Help! Puppy resource guarding biting.

[John B]

My 11 week old labradoodle is mostly a sweet puppy.  In the past few weeks she has developed an aggressive resource guarding issue around special treats (kong/bully stick) and household items she shouldn't have like kids toys, socks etc.  Today my 4 year old daughter walked near her as she had a hold of a sock and lunged and bit her.  My daughter was left with 3 puncture marks in her arm. The puppy has now bit everyone in the home in the past 2 weeks, drawing blood on my wife and now daughter. 

I have done plenty of research on resource guarding issue and we all have been working with her.  We have been hand feeding, teaching "leave it" command and trying to get the kids to not take things from her. 

What are my options here?  Is getting rid of her back to the breeder a reasonable option?  

The puppy's good qualities:  Mostly sweet, sleeps through night, low maintenance as will lay down in her play room until we come get her.

Not so nice qualities:  Resource guarding biting, Very rough playing at times, constant potty accidents in the house

I'll deal with most anything but biting is non-negotiable.  Where to go from here? 

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Hoping you find a solution that benefits all concerned. Please, do keep us posted.

[Julie and Max]

My Max had resource guarding issues at about 3 months and it was a lot of work to get him to stop doing it. There is no way I could have done it with small children about taking my time. It took a huge amount of research and focus to figure out how to fix the problem, and then it's something you always have to reinforce with them so they don't slide back.  I agree with what others have said, that if you can't 100% fully commit to working this issue out now would be the puppy's best chance to find a different home. It would be no shame to you to make the decision if it is the best thing for your family and the puppy.

[John B]

Just wanted to give a quick update.  After talking to 2 dog behaviorists we concluded that giving this puppy back to the breeder was for the best.  Both noted how unusual it is for a 10 week old puppy to be aggressively guarding objects.  Even if the pup was worked with, there is no guarantee that this behavior wouldn't show up in the future.  She really deserves to be in a home with no children where I think she will excel.  It is so sad for us as she is so great in so many ways...just those darn moments when she values something.  She was crate trained from day one and is so awesome at just being so low maintenance.  

We will so miss you Ruby!

 

[F, Calla & Luca]

Hopefully this all works out for the best for your family and Ruby.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I applaud you for making this difficult choice.  I think this was the right decision for you and for Ruby.  The right dog and the right time will come along.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Agreed! I know what a difficult decision it was .....but, it was the best for all concerned.

[Marie and Hoka]

Hope you will find the right pup for your house!  You are doing the right thing, I am sure.

[Gem's Jewel]

John hope you and your family find the right dog for your house.

[Julie and Max]

John this must have been a very difficult decision for you but it sounds like you put a lot of thought into it and made the right choice for your family and the puppy.