessive of certain things. Is this still a problem?
        A: Yes, even if your dog is only possessive of certain things, it is still a problem. Resource guarding can escalate over time, so it is important to address it early on, no matter what the resource is.
      • Q: What if my dog is very aggressive when they are being possessive?
        A: If your dog is very aggressive when they are being possessive, it is important to seek professional help from a certified dog trainer or behaviorist. They will be able to help you to assess the situation and develop a training plan that is safe and effective.
      • Q: How long will it take to cure my dog's possessive behavior?
        A: The amount of time it takes to cure a dog's possessive behavior will vary depending on the individual dog and the severity of the problem. However, with patience and consistency, most dogs can be taught to overcome their possessiveness.