Resource guarding out of control

[Margaret Rauwald]

Hi,

After reading some of the comments on resource guarding, thought I'd join and post mine as I think it goes deeper.  Our adorable golden doodle, Mollie started resource guarding at about 6 mo. and is now 17 mo.  I have a wonderful trainer who Mollie has done puppy, advanced and agility training and did quite well. She recommended the book' MINE'. I do the trading exercise all the time and let her know I'm the boss and shouldn't growl or nip; however I'm not even sure anything will help at this point as it's gotten way out of control. She growls and nips any time I try to take away something/ anything she shouldn't have even with a good trade.  this has expanded to anything she doesn't like me doing such as trying to keep a cronic ear infection clean and dry or trimming her nails. She has bitten me badly once where I almost needed stiches and I currently have bandaged hand because I tried taking away a pencil she was eating.  Otherwise, she is very sweet and loves to be with any of us in the family as well as any one she meets.  She gets along well with all other dogs and loves to play!  Everyone loves her at 3 different doggie day camps she sometimes goes to for play or overnight stays. The groomer even loves her and hasn't had a problem.  Prior to Mollie we had a wonderful Bouvier, named Comet who was so much easier even as a puppy and we never had problems with her.  

I'm wondering if we may have not have gotten the best puppy from the breeder?  After extensive research I felt I had found a wonderful breeder, but when we picked up our puppy they were very reluctant to have us meet the parents. After insisting, they finally brought out the mom, large poodle who was very dirty and had very crusty disgusting eyes and didn't seem friendly.  The dad they said was indisposed with another female.  It was a shocking visit, but the puppy was so adorable (however came home with fleas) and 2 references I called couldn't say enough great things about this breeder.  the other two never called me back.  I wish I knew the owners of the other puppies from this breeder so I can see if we have related problems?  My husband thinks we should find Mollie a new home which I think would be very hard with her problem so I'm at a loss.  Thanks so much for taking the time to read this and post your comments and suggestions.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

We live and work with this issue every day. Some days it it down right ugly and mean, especially with my other dog. Other days are very good. The triggers are never consistant and difficult to figure out. Besides a tough love, no nonsense approach ( we are now zero tolerance) consult with your vet about this behavior also.
Many times underlying factors might be the cause: thyroid, pain, etc.
If you are afraid to reach out you may want to try a squirt bottle. A few times using one, and after that all you need to do is pick it up to let her know you mean business.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Wow Andrea, I had no idea.  Sometimes I think I am the only one dealing with these issues.  It is good to know others are out there. Here we can get some help, ideas, or just someone who can relate.

I certainly can relate to Jake. 

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I forgot to add, obedience training is a must each day. It does not have to be an hour long process but weave training into everyday life.

[Tina, Clover, Plus 5 More]

Margaret, it sounds like more than just resource guarding going on.  It is very very important to find the right trainer if you are considering using an e-collar.  If a trainer tells you using the e-collar to only correct the bad behavior will work without using it for all obedience training.  Turn around and RUN as fast as you can.  Using an e-collar in this manner can make the behavior worse.  I know from personal experiece with Apollo our Lab.  Used in the right way it can be an affective training tool.  A couple good resources for me was/is loucastle.com and the modern ecollar training forum.  Don't give up on Mollie there is hope with training.  Good luck