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Great Pyrenees => Great Pyrenees Discussions => : Kermit April 14, 2009, 08:12:42 AM
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That's really tough Rebekah, I'm sorry but I don't have anything useful for you. I just wanted to say good luck, I sure hope you're able to come to a positive conclusion.
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IMHO, guarding things in the house is a separate issue from guarding the yard. What exactly is Mokey doing with the toys, food bin etc? If she's not allowing the other dogs near those things, that doesn't sound like typical Pyr guarding to me. I have to agree that you need to make sure that she understands that you control the resources and those are YOUR toys, food etc.
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IMHO, guarding things in the house is a separate issue from guarding the yard. What exactly is Mokey doing with the toys, food bin etc? If she's not allowing the other dogs near those things, that doesn't sound like typical Pyr guarding to me. I have to agree that you need to make sure that she understands that you control the resources and those are YOUR toys, food etc.
Thanks Ursa, now I see how those are two separate behaviors.
In the house, yes she is growling and not letting the other dogs come near the food bin or the toys. I guess this is just "bad dog" behavior and not necessarily "guardian dog" behavior!
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Ahhhhhhh.... ok.
Actually this is all really good news because that means training will probably work. I was thinking it was instinct from her genetics. But this is a way better problem to have!
Thanks for the perspective!
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My favourite website has an article on resource guarding:
http://www.dogstardaily.com/training/guarding-valued-objects (http://www.dogstardaily.com/training/guarding-valued-objects)
and Jean Donaldson has a book, here's a review:
http://www.kateconnick.com/library/donaldsonmine.html (http://www.kateconnick.com/library/donaldsonmine.html)
If you have a resource guarder I would caution against going over and forcibly taking things she has in her possession UNLESS you have something of the same or of greater value to trade.
I would also sit down with her during her meals and hand feed her from the bowl. For now I would put the food bin away where she can't guard it, not let her up on the couch and put the toys away.
Like someone said she needs to know that you own everything and you are only sharing your things with her.
The incident when your two females got in a fight sounds much like re-directed aggression to me.
Good luck.
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The only other thing I could add is since you walk dogs is it possible to take her with you so she could get used to other dogs and get some exercise too?
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I have a male Pyr and 5 other dogs and the Pyr rules all. It's his yard and he will guard it, the females may run behind him but the males better stay clear. We constantly scolded him for aggressive behavior with the other dogs and he eventually eased up. The other dogs also know to stay clear. The other dogs are small except a golden retiever who doesn't guard anyways. Luckily we have no dog capable of challenging him so our problem solved itself. That husky mix is going to be a problem because of the spitz backround, they are fighters. Your problem may never go away. Some Pyr's rule all, no exceptions, or die trying. Hope you can work it out.