Border collie Resource guarding

jungletim

Newbie
Hi,

Ive got a 16 week old border collie pup Tor, he is generally very friendly but I have a few problems with the wee guy.
The biggest problem is resource guarding, he is very very aggressive and will snap if you approach his food bowl or chews or bones he has, although he is normally fine with toys.

Ive taken to feeding him from my food reserve to his bowl by hand giving him small portions until he's had his full meal, but I can tell he is very nervous doing this.

The other problem I have is he is very rough and wouldn't think twice about biting my daughter usually jumping up while walking with a lead on, but it looks to me if he is over enthusiastic rather than being aggressive although he has drawn blood on occasion .

Any help with this would be appreciated.
 
Unfortunately Border Collies can be somewhat hyper its just their nature, however with you having a young child maybe you could do a little research and see if you can find someone who does dog behavioural classes as he's still very young only being 16 weeks, there's still plenty time for training/learning, good luck and please keep us updated : )
 
Yes, agree with ianw314 - puppy training classes would be a good start. I think this is a behaviour that needs to be nipped in the bud. Not an expert myself but watched a lot of the "Dog Whisperer"! He says YOU have to claim the food. Try and train him so that he can only have food after you have eaten, and can only have his food when you say he can. When he is eating try and move him away from his food, hence "claiming" it. I've seen Caesar stand astride the dog bowl after he had blocked the dog and moved him away from the bowl. Might be an idea to wear a strong pair of walking boots if you attempt this. Have a look on You Tube to see examples of dogs being disuaded from resource guarding
 
Hi,

Thanks for the interest, we have actually got him to back off his food with a bit of persuasion now, although we have a little bit of work to do yet.
I can claim his bowl back now, just working through the rest of the family until he finds his place.
There are just so many approaches to this problem, but I've used a combination of several.
He's quite a headstrong wee chap but is very affectionate outside his resource guarding routine.
But the obedience training is now starting in earnest.

will keep you posted on our progress.

Cheers
 
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