June 06, 2023
My dog is guarding bones from me. How do I address this?
Full Question:
Cindy, I've made great strides with my dog, thanks to your advice. She displays only brief, calm interest or indifference towards the chicken coop and defers to the cats in the home if they growl, hiss, or run away - no chasing, fixating, etc. Thank you!
A new issue has cropped up: yesterday she began to guard high value treats from me (bison or beef bones), growling if I approach, and even snapping to deter me. These treats are new, but 1 week ago I could approach or pet her when she was playing with a Kong toy or bully stick. I have never unfairly taken an object from her, including a high-value treat like a bone or chew.
Aside from teaching a strong Out command, what would you recommend to swiftly address this behavior? Cassie eats in her kennel, gently receives treats by hand, waits at thresholds for a release command, does not free roam in the home, exhibits a lovely heel on walks, etc. No aggression with strangers, but does jump to greet (working on this).
Thank you!
Cindy's Answer:
Bones are a very valuable resource and different from a treat that they swallow and it's gone. This is very common.
I personally rarely give my dogs this type of item once they have their adult teeth but when I do, I give them their bones and leave them alone, I don't try to take it or pet them because I don't want them worried about having to guard it. I start my puppies right away with trading, anytime I take something from them I give them something really high value like steak, etc
In your case, I would probably only give bones when she's in her crate and I would call her out to you and reward-don't reach for it. I'd have a leash on her with the end sticking out of the crate. In some cases, I tell dog owners simply stop giving these items. Sometimes it creates issues that can escalate over time. I don't typically give this type of bone to my dogs after teething is done anyway, due to the risk of tooth breakage. Any type of item I give is something they can consume and it's gone so the guarding isn't an issue.
Sometimes you have to pick your battles to preserve your relationship.
I personally rarely give my dogs this type of item once they have their adult teeth but when I do, I give them their bones and leave them alone, I don't try to take it or pet them because I don't want them worried about having to guard it. I start my puppies right away with trading, anytime I take something from them I give them something really high value like steak, etc
In your case, I would probably only give bones when she's in her crate and I would call her out to you and reward-don't reach for it. I'd have a leash on her with the end sticking out of the crate. In some cases, I tell dog owners simply stop giving these items. Sometimes it creates issues that can escalate over time. I don't typically give this type of bone to my dogs after teething is done anyway, due to the risk of tooth breakage. Any type of item I give is something they can consume and it's gone so the guarding isn't an issue.
Sometimes you have to pick your battles to preserve your relationship.
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