We begin this week’s “RUFF TAILS” featuring a beautiful 1-year-old Border Collie named Bailey.
Bailey is a 1-year-old Border Collie today. Happy Birthday Bailey. She is a sweet, affectionate girl who loves to give kisses. Bailey loves to play fetch with a ball and catch the frisbee. She loves travelling in the car.
She is nervous towards people, but thanks to Caissie K9 Instruction she is becoming less nervous and more confident.
Welcome to Doggie Dialogue
Resource guarding in dogs, also called “possessive aggression” can be quite scary for any K9 owner. This K9 behaviour occurs when you, the owner, tries to pick up a toy, bone, or lift their food bowl. Your dog confronts you with teeth-barring, maybe even growling and possibly even biting.
Resource guarding is when a dog reacts when they perceive a threat to a valuable resource in their possession. This behaviour is hardwired into animal nature to protect the things they believe they need to survive.
Resource guarding can happen between pets as well. It is very common in multi-pet families that some dogs will show food aggression, even when another pet just walks by. Your K9 can display this behaviour even with a simple look, head turn, or slight barring of the teeth.
Resource guarding is a normal dog behaviour, however it’s not a desirable one. Aggression around food, toys, or space can result in dog bites to humans or fights between pets. This is more troubling in a home with young children or elderly family members.
Some dogs develop resource guarding after reaching adulthood and become protective about their beds, food, and toys.
We recommend that you do NOT yell at your dog, do NOT hit your dog to “exert dominance”, this may worsen the behaviour. NEVER get into a power struggle with your K9.
Please reach out to a professional dog trainer, such as Paul for assistance with this behaviour.
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