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Great Danes are large, lovable dogs known for their affectionate nature and gentle personality. However, like any other breed, Great Danes can develop resource-guarding behavior, which can lead to serious issues if left unaddressed. Resource guarding occurs when a dog becomes possessive of their food, toys, or other objects, and becomes aggressive or defensive when others approach them. As Great Danes are big and powerful, it’s essential to address any resource-guarding behavior to ensure the safety of those around them. In this article, we’ll discuss some ways to stop Great Danes from resource-guarding and promote a safe, harmonious household.
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 Great Dane’s Resource Guarding
The first step in addressing resource guarding is to identify the specific triggers causing your Great Dane to display this behavior. Observe your Great Dane 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 Great Dane Against Resource Guarding
Desensitization and counter-conditioning are powerful techniques to help your Great Dane 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 Great Dane 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 Great Dane the “Leave It” Command
Training your Great Dane 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 Great Dane.
- 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 Great Dane the “Drop It” or “Give” Commands
Similar to the “leave it” command, teaching your Great Dane 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 Great Dane
The “trade-up” technique involves offering your Great Dane 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 Great Dane
Punishing your Great Dane 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 Great Dane’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 Great Dane is Resource Guarding
- Growling or Snapping: If your Great Dane growls or snaps at you or other pets when they approach their food bowl, toys or bed, this could be a sign that they are resource guarding.
- Stiff Body Language: Another sign of resource guarding in Great Danes is a stiff body posture. If your Great Dane tenses up or stands very still when someone approaches them while they have a resource, it could be a sign that they are trying to protect it.
- Aggression: If your Great Dane becomes aggressive towards other pets or people when they approach their food bowl, toys or bed, this is a serious sign of resource guarding. In such a case, professional help should be sought to address the issue
In conclusion, resource guarding is a natural behavior for dogs, but it can become a problem if left unaddressed. Great Danes are no exception to this behavior, and it’s important for owners to recognize the signs of resource guarding and take steps to prevent or manage it. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement training, it is possible to address resource guarding behavior in Great Danes and help them learn to share and feel more comfortable around their possessions. Seeking the advice of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist can also be helpful in developing a personalized plan to address resource guarding in your Great Dane.
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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