Managing Resource Guarding in Dachshunds
One of the challenges we have faced in our household with our dachshund is resource guarding, and many dachshund owners may be able to relate to this. Our boy has been known to at times display a protective streak over his food, toys and even the sofa! In this post, we will explore effective strategies to help you navigate and overcome resource guarding tendencies in your dachshund.
Understanding Resource Guarding
Resource guarding refers to a dog's behaviour of protecting valuable objects, such as food, toys, or even their favourite spots. It's important to recognise that resource guarding is a natural instinct stemming from their wild ancestors, who had to protect their limited resources for survival. Remember, resource guarding does not make your dachshund a "bad dog." Instead, it presents an opportunity for you to guide and train them towards appropriate behaviours.
Recognising the Signs
Awareness is key when it comes to managing resource guarding. Keep an eye out for the following signs, which may indicate that your dachshund is displaying guarding behaviours:
Growling or snarling when approached near valuable items.
Stiff body posture or tensing up while near possessions.
Snapping or biting to protect resources.
Possessiveness over specific areas like their bed or favourite spot.
Prevention is Better than Cure
The best way to deal with resource guarding is to prevent it from developing in the first place. Begin early socialisation and positive reinforcement training during puppyhood. Encourage gentle sharing and reward your dachshund for allowing you near their possessions. Make sure they associate your presence with positive experiences, such as receiving treats or praise.
Respect Personal Space
Dachshunds, like any other dog, appreciate their personal space. Avoid unnecessarily disturbing them while they're eating, playing with toys, or resting. Teach children and visitors to respect these boundaries too. By allowing them to feel secure in their own space, you can reduce the likelihood of resource guarding behaviours.
Reward Good Behaviours With Positive Reinforcement
Introducing a reward based approach can help your dachshund understand that giving up possessions can lead to even better outcomes. Begin by offering a high-value treat while slowly and calmly approaching your dog. Once they drop or leave the guarded item, praise and reward them generously. Gradually increase the value of treats to reinforce positive associations.
Positive reinforcement training is an effective tool to modify your dachshund's behaviour - not just for resource guarding, but it can be effective when dealing with other issues too. Use it to teach them that sharing resources is a positive experience. When your dachshund allows you near their possessions without exhibiting guarding behaviours, reward them with treats, praise, or playtime. As with many training considerations with dachshunds, consistency and patience are key to success.
We have found this strategy to be most effective with training our dachshund to stop resource guarding. While unfortunately we were too late starting the training to prevent the habit from developing entirely, we have been able to largely keep it under control using a “give him space” and reward based method. We know to give him space when he’s eating or sleeping, for example, but also have developed a training routine where he has learned that if he displays aggressive behaviours, there are no rewards, whereas if he displays good behaviours, he will receive additional treats and praise.
Seek Professional Help if Needed
Unfortunately, sometimes even the best training plan isn’t enough, and you may need to seek professional help. If you find that your dachshund's resource guarding behaviours persist despite your efforts, it may be beneficial to seek assistance from a professional dog trainer or behaviourist. They can provide expert guidance tailored to your dog's specific needs and help you address the issue effectively.
