6 Best Online Dog Training Courses for Resource Guarding

As a dog owner, dealing with resource guarding can feel like an uphill battle. It’s a common yet challenging behavior that revolves around your dog’s instinct to protect their food, toys, or even people. These courses, designed by experts in canine behavior, provide you with actionable advice, step-by-step strategies, and compassionate approaches to help alleviate and manage this issue, fostering a healthier relationship between you and your furry friend.

Our Picks for the Best Online Dog Training Classes on Resource Guarding

The iHeartDogs team reviewed all the popular online dog training courses that include a class on potty training. Here’s our top recommendations:

1. K9 Training Institute (Best Overall)

K9 Training Institute vows to train your dog to behave by using the same techniques used to keep service dogs so calm and well-behaved. Most of this company’s training focuses on body language instead of verbal commands. These methods can work for all dogs regardless of their age or breed.

This company’s online training starts with a free workshop that covers topics like barking, chewing, potty training, nipping, leash pulling, house-breaking and ignoring commands. Once you complete the free training workshop, you can choose to purchase more online classes to further your furry friend’s learning. After all, training is something that should continue throughout your dog’s life, not just for one class.

The trainers at this company are especially passionate about helping train rescue dogs to give them better chances at success in their new homes.

Related: K9 Training Institute Online Dog Training Review

2. SpiritDog Training (Best on a Budget)

SpiritDog Training offers online dog training courses for canines of all ages, breeds, behaviors, and training levels. The dog trainers at this company have created videos to walk dog parents through each course, and you can rewatch videos as many times as needed. Every person who signs up for SpiritDog gets unlimited feedback from professional trainers for life. So, if you get stuck while watching a video, you can ask a trainer as many questions as you’d like.

You can choose from individual courses, or you can purchase bundles to save money. Here are some of SpiritDog’s most popular classes & bundles:

• Stop Resource Guarding
• Tackling Reactivity Bundle
• Ultimate Puppy Program
• Ultimate Masterclass Bundle

SpiritDog courses always focus on housebreaking your dog, positive reinforcement training to make training an uplifting, productive experience for dogs and set them up for success. These classes differ from in-person training because they allow you to train your dog at your own pace in an environment that’s comfortable for them.

3. Kingdom of Pets

Kingdom of Pets offers several books dedicated to dog training. Yet, many pet parents benefit more from seeing dog training in action rather than just reading about it. Thus, the company also has many online training videos for purchase, covering areas like leash walking, barking, chewing, and aggression.

Once you purchase a training package, you get lifetime access to that content. All courses from Kingdom of Pets aim to create positive experiences for dogs, and they teach customers how to effectively use reward-based training in a way that’s beneficial for both you and your canine companion. The trainers at Kingdom of Pets want to ensure that their training resources are effective for pet parents, so if you don’t find success within the first 60 days of training, you can get a refund with no questions asked.

However, this company allows you to try a free 6-day course before paying anything to ensure that this is the right training company for you. The free course offers information about dog and cat training, pet health needs, and animal behaviors.

4. Brain Training for Dogs

The professional trainer who runs Brain Training for Dogs spent ten years perfecting her training methods. Thus, her online training classes are in-depth and designed to tackle any behavioral issue in dogs, no matter how complicated the issues may seem. The training focuses on a dog’s mental stimulation to enhance their intelligence and learning capabilities. The courses will also help dog parents get to the root of the problem instead of only fixing it on a surface level.

Some of the many issues these training courses focus on include potty training, jumping, digging, excessive barking, and ignoring commands. The course videos get right to the point so you don’t have to waste any time. The trainer approaches each problem behavior by finding a way for the dog to understand what they’re supposed to be doing.

Once you order the bundle of all these classes, the trainer will offer you support along the way whenever you need it. The first 60 days of the program is a trial period, so if you don’t find success with the training practices, you can get your money back. That’s how important your dog’s success is to this company.

5. Dunbar Academy

Like K9 Training Institute, Dunbar Academy offers a Free Course Collection for dog parents that aren’t sure if online training is right for them. They offer several free courses, such as “Guide to Getting a Puppy or Dog,” “Six Simple Steps to Solve Your Dog’s Behavior Problems,” and “Dog Shelter Behavior & Training Program.”

If you like the way the free courses work, you can get more in-depth courses through a monthly or yearly fee. With the subscription, you can access hundreds of hours of content to help your dog succeed. That content includes videos, ebooks, podcasts, worksheets, and webinars, so there are methods that appeal to every person. You’ll also get access to a Facebook group where you can get training advice from dog trainers and other members.

