Since our pups left for their new homes in January, I try and keep in touch with the new owners every now and then to see how they're getting on and one of them e-mailed me last night to say they were just a bit concerned about one thing.   Their pup is 7 1/2 months old (male beagle) and he has started growling at them when they try and take something off him when he is out on a walk eg stick or whatever it might be, so much so that he was once drawn blood from his male owner.    As this behaviour needs stopping straight now before becomes an adult (and beagles aren't normally aggressive dogs) can anyone suggest the best method of dealing with this?     I know if he was my dog he would be told in no uncertain terms that it wasn't acceptable behaviour but it would help if I could tell them a certain way of dealing with it.   In every other way they have no problems with him. 

thanks - sarah

Hi Sarah,

I'd recommend they try and use a "swap system" with him - if this is isolated to things he picks up outdoors on walks, they should always have extra special treats for such occasions.  Not just dog biscuits, something particularly tastey that he normally isn't given such as baked liver or kidneys (roast chicken, cheese and hotdogs may also work but then he may get them randomly at home ;) ).    As they offer the treat in exchange for the stick, for eg, they should use a command word such as "give" / "leave" / "drop" - something which wont be confusing to other words in his training.  They also have to ensure that their reactions are 100% consistent with the dog in these situations - confusion leads to poor or improbable learning in the dog.

I'd add that they also need to be firm with him - a very abrupt, sharp toned "Ah! Ah!" for any inappropriate vocal behaviour usually works.  

NB I'd also check carefully with them if they have been in the habit of taking things off him - such as his food bowl - just "to check they can" :rolleyes:   Often owners do this and fail to realise they are encouraging defensive / guarding behaviour by proving to the dog that they are indeed a threat to his most valued resource.

It would probably also be useful if they could focus him on a toy which he can have for his walks rather than allow him to collect sticks (which are potentially very dangerous anyway).  That way if he has a special "for walks only" toy they can carry an equally admired one or even a replica and should they *need* to remove it from him temporarily they can then operate the swap system with either the other toy or aforementioned irresistable treats ;)

HTH, regards Teri :)

Hi Sarah, I'd recommend they read this first link and buy the book recommended in the 2nd link:

http://www.ahimsadogtraining.com/handouts/resource-guarding.html

Book:  http://www.crosskeysbooks.com/product_info.php?products_id=451

I also would try the exchange thing. But I have found if out on a walk and they decide to pick up something, as long as it isn't that injurious to them, ignore it, ands they will soon decide that it isn't worth having. Maybe interact with them more with a toy of your own or theirs, don't just let them amble along doing their own thing. :-)