Dogs are programmed to not want to share valuable resources with others. For domesticated dogs, this often means not wanting to share food, toys or their human’s attention.
The emotional underlying reason your dog guards is because they are afraid of losing the thing they value. To reduce and eventually eliminate your dog’s fear, change your dog’s emotional response through counter-conditioning.
One effective method is trading the item your dog is guarding with a higher value item from a safe distance. For instance, if your dog is eating kibble, throw a piece of turkey. The goal is for your dog to recognize that when you approach, good things happen, and their resource is not in jeopardy. Over time work on decreasing the distance you throw the treat from your dog.
To stay safe, never:
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Try to take something your dog is guarding. Instead, toss a higher value item in the opposite direction. Once your dog is at a safe distance, take the other object away.
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Bother your dog when they are eating a meal.
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Allow young children near your dog while your dog is eating, and remove all items from the ground that your dog may choose to guard.