October 2022 Client Spotlight: Penny

Penny is a 7-month-old Beagle that is active and spunky, to say the least. We are currently working on resource guarding and leash reactivity issues, both of which are going very well. Looking at Penny, you would never know that she could have either of these issues as she is the epitome of sweet and docile. After meeting her, I knew through training, she would be fine.

According to the AKC,

Resource guarding occurs when dogs exhibit behaviors like growling, lunging, or biting over food or toys. This behavior is also known as “possessive aggression” and may occur in dogs of any breed. Training early and often can help discourage resource guarding before it becomes too problematic.”

When it comes to recognizing resource guarding, usually it begins when a puppy comes into contact with a resource (toy, bone, food bowl, stick, etc.) and runs away. This is also called “keep away”, a common precursor to more severe behavior. After a while, if you try and take the item, your puppy may freeze or growl to let you know to stay away. Once your puppy realizes this works, the behavior turns into a habit. The more it happens, the stronger and more dangerous it becomes.

The underlying emotions that occur with resource guarding are fear and anger. In order to relieve your puppy of these emotions, trust-building exercises need to be practiced and management tactics need to be in place. Over time, approaching your puppy will turn into a fun experience, instead of a scary one. Your dog’s behavior is fluid and bouncy when they are enjoying what they are doing. If you approach them and the behavior stays fluid in response to the approach, that means they associate you as part of the fun. Trainers call this a Conditioned Emotional Response and it’s what they look for whenever aggression is taking place.

Positive training helps you and your puppy connect through consistent reinforcement. The clearer you are with what you expect, the more likely your puppy will behave because it knows how. Your job as an owner is to establish boundaries throughout your home to teach them what is and is not acceptable. That level of obedience is different for everyone which is why no two training plans are the same.

When it comes to Penny, the boundaries that we conditioned were to come to a target, trade whatever she has in her mouth for something else, and leave it alone once she relieved it. This has taken a lot of time and practice from her owners who were dedicated to resolving the issue. I applaud them for doing the work. The best thing you can do with all behavior problems is to be aware of what they are and learn how to prevent them from happening in the first place.

I am enjoying working with Penny and her family. It is fun getting to know her and all that she is capable of. I know she appreciates learning that her owners only want the best for her and would do pretty much anything to make her happy. I’m sure all the additional treats don’t hurt either. :) We still have a few weeks left in our package but, I can’t wait to see all that she accomplishes on the other side of our time together.