Resource guarding is a common behaviour in dogs where they exhibit aggression or possessiveness over valuable items such as food, toys, or even people. This can become a significant concern if not addressed properly, potentially leading to harmful situations. One effective method to manage and mitigate resource guarding is teaching your dog a reliable "drop" cue. This cue helps your dog learn to willingly release items from their mouth on command, reducing the chances of aggressive guarding behaviour.
Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching "Drop"
1. Foundation of the Cue:
Start by teaching your dog what "drop" means without any items in their mouth. This foundational step is crucial as it builds the association between the cue and the action. Follow these steps:
- Say the cue "Drop."
- Immediately throw a treat on the floor and point to it.
- Your dog will associate the word "Drop" with the reward of a treat.
- Practice this in various situations and positions, such as sitting, standing, walking around, and even while performing household chores like sweeping or mopping. This ensures your dog understands the cue in different contexts.
2. Introducing Low-Value Objects:
Once your dog consistently responds to the cue, introduce a low-value object that your dog is not particularly interested in, like a hat or shoe.
- Place the item on the floor.
- When your dog looks at it, say "Drop" and throw a treat on the floor.
- Repeat this multiple times until your dog reliably responds to the cue.
3. Increasing the Challenge:
Gradually introduce more exciting objects, such as toys your dog enjoys but doesn't get overly excited about.
- Continue the process of saying "Drop" and reward with treats.
- Ensure to vary the toys and the level of excitement they generate.
- Occasionally, allow your dog to keep the toy after dropping it to prevent frustration and reinforce the positive association.
4. Handling High-Value Items:
Once your dog is adept at dropping less exciting items, move on to high-value items like squeaky or tug toys.
- Maintain consistency by saying "Drop" and rewarding every time.
- If your dog struggles, make the treats more enticing by throwing them around and paying lots of attention to the food rather than the toy or your dog.
- Practice in different environments, including outside, to generalise the behaviour.
5. Addressing Mistakes:
If your dog doesn’t drop the item:
- Avoid confrontation.
- Make the treat on the floor more exciting by throwing it around and showing lots of enthusiasm.
- Try again when your dog is less excited to ensure successful learning.
Practical Tips
Consistency is Key: Always say "Drop" before presenting the reward, never simultaneously.
Variety of Situations: Practice in as many different scenarios as possible to reinforce the cue.
Patience and Persistence: Training might take time, especially with highly valued items. Be patient and persistent.
Reward Appropriately: Sometimes, allow your dog to keep the dropped item to maintain motivation and avoid frustration.
Watch for Signs of Stress: If your dog shows signs of stress or anxiety, step back and simplify the training.
Additional Resources
For further guidance, check out these videos by Chirag Patel of Domesticated Manners:
By following these steps and maintaining a consistent and patient approach, you can effectively teach your dog to "drop" items on cue. This reduces resource-guarding behaviours and promotes a safer, more harmonious relationship with your canine companion.
If you’re struggling with resource guarding or need personalised guidance on teaching the "drop" cue, don't hesitate to book a consultation with us. Visit Believe in Magic Dog Training & Behaviour Services to schedule a session. I am here to help you and your dog achieve a happier and healthier relationship.
Comments