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Resource guarding in Old English Sheepdogs can be a concerning behavior for dog owners. It occurs when a dog becomes aggressive or defensive over certain objects or areas, such as their food bowl or toys. This can be a dangerous behavior for both the dog and their human family members. If left unaddressed, it can escalate and become even more difficult to correct. Fortunately, there are steps that dog owners can take to prevent and address resource guarding in their Old English Sheepdog. In this article, we will explore some of the signs of resource guarding and ways to address 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 Old English Sheepdog’s Resource Guarding
The first step in addressing resource guarding is to identify the specific triggers causing your Old English Sheepdog to display this behavior. Observe your Old English Sheepdog 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 Old English Sheepdog Against Resource Guarding
Desensitization and counter-conditioning are powerful techniques to help your Old English Sheepdog 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 Old English Sheepdog 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 Old English Sheepdog the “Leave It” Command
Training your Old English Sheepdog 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 Old English Sheepdog.
- 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 Old English Sheepdog the “Drop It” or “Give” Commands
Similar to the “leave it” command, teaching your Old English Sheepdog 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 Old English Sheepdog
The “trade-up” technique involves offering your Old English Sheepdog 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 Old English Sheepdog
Punishing your Old English Sheepdog 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 Old English Sheepdog’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 Old English Sheepdog is Resource Guarding
Here are three signs that your Old English Sheepdog is resource guarding:
- Growling or snarling: If your Old English Sheepdog growls or snarls when you approach their food or toy, it is a sign that they are trying to protect their resources.
- Stiff body language: Another sign of resource guarding is when your dog’s body becomes stiff and tense when you approach their belongings.
- Aggressive behavior: In some cases, resource guarding can escalate into aggressive behavior, such as biting or attacking. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed immediately.
In conclusion, resource guarding is a common behavior among many dog breeds, including the Old English Sheepdog. However, it is important to address this behavior as early as possible to prevent it from becoming a serious issue. By observing the signs of resource guarding and understanding the underlying causes, owners can take steps to manage and ultimately eliminate this behavior. The key is to work with a professional trainer or behaviorist who can provide personalized guidance and develop a training plan that suits the dog’s specific needs. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, owners can successfully overcome resource guarding in their Old English Sheepdog and help them live a happier, more fulfilling life.
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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