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7 Strategies to Stop Your Vizsla’s Resource Guarding

Written by: Arlene D.
| Published on May 1, 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 behavior exhibited by dogs, including the Vizsla breed. It can range from mild to severe and can be problematic for both the dog and its owner. If not addressed, it can lead to aggressive behavior towards humans and other animals. It’s important to understand the signs of resource guarding in Vizslas and the underlying reasons why they exhibit this behavior. In this article, we will explore ways to stop resource guarding in Vizslas, without giving specific ways, so that owners can work towards improving their pet’s behavior and promoting a harmonious relationship between the dog and their family.

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 Vizsla’s Resource Guarding

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

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

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

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

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

    Punishing your Vizsla 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.

    Related: 10 Best Snout Soothers for Dogs

    7. Try an Online Training Program for Resource Guarding

    If your Vizsla’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 Vizsla is Resource Guarding

    1. Growling or snarling: If your Vizsla growls or snarls when you approach them while they’re eating, playing with a toy, or have something they consider valuable, they may be resource guarding.
    2. Stiff body language: Your Vizsla may stiffen their body, raise their hackles, or pin their ears back when they feel threatened or believe their resources are at risk of being taken away.
    3. Possessiveness: If your Vizsla becomes possessive over toys, food, or other items and is unwilling to share or give them up, this could be a sign of resource guarding. They may even hide or bury their items to keep them safe.

    In conclusion, resource guarding is a common behavior problem among dogs, including Vizslas. It can be caused by various factors such as genetics, past experiences, and environmental factors. The signs of resource guarding can range from subtle to obvious, including growling, snarling, and biting. Early detection and intervention can prevent the behavior from escalating into a more serious issue. While there are no specific ways to stop resource guarding in Vizslas, several effective strategies can help address the problem. These strategies include positive reinforcement training, desensitization, and counterconditioning. A combination of these methods, along with the help of a professional trainer or behaviorist, can help resolve the issue and ensure a safe and happy relationship between the dog and their owner.

    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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