Growling over new toys

[laser692]

I have noticed that when I give my boxer a new toy he really takes to it. He pounces on it and gives it his full attention. He protects it from everyone, including me. Though I am noticing lately that sometimes when I approach him to take it away or play, he growls at me. He has never ever attempted to bite me at all. He just cowers down low, smothers the toy and growls.

When he does this, I actively go for the toy and get a little rough with him. I want to push him to make sure that nothing ever comes of it. I plan on having kids soon and want to make sure that his behavior is just more "bark than bite". When I do get rough, he just tried to smother the toy more and growls, but makes no attempt to do anything else. Though someone watching would think otherwise.

When I feed him, I often put my hand on his head or in his food to make sure he is not food aggressive. He never has made one sound or move.

Just something about these new toys that gets him excited. The growls are intense in nature and make you wonder, but that is it. I have "pushed" him many times to see what would happen, and nothing other than tuggling for the toy.

Anyone have any thoughts on what this behavior is and how does it manifest itself?

Thanks
Dean

 

[Tulsa-Dan]

If you attempt to take a toy from a dog, replace it with something else; perhaps another toy or a small treat. Give the dog something for giving up the toy. This way you can teach the "drop" or "leave it" command along with getting the dog accustomed to giving up items he deems his possessions.

One has to remember that toys are not the same to dogs as they are to humans. They see them as prized possessions, earned and belonging to them because they earned them somehow. Even if you just give the dog a toy, he feels somehow he's earned a prize and isn't about to give it up normally. Therefore, it is important to teach the dog that if you take something from him, he'll either get it back or something better (a treat and affection) in return. Thus breaking the "guarding" and "possessive" cycle.

A book which will be very helpful to you would be "Mine! Practical Guide to Resource Guarding" by Jean Donaldson. Pick one up as soon as you can and you'll soon be on your way with better behavior from the dog and less to worry about when the baby comes.

 

[newark]

We learned it from friends

We were taught to give a reward to our pup at a young age, give her a few minutes enjoying it, then take it back with a release command. Jersey will now give up anything I give her, or that she has managed to find on her own, with the release command.

Perhaps that can help you?