“My 7-month-old pet dog from the shelter, whom we have fostered for about 2 months, has started bringing high-value treats and food-related enrichment items into his crate and may growl and snap when we attempt to touch him.
This behavior does not occur during normal mealtimes outside of the crate. He allows us to pet him and move the food around during daily meals. What can be done about this behavior? Thank you so much.” -Jessica.
Hi Jessica,
Thank you for giving your heart and home to this 7-month-old puppy from the safe shelter. Sounds to me like a potential resource-protective issue, which is quite common in puppy. This does not happen when it comes to the normal feeding times outside the crate.
He does not growl and he allows us to pet him and move the food around when feeding him regularly. How do I correct this behavior? Thanks for any suggestions. —Jessica.
My Puppy Growls and Snaps When Offered High-Value Treats
In addition to adjusting poorly to good changes, your new dog is likely experiencing some learning resources as well.
After living with you for about 2 months, your dog is settling into his new home and learning new exercises and behaviors.
I think this behavior is just beginning to emerge. If so, it may be a sign of it being part of the adjustment process, which allows us to address any behavioral problems early and keep them from becoming long-lasting, ingrained habits that may be more difficult to overcome.
Let’s examine in more depth what assistance security is, why it occurs, and what we can do to correct it. Let’s deal with it.
What is resource guarding?
Resource guarding is a behavior that is a part of the regular behavioral repertoire of many animals. Its primary characteristic is that the animal maintains possession of something that is considered very precious.
puppy may resource guard a variety of objects including food bowls, bones, treats, toys, beds, couches, or even people or other dogs.
When resource guarding, dogs engage in a variety of behaviors such as tensing up, putting their head on the secure object, growling, barking, showing their teeth (snapping), snapping, pouncing, eating rapidly, or guarding uneaten food.
The purpose of these behaviors is to express a desire for space because the dog feels threatened and fears losing access to the secure object.
Why is my new puppy resource guarding?
Dogs may resource guard for a variety of reasons, and the exact cause may not always be easy to figure out.
Exploring the exact underlying reason behind why a dog begins to seek safety may be rather futile and inappropriate since it does not affect the outcome. Therefore, many may find it futile to spend time and energy to understand it.
However, identifying the underlying cause can help us better understand some of the dynamics and motivations. Here are several possible predisposing factors.
The Beginning of the Early Years
At 7 months of age, your pet dog is probably close to or inside the full-swing adolescence period, which typically begins between 6 and 365 days and ends between 18 and 24 months.
This is a time of change, in which the dog’s brain undergoes considerable neurological reorganization. Therefore, it is common for behavioral problems to emerge at this stage.
Not coincidentally, it is at this stage that most puppy are abandoned in shelters.
Environmental Adjustment
When dogs first come to the home, they usually come with an adjustment period. For the first few days or even weeks, they tend to be on their best behavior, which is commonly called the “honeymoon period.”
Once puppy start feeling more secure in their new environment, they may start testing things out and trying out new behaviors. When this happens, it is said that the “honeymoon period” is over.
Lack of consideration
I like to explain the safety of an aid as a problem of consideration. I compare it to a tourist in Rome who is hyper-vigilant about her belongings after hearing testimonies of pickpockets in crowded areas where tourists mingle.
Imagine a tourist walking down the streets of Rome. When the tourist walks through a crowd, she most likely will keep her purse close to her, possibly clutching it near her body. This happens because the tourist does not know these strangers, and does not fully trust them with her possessions.
What happens when the tourist gets back home? Likely, she will throw her purse on the couch or kitchen table, or even leave it unattended in the bathroom if she is home alone. Why? Because she likely feels safe around family members and trusts them.
This is often what happens when a dog guards an item that contains food items, It’s a matter of misplaced trust. The dog worries about other people taking his stuff, much as it’s a worry for the tourist to have his bag stolen by a stranger in Rome.
I should point out that it isn’t that your new dog has branded you as a thief, it’s just that he is naturally inclined toward protecting things of value. This is especially true if the dog is nervous or doesn’t feel secure.