Understanding and Addressing Resource Guarding in Dogs: The "Add Value on Approach" Method
Resource guarding in dogs can be a concerning behavior for many pet parents. It occurs when a dog feels threatened about losing something they value, such as food, toys, or even a resting spot. Signs of resource guarding can range from subtle stiffening to more overt growling or snapping when someone approaches their prized possession. While it’s a natural behavior rooted in survival instincts, it’s important to address it before it escalates. That's where the "Add Value on Approach" method comes in—a training approach I’ve personally developed to gently and effectively shift your dog’s perception of your approach.
The Core Concept: Adding Value on Approach
The essence of this method is simple: instead of your dog seeing your approach as a threat to take something away, they learn that your presence brings additional value. This approach involves setting aside specific training sessions where you help your dog associate your approach with positive experiences, using a careful, step-by-step process.
Setting Up for Success: Start Low and Go Slow
The key to making this method effective is to start with the lowest value item your dog guards. For example, if your dog tends to guard their water bowl, high-value chews, and fluffy toys, the water bowl might be the least guarded resource. The idea is to work with something that doesn’t trigger intense guarding behaviors right away. This keeps the process easy and successful from the start.
For this example, let’s use the water bowl as the resource your dog guards. Once you’ve identified the item, it’s time to prepare.
What You’ll Need:
- A good amount of high-value treats—think soft, smelly, and small (like cheese, cooked chicken, or a favorite treat).
- A calm environment with minimal distractions.
The Training Process: Step-by-Step
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Distance is Key: Begin at a distance where your dog is aware of the water bowl but isn’t exhibiting any guarding behavior. It’s important that your dog remains calm and stress-free during this entire process.
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Toss a Treat Towards Your Dog: From that comfortable distance, toss a high-value treat towards your dog. That’s it! This initial step is about introducing the idea that your approach results in something positive.
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Toss a Treat Away from the Bowl: After your dog eats the first treat, toss a second treat away from the bowl. This encourages your dog to move away from the guarded resource. Once they eat the treat, they’ll likely return to the bowl. (If they don't toss a treat towards the bowl so you can repeat - see step 4).
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Repeat and Gradually Approach: Once your dog returns to the bowl, toss another treat towards them. If it’s safe and your dog remains relaxed, take one small step closer to the bowl while tossing another treat. Crucially, after tossing the treat, take a step back. This reinforces the idea that your approach doesn’t signal a potential loss but rather adds value and then retreats.
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Step Forward, Toss, and Retreat: Continue this process, slowly decreasing the distance between you and the resource. Always observe your dog’s body language—if they show signs of discomfort (such as stiffening, freezing, or giving a hard stare), back off and increase the distance.
- Gradually Build Up to Closer Proximity: Over time, as your dog becomes more comfortable, you can approach closer and closer. The aim is to help your dog feel positive, even excited, when you come near their guarded resource because they anticipate something good.
Why This Method Works
Dogs guard resources because they fear losing something valuable. By using this “Add Value on Approach” method, you’re shifting their mindset. Instead of seeing you as a potential threat, they begin to associate your presence with something positive. You’re giving rather than taking away. This gradual process builds trust and helps them feel safer when you approach. This is a great way to help your dog with resource guarding behaviors.
Safety First: Use Caution
Resource guarding can sometimes be a serious behavior issue, so it’s important to proceed with caution. Always be mindful of your dog’s comfort level, and never push them too quickly. If your dog’s resource guarding is severe or you’re unsure how to proceed safely, consider working with a professional trainer or behaviorist. Muzzle training is a good way to help you to safely practice this training, too.
Enhancing the Training
Once your dog shows significant improvement, you can up the ante by incorporating other guarded items like a favorite toy or chew. Start each new session the same way—at a safe distance with high-value treats, and gradually work closer.
The "Add Value on Approach" method is a safe, humane, and effective way to help your dog overcome resource guarding tendencies. By changing the way your dog views your approach, you’ll create a more positive, trusting relationship with them.
Got questions or need more guidance? Feel free to ask!