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Labradoodles are intelligent and friendly dogs, but like any other breed, they may develop resource-guarding behavior. Resource guarding is when a dog becomes possessive of their food, toys, or space and may show aggression toward anyone who tries to approach it. This behavior can be a serious issue that may lead to injuries or even worse. Therefore, it is essential to identify and address the problem before it escalates. In this article, we will discuss some common signs that your Labradoodle is resource-guarding and explore some potential ways to stop 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 Labradoodle’s Resource Guarding
The first step in addressing resource guarding is to identify the specific triggers causing your Labradoodle to display this behavior. Observe your Labradoodle 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 Labradoodle Against Resource Guarding
Desensitization and counter-conditioning are powerful techniques to help your Labradoodle 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 Labradoodle 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 Labradoodle the “Leave It” Command
Training your Labradoodle 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 Labradoodle.
- 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 Labradoodle the “Drop It” or “Give” Commands
Similar to the “leave it” command, teaching your Labradoodle 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 Labradoodle
The “trade-up” technique involves offering your Labradoodle 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 Labradoodle
Punishing your Labradoodle 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 Labradoodle’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 Labradoodle is Resource Guarding
- Growling or snarling: If your Labradoodle feels threatened, it may growl or snarl to protect its resources, whether it’s food, toys, or people.
- Body language: Resource guarding can be indicated by body language, such as stiffening, leaning over its possessions, or showing teeth. A dog that’s resource guarding may also display other forms of aggressive behavior, such as biting, lunging, or snapping.
- Unwillingness to share: If your Labradoodle refuses to share its toys or food with you or other dogs, it may be a sign of resource guarding. It’s important to address this behavior early on to avoid it becoming a more significant issue
In conclusion, resource guarding is a common behavior issue in many dog breeds, including Labradoodles. It is important for dog owners to recognize the signs of resource guarding in their dogs and take action to prevent it. While there are many different ways to address resource guarding, it is crucial to work with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist to develop a personalized training plan that fits the specific needs of the dog and their family. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement training techniques, it is possible to manage and ultimately overcome resource guarding behavior in Labradoodles and other dog breeds.
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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