EP08 Resource Guarding

Dr. Caryn and The Happy Meemaw discuss resource guarding in dogs. What is it? What causes it? How Serious is it? Can it be fixed? Two Critical Mistakes to AvoidNever Punish the Growl: If your dog growls, she is communicating that she is uncomfortable. If you punish the growl, you might successfully stop the noise, but you haven't fixed the underlying fear. Instead, you create a dog that suppresses their warning signs and resorts straight to a bite.Don't Use "Alpha" Techniques: Forcing your dog onto her back, pinning her, or yelling will only validate her fear that you are a threat to her resources, making the guarding significantly worse.When to Call a Professional: If your dog is snapping, lunging, or biting, or if there are children in the household, do not attempt behavior modification on your own. Reach out to a certified positive-reinforcement behavior consultant (such as an IAABC or CPDT-KA certified trainer) to help you set up a safe, customized plan. Or just Ask Dr. Caryn for help!