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Bernese Mountain Dogs are known for their friendly and gentle nature, but like any other dog, they can exhibit resource-guarding behavior. Resource guarding occurs when a dog becomes protective over items such as food, toys, or territory. This behavior can be dangerous and may result in aggression towards people or other animals. Therefore, it’s important for Bernese Mountain Dog owners to be aware of the signs of resource guarding and learn effective ways to prevent and manage it. In this article, we will discuss common signs of resource guarding in Bernese Mountain Dogs and provide tips for preventing and addressing this behavior.
Note: Resource guarding can be a challenging problem for a dog owner. In addition to the tips below, you may want to consider consulting the help of a professional. Two excellent online courses we reviewed for resource guarding are SpiritDog and K9 Training Institute.
1. Understand What’s Triggering Your Bernese Mountain Dog‘s Resource Guarding
The first step in addressing resource guarding is to identify the specific triggers causing your Bernese Mountain Dog to display this behavior. Observe your Bernese Mountain Dog closely and take note of which resources they guard and under what circumstances. Common triggers include:
- The presence of other dogs or pets
- Approach of family members, especially children
- Sudden movements or loud noises near the guarded resource
Understanding the triggers allows you to manage the environment effectively, preventing incidents before they occur.
2. Desensitization and Counter-Conditioning Your Bernese Mountain Dog Against Resource Guarding
Desensitization and counter-conditioning are powerful techniques to help your Bernese Mountain Dog overcome resource guarding. Desensitization involves gradually exposing your dog to the triggering situations, starting with low-intensity encounters and gradually increasing the intensity. Counter-conditioning, on the other hand, involves teaching your dog to associate the presence of the trigger with positive experiences.
For example, if your Bernese Mountain Dog guards their food bowl when approached, start by standing a considerable distance away while they eat. Gradually decrease the distance over time, rewarding your dog with praise or treats when they remain calm. This process helps your dog associate your presence near their food with positive outcomes, reducing their need to guard the resource.
3. Teach Your Bernese Mountain Dog the “Leave It” Command
Training your Bernese Mountain Dog to respond to the “leave it” command is essential in addressing resource guarding. This command tells your dog to release whatever they’re holding or to stop focusing on a particular item. To teach this command:
- Hold a treat in your closed hand and present it to your Bernese Mountain Dog.
- When your dog sniffs or paws at your hand, say “leave it.”
- Once your dog stops trying to get the treat, praise them and reward them with a treat from your other hand.
- Gradually progress to using the command with other objects, such as toys or food bowls.
Using the “leave it” command consistently can help prevent resource guarding incidents before they escalate.
4. Teach Your Bernese Mountain Dog the “Drop It” or “Give” Commands
Similar to the “leave it” command, teaching your Bernese Mountain Dog to “drop it” or “give” is crucial in managing resource guarding. These commands instruct your dog to release an item from their mouth or willingly give it to you. To teach these commands:
- Start by playing with a toy your dog likes but doesn’t typically guard.
- While your dog is holding the toy, say “drop it” or “give” and offer a high-value treat.
- When your dog releases the toy, praise them and give them the treat.
- Gradually progress to using the command with more valuable items.
5. Practice the “Trade-Up” Technique with Your Bernese Mountain Dog
The “trade-up” technique involves offering your Bernese Mountain Dog a higher-value item in exchange for the one they’re guarding. This method teaches your dog that surrendering a resource can lead to better rewards, reducing their need to guard. Practice this technique by offering a high-value treat or a favorite toy whenever your dog is guarding a less valuable item. Over time, your dog will learn that giving up a guarded resource is a positive experience.
6. Avoid Punishing Your Bernese Mountain Dog
Punishing your Bernese Mountain Dog for resource guarding can exacerbate the problem and lead to increased aggression. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and reward-based training to modify your dog’s behavior. By consistently rewarding your dog for desired behaviors, you reinforce the idea that there’s no need to guard resources, as good things happen when they share or relinquish them. Remember that patience and consistency are key when working with a dog that displays resource-guarding behaviors.
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7. Try an Online Training Program for Resource Guarding
If your Bernese Mountain Dog‘s resource guarding behavior is severe or doesn’t improve with consistent training, it’s crucial to consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. These experts can help identify the root cause of the issue and create a tailored training plan to address the problem effectively. In some cases, medical issues or anxiety may contribute to resource guarding, and a veterinarian or veterinary behaviorist can help diagnose and treat these underlying conditions.
Our 2 favorite online courses are:
1. SpiritDog’s “Stop Resource Guarding” Course
The Stop Resource Guarding training course, attended by 243 students, consists of 42 comprehensive lessons that teach you science-based, fear-free techniques to help your dog trust you around their treasures and train a solid “Drop It” cue. With lifetime access, step-by-step instructions, and a certificate upon completion, this course will transform your relationship with your dog and eliminate resource guarding behaviors.
2. K9 Training Institute’s “Dog Masterclass”
More than just a resource guarding course, this more comprehensive training course tackles any behavior problem you might face with your dog.
3 Signs Your Bernese Mountain Dog is Resource Guarding
- Growling or snapping: When a Bernese Mountain Dog is guarding its resources, it may growl or snap at anyone who comes near it, especially if they try to take away the resource.
- Stiff body language: Another sign of resource guarding in a Bernese Mountain Dog is stiff body language. This may include freezing, standing over the resource, or holding the resource tightly against its body.
- Aggression towards other pets: If your Bernese Mountain Dog displays aggression towards other pets when it has a resource, such as food or toys, this could be a sign of resource guarding behavior.
In conclusion, resource guarding can be a serious behavior issue in Bernese Mountain Dogs that requires early recognition and intervention. It is important to understand the signs and triggers of resource guarding behavior in these dogs, such as growling, snapping, or biting when someone approaches their food or toys. Fortunately, there are various strategies and techniques that can be used to prevent and manage resource guarding behavior in Bernese Mountain Dogs, such as positive reinforcement training and desensitization. It is crucial to seek professional help if the problem persists or escalates, as resource guarding can be a safety issue for both the dog and their owners.
Note: Resource guarding can be a challenging problem for a dog owner. In addition to the tips above, you may want to consider consulting the help of a professional. Two excellent online courses we like for resource guarding are SpiritDog and K9 Training Institute.
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