Minimize Resource Guarding
Tips to set your new dog up for success!
When bringing home a new canine companion who has previously exhibited resources guarding behaviors, it is important to prepare the environment for their arrival. Just a few extra steps will help reduce stress, improve relaxation, and minimize the opportunity for resource guarding behaviors.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Pick up all items of value
- If there is another dog or cat in the home, pick up all items belonging to your resident animal (ex. toys, chew bones, etc). Since what a dog deems “valuable” can be different for each dog, also pick up all children’s toys, especially plush stuffed animals. It may be easiest to keep the doors closed to the bedrooms or children’s play area.
Limit guests for the first few days
- Your new canine companion has been through many changes over the last few days and just like many people in new environments, they require time to adjust and settle in before being ready to make new friends. Give your dog time to adjust to your home and family before inviting visitors over.
Define a safe place for the new dog to eat her meals, chew on new toys or play with enrichment items (ex. stuffed Kongs or rawhides)
- This space should be an area you can completely close off with either a door or a baby gate to prevent people or other animals from entering the area. A crate can be used for this purpose; however, it is important that no family members (human or furry) stick fingers or hands inside the crate to pet the dog or are able to put their noses up against the bars while the dog is inside.
Keep your dog out of the kitchen while preparing meals or eating
- It is easy to accidentally drop a piece of food while preparing meals, leading to a situation where you would need to take an unsafe item away. To avoid this, we recommend putting up a gate or putting the dog in their crate to keep them out of the kitchen, and giving them an enrichment item while you are preparing your meals.
All family members should eat at the table or counter - including snacks
- Eating in the kitchen/dining room reduces the opportunity for your dog to reach lap level plates or take food out of small children’s hands. We want to avoid situations where a child might try to retrieve their dropped food from the dog’s mouth. We recommend that everyone eats at a table/counter, or that you place the dog in their “safe place” while people are eating food in another area (ex. crate the dog during a pizza and movie night on the couch).
Place your dog in a separate room or crate during large gatherings
- During large gatherings of people and food, like birthday parties or holidays, it is best to have your dog enjoy an enrichment item in their safe space. This will avoid any accidental interactions or chances of food guarding behaviors.
