Resource Guarding: A Common Behavior Problem by Dog Training Philadelphia Blog

Sometimes the similarities between raising a child and dog training are uncanny. Issues I’m called for on a daily basis include sibling rivalry, refusing to listen, refusing to share, and general rebellion. Solutions that are often included in the training programs include place training, which is very similar to a “calm down corner”; effective communication, which is key in child-rearing; and establishing the owner as the leader/head of household.

Don’t get me wrong, dogs and children require very different methods for lifelong success, but there are times when dog behavior is eerily relatable to the human world.

For example, I recently helped a woman resolve her two-year-old dog, Omaha’s, resource guarding, which just means that Omaha did not want to share his things. A dog can view many things as resources, such as food, water, toys, places to rest/sleep, and even his or her owners. Omaha was becoming overprotective of his toys and his favorite spot on the couch.

And this is where dogs and children start to differ because chances are that if you move your child’s favorite toy out of your way, they won’t growl and bite you.

Resource guarding can be a very big issue simply because it can lead to this type of aggression. Dogs only have so many ways of expressing themselves. However, by setting boundaries, employing basic obedience training, and establishing the owner as the leader of the pack, we were able to communicate with Omaha that resource guarding was unacceptable behavior.

As a dog owner, you should never be afraid of your dog causing you harm, and if you are, you need a dog trainer. Just as we wouldn’t accept blatant disrespect from our children, we can’t accept it from our dogs. Kids speak our language (most days) and are easier to communicate with, but I can teach you how to communicate just as easily with your dog.

Give me a call today at 215.709.2560 to learn more.