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7 Strategies to Stop Your Corgi’s Resource Guarding

Written by: Arlene D.
| Published on April 30, 2023
iHeartDogs is reader supported. Some of the links below may be paid affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on a product at no additional cost to you. 

Resource guarding is a common issue that pet owners face with their furry friends. This behavior can be seen in many dog breeds, including the beloved Corgi. Resource guarding occurs when dogs feel the need to protect items or spaces that they deem valuable. This can lead to aggression towards humans or other pets. It is important for Corgi owners to recognize the signs of resource guarding and take action to prevent it. In this article, we will discuss ways to stop a Corgi from resource guarding, which will help you to create a safe and comfortable environment for your furry companion.

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 Corgi’s Resource Guarding

The first step in addressing resource guarding is to identify the specific triggers causing your Corgi to display this behavior. Observe your Corgi 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 Corgi Against Resource Guarding

Desensitization and counter-conditioning are powerful techniques to help your Corgi 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 Corgi 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 Corgi the “Leave It” Command

Training your Corgi 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 Corgi.
  • 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 Corgi the “Drop It” or “Give” Commands

Similar to the “leave it” command, teaching your Corgi 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 Corgi

    The “trade-up” technique involves offering your Corgi 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 Corgi

    Punishing you 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.

    7. Try an Online Training Program for Resource Guarding

    If your Corgi’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 Corgi is Resource Guarding

    1. Growling or snarling: This is a clear sign that your Corgi is feeling threatened or protective of their resources and is warning others to stay away.
    2. Stiff body language: If your Corgi tenses up or freezes when others approach their food or toys, it may be a sign of resource-guarding behavior. They may also become rigid or defensive when you try to take something away from them.
    3. Aggressive behavior: In severe cases, your Corgi may resort to biting or attacking if they feel that their resources are threatened. This is a dangerous behavior that needs to be addressed immediately.

    In conclusion, resource guarding can be a serious issue for Corgis, as it can lead to aggression towards other animals or humans. It is important to recognize the signs of resource guarding and address them early on to prevent any further escalation of the behavior. While there are no specific ways to stop resource guarding in Corgis (or any breed), there are several general techniques that can be effective, such as desensitization and counter-conditioning. With patience, consistency, and the help of a professional trainer or behaviorist, it is possible to successfully manage and reduce resource guarding in Corgis.

    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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