You can also purchase individual bundles instead of a subscription if you only want to focus on certain training areas. Some popular bundles include Puppy Training, Behavior Problems, and a Games Workshop. The trainers at this company focus on games and reward-based training to get positive results.

6. Holly and Hugo

Holly and Hugo not only offers a variety of training courses, but they also have videos about animal behavior and care. With the help of pet experts and experienced teachers, you can access a variety of videos and content to improve your pet’s life. The courses cover topics like training, animal psychology, pet sitting, and grooming.

Customers can purchase courses individually or pay a discounted price to get access to all the courses. At the end, you get a certificate of completion. Some of the courses even qualify for CE and CPD points for dog lovers looking to pursue a career in the animal industry.

This training option is great for dog parents who like to work on a schedule because once you activate a course, you have 60 days to complete it (unless you choose to extend it). With a time limit in place, it can help keep you motivated to train regularly so your dog can succeed. The trainers at Holly and Hugo love dogs as much as you, so they set up these courses to provide the best support for your furry friend.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Resource Guarding

1. What is resource guarding in dogs? Resource guarding is a behavior where dogs protect their resources—food, toys, people, or space—from others. They might growl, bark, or even bite to defend what they perceive as theirs.
2. Is resource guarding a sign of aggression? Not necessarily. Resource guarding is a natural behavior in dogs, rooted in survival instinct. However, if not addressed, it can escalate and lead to aggressive responses.
3. What triggers resource guarding in dogs? Resource guarding is typically triggered when someone approaches or attempts to take away a valued resource. It can be related to food, toys, locations, or even humans.
4. Can I train my dog to stop resource guarding? Yes, you can work with your dog to reduce and manage resource guarding behavior. This typically involves desensitization and counter-conditioning techniques that gradually change your dog’s emotional response to the perceived threat.
5. How can I prevent resource guarding in puppies? Start by teaching your puppy that giving up a resource can result in good things. Practice taking a toy or treat away while offering a better one in return. This can help prevent resource guarding from developing.
6. Is it normal for a dog to guard its owner? While it’s natural for dogs to be protective, excessive guarding of an owner can lead to problematic behaviors. It’s important to establish boundaries and promote socialization from a young age.
7. My dog only guards certain items. Why is that? Dogs may guard items that they deem extremely valuable. This could be a favorite toy, a specific food, or a preferred resting spot. The value is determined by the dog, not necessarily the owner.
8. Can I use obedience training to stop resource guarding? Basic obedience training can certainly help manage resource guarding. Commands like “leave it” and “drop it” can be particularly useful. However, a targeted approach to address resource guarding specifically may also be necessary.
9. What should I do when my dog starts to guard a resource? It’s important not to confront or punish your dog, as this can escalate the situation. Instead, work on a training plan that helps your dog feel more comfortable when someone approaches or handles their resources.
10. Can resource guarding be completely eliminated? While it might not be completely eliminated, resource guarding can definitely be managed effectively. The goal is to reduce your dog’s anxiety and potential aggression around their resources to a level where it’s not a problem.
11. What should I do if my dog becomes aggressive when guarding resources? If your dog is showing signs of aggression, it’s advisable to consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can help you establish a safe, effective training plan tailored to your dog’s needs.
12. Are certain breeds more prone to resource guarding? Any breed can exhibit resource guarding, but certain breeds may be more predisposed due to their historical roles. However, much depends on the individual dog’s personality, experiences, and training.
13. Does spaying or neutering affect resource guarding? Spaying or neutering can reduce certain types of aggression, but it’s not a guaranteed solution for resource guarding, which requires targeted behavior modification strategies.
14. Can socializing my dog help with resource guarding? Yes, socialization can help by teaching your dog appropriate behavior around other dogs and people. However, it should be combined with specific training to address resource guarding.
15. How should I introduce a new pet to a dog that resource guards? Introductions should be slow, controlled, and positive. Keep high-value items out of reach during initial meetings to avoid triggering resource guarding. Consulting with a professional can be very helpful in such situations.

Resource guarding does not have to become a chronic issue that hinders the bond between you and your pet. These top-rated online dog training courses are here to help you understand and address your dog’s behavior in an effective, compassionate manner. The secret lies in patience, consistency, and a good understanding of your dog’s perspective. So equip yourself with the knowledge and tools these courses provide and turn the challenge of resource guarding into an opportunity for enhancing your communication and relationship with your pet. Remember, it’s a journey of learning for both of you.