How and why is it important to address territorial behavior in dogs
Introduction
Territorial behavior is a form of resource guarding, and is unacceptable. It is important to address this behavior early on, as it can quickly escalate into aggression.
Most often, territorial behavior is interpreted as "protective" behavior over a dog's personal space, but is never acceptable. In reality, a territorial dog is feeling insecure and anxious. They are guarding their territory because they do not feel safe or confident enough to share it.
Common Misconceptions
- Territorial behavior is a sign of dominance.
- Territorial behavior is a normal part of dog behavior.
- Territorial behavior can't be fixed.
Territorial - Video Walkthrough
Steps to Address
Teaching Phase
- Start with the dog on leash and collar, or in a crate. This will give you more control over the dog and help to prevent them from becoming aggressive.
- Be sure the dog has a strong understanding of basic obedience commands such as "watch", "off", and "out". This will help you to have more control over the dog's behavior in triggering situations.
- Use basic obedience to enforce calm, obedient behavior around triggers that cause the dog to be territorial. For example, if your dog is possessive of the couch, you might start by teaching them to sit and stay on the floor while you approach the couch.
- 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 "off" or "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 territorial 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 the couch, you might start teaching them to go to their bed when they see you approaching the couch.
- 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 territorial 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 territorial. 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 territorial tendencies. This will help to keep everyone safe in triggering situations.
Case Studies
- Case Study 1: A dog named Max was constantly barking and growling at people who came near his house. He was also aggressive towards other dogs who walked by. His owners tried to punish him for his behavior, but it only made things worse. They eventually brought Max to Partners Dog School for help.
We started by desensitizing Max to people and other dogs. We gradually exposed him to these triggers in a calm and controlled environment. We also taught him the "leave it" command. As Max's confidence grew, he became less territorial and more relaxed around people and other dogs.
- Case Study 2: A dog named Bella was possessive of her food bowl. She would growl and snap at anyone who came near it. Her owners tried to take the food bowl away from her, but she would become even more aggressive. They eventually brought Bella to Partners Dog School for help.
We started by teaching Bella the "drop it" command. We also taught her to go to her bed when she sees her food bowl. As Bella learned to control her impulses, she became less possessive of her food bowl.
Pet Parent Coaching Tips
- Be aware of your dog's triggers. What makes your dog feel territorial? Once you know your dog's triggers, you can start to desensitize them to these triggers.
- Teach your dog the "leave it" and "drop it" commands. These commands will help you to manage your dog's behavior in triggering situations.
- Reward your dog for being calm and relaxed around their territory. This will help them to learn that their territory is a safe place.
- Never punish your dog for being territorial. This will only make the problem worse.
Conclusion
Territorial 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 territoriality and learn to share their space peacefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: How long will it take to cure my dog's territorial behavior?
A: The amount of time it takes to cure a dog's territorial 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 territoriality.
- Q: What if my dog is very aggressive when they are being territorial?
A: If your dog is very aggressive when they are being territorial, 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.