Hello, I have a 14 week old puppy. She's awesome 99.9% of the time.

Question 1: She has some resource guarding, but we are working with positive reinforcement by giving her a treat if she allows us near her bowl or take it. Hopefully this goes away soon? How long did it take people? Any other suggestions? I've read the book Mine as recommended by my trainer and I've been doing exactly what it says.

Question 2: Sometimes Anya will kind of yell at me then nip me. It kind of feels like bullying but I do not know. Could it be her form of playing? I always hold my ground and firmly say no and walk away.


Any suggestions or comments greatly appreciated! Im working so hard with her to make sure she's a happy pup!

Question 1

The most important aspect to changing resource guarding is your reaction when it happens.

How did you react the first time it happened? Second, third....time?

Your reaction to her state of mind in that moment determines whether or not that state of mind is reinforced and will continue in the future.

If she growls/snarls/snaps, etc. and then you flinch/back away/get scared/get sad/get angry well then she sees that her action worked, and then she is left alone, which is her goal to begin with. So then, if you return with a treat and give it to her if she allows your proximity, you have still yet to address the initial state of mind that caused the guarding.

Things like trading or treating for proximity do not address the root cause of the problem, they just create distractions or a transfer of energy.

Question 2

Dogs don't really bully humans, especially not immature puppies. Loud vocalizations and nipping/mouthing are perfectly normal, natural ways for a puppy to socialize with its family, or as you asked, yes, playing. Again though, depending on your reaction (emotionally) will determine whether or not if feels like bullying to you. If you feel like your puppy is bullying you, then you will start to become that person who is bullied.

The first step towards addressing this is to positively reframe it in your mind and your emotions. She's not bullying you or dominating you or biting you, she is socializing with you the only way she knows how. Once you do that, then you start to take steps towards addressing it or channeling it to where and when you want it, not where or when she wants it.

Bullies make the rules, right? Well don't empower her with that framing in your mind.

Approach either of these situations by positively framing them in your mind to figure out what the motive is/what the dog's needs are and how you learn to alleviate the stress or output from your dog.

Dogs who resource guard are not bullies or aggressive, they are stressed. Dogs who are told NO! every time they try to socialize with you will become more stressed. The key is to understand the motive and the stress and then channel it to meet your needs.

Hope that helps with some food for thought.