Lesson 1.2: Why Dogs Guard Resources
Understanding the four main reasons dogs guard resources and why this knowledge helps with training.
Learning Objective
By the end of this lesson, you'll understand the four main reasons dogs guard resources and why this knowledge helps with training.
The Four Main Reasons Dogs Guard
- Natural instinct - In the wild, protecting resources meant survival. Your house dog still has these ancient instincts.
- Genetics - Some dogs are naturally more possessive, just like some people are naturally more protective of their belongings.
- Learned behavior - Maybe guarding worked before to keep things safe, so your dog learned "this strategy works!"
- Scarcity mindset - Your dog thinks resources are limited and threatened, like "I better protect this because I might not get another one."
Assignment: Consider Your Dog's "Why"
Think about which of these four reasons might apply to your dog. This will help you understand their perspective as we move into training.
Lesson 1.3: Reading Your Dog's Early Warning Signals
Identifying the subtle signs that appear before resource guarding escalates.
Learning Objective
By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to identify the subtle signs that appear before resource guarding escalates.
Reading the Early Warning Signs
Learn to spot these early warning signals BEFORE guarding gets worse. Think of these as your dog's polite way of saying "please give me space with this special thing."
- 🟢 Freezing (like playing statue - they stop all movement)
- 🟡 Eating faster (gobbling treats quickly like someone might take them)
- 🟡 Body hovering (covering the item with their body like a shield)
- 🟡 Moving away (taking item to another spot for privacy)
- 🟠 Weight shifting (leaning to block your view or access)
- 🔴 Hard staring (intense focus on you - like saying "I see you there")
- 🔴 Tense body (stiff, ready-to-spring posture - muscles tight)
Assignment: Become a Detective
Spend 2-3 days simply watching your dog with different items. Write down what you see, but don't approach them. Just observe from a distance and note their body language.
Module 2: Creating Your Safe Foundation
Lesson 2.1: Setting Up for Success
Understanding why environmental management is crucial and how to implement it safely.
Learning Objective
By the end of this lesson, you'll understand why environmental management is crucial and how to implement it safely.
Why This Approach Matters
- Prevents your dog from practicing guarding behavior (practice makes permanent!)
- Keeps everyone safe during training
- Reduces stress for your dog
- Creates opportunities for success instead of failure
Step-by-Step: Setting Up Your Success Plan
- Remove Problem Items - Put away all toys, bones, and special treats your dog might guard
- Create Physical Barriers - Use baby gates to block access to certain rooms
- Get Everyone on the Same Page - Everyone in the family follows the same rules
Assignment: Implement Your Setup Plan
This week, put your success plan into action. Remove items, set up barriers, and get everyone following the same rules.
Lesson 2.2: Building Your Dog's Safe Zone
Creating and introducing your dog to their training safe zone.
Learning Objective
By the end of this lesson, you'll have created and introduced your dog to their training safe zone.
Your Dog's Personal Training Studio
Your safe zone is like your dog's personal training studio - a place where they feel secure and can focus on learning.
What You Need:
- Exercise pen or baby gates
- Quiet area away from foot traffic
- Space for your dog to take 5 steps in any direction
- Special training treats (extra tasty ones your dog doesn't get regularly)
Assignment: Build Your Safe Zone
Set up your dog's safe zone this week. Make sure it meets all the requirements and is ready for training.
Lesson 2.3: Safe Zone Introduction
Making your dog comfortable entering and staying in their safe zone.
Learning Objective
By the end of this lesson, your dog will be comfortable entering and staying in their safe zone.
Step-by-Step: Introducing Your Dog to the Safe Zone
Session 1: Make it positive
- Stand near the safe zone entrance
- Toss one special treat inside
- Let your dog walk in freely to get it
- Keep the gate/door open so they can leave anytime
- Repeat 3-5 times, then end the session
Session 2: Building comfort
- Repeat Session 1 steps
- Once your dog is comfortable entering, close the gate briefly (2-3 seconds)
- Toss one treat while gate is closed
- Open gate immediately and let them out
- Gradually increase time with gate closed
Assignment: Master the Safe Zone
Practice safe zone introduction for 3-5 days until your dog happily enters and stays calm with the gate closed for 30 seconds.
Module 3: Core Training Methods
Lesson 3.1: How Dogs Learn to Feel Different
Understanding the two key methods we use to change your dog's emotional response to your approach.
Learning Objective
By the end of this lesson, you'll understand the two key methods we use to change your dog's emotional response to your approach.
The Magic Formula
Gradually Getting Your Dog Comfortable
The gradual comfort method is like slowly turning down the volume on something that bothers you. We'll help your dog become less worried about you approaching their valued items by starting so gently they barely notice, then making tiny increases over time.
The key rule: Start so easy that your dog doesn't react at all, then make it only slightly more challenging as they get comfortable.
Assignment: Understand the Goal
Think about a time when your feelings about something changed from negative to positive. This will help you understand what we're creating for your dog.
Lesson 3.2: The Three Training Approaches
Understanding the three progressive training approaches and why we use this specific sequence.
Learning Objective
By the end of this lesson, you'll understand the three progressive training approaches and why we use this specific sequence.
The Three Training Levels
Think of this like teaching someone to swim. First, you stand in shallow water to get comfortable, then you move to waist-deep water, then you add arm movements. Each step builds confidence before moving to the next challenge.
Level 1: "The Friendly Visitor"
Stay 6+ feet away
You approach from far away, toss treats, and leave immediately
Time: 1-2 weeks
Level 2: "The Closer Friend"
Come to safe zone edge (3 feet)
You walk closer to your dog's space and drop treats, then leave
Time: 1-2 weeks
Level 3: "The Talking Friend"
Same 3-foot distance as Level 2
You add a special word before dropping treats
Time: 1-2 weeks
Assignment: Visualize Success
Imagine your dog's happy, relaxed response when you approach their favorite items. This is what we're building toward through these three progressive levels.