Training Philosophy
What Is Resource Guarding and How We Treat This Behavior
Resource guarding is aggressive behavior when a dog has access to a high-value resource that can include food, a person, a toy, or a location such as a bed. This behavior can be directed towards both people and other pets in the home. Perhaps your dog has growled or snapped at you when you approach them while they are eating, or stiffened when another dog approaches them while they are holding a toy.
It’s important to note that resource guarding behaviors, if left untreated, will often worsen as a dog gets older. Fortunately, resource guarding behaviors can be treated through behavior modification training. We address resource guarding behaviors through a behavioral wellness approach that uses scientifically proven methods including classical conditioning to build positive associations and positive reinforcement to encourage desirable behaviors through rewards. This will include teaching specific obedience commands across various settings, people, pets, and distractions, so they can handle any situation, which supports their long-term behavioral wellness. We recommend you check out our blog on “Why is My Dog Resource Guarding” written by our Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Dr. Kristyn Echterling-Savage.
Benefits of Resource Guarding Dog Training
After completing our program, your dog will be more confident and secure around people and other pets. This is achieved through behavior modification training that emphasizes behavioral wellness, helping your dog form positive associations and respond calmly in situations that previously triggered stress or aggression. Your dog will engage in more relaxed and positive interactions at home, which will lead to a happier, well-adjusted dog and a more harmonious household for everyone. In our Board and Train Wellness Retreat, your dog will learn these skills at your trainer’s home, which will easily transition to your own. We will teach you how to manage this behavior through detailed instructions and our return and follow-up lessons.
Training Programs
Our training program treats resource-guarding behaviors that include:
As one of the few certified Behavior Analysts specializing in Applied Animal Behavior and among only around 50 CAABs nationwide, Dr. Echterling-Savage brings extensive expertise to each session. Her diverse background includes a doctorate in the field, published research on canine behavior modification, and 25 years of practical experience. Dr. Echterling-Savage is a leading expert in her field, making her consultations an exceptional opportunity for those seeking significant improvement.
Dr. Echterling-Savage will connect with you virtually to evaluate your dog’s resource guarding behavior, designing a training program that addresses your dog’s specific challenges. After your initial meeting, Dr. Echterling-Savage will continue to offer guidance and troubleshoot any resource guarding behaviors, ensuring continued progress in your dog’s training. This program runs for four weeks for mild cases and six weeks for moderate or severe cases.
During the retreat, your personalized training program will focus on a range of goals, such as treating problem behaviors including:
Depending on the distance from Tampa Bay, travel may be complimentary or require a small additional cost.
Resource-guarding behaviors will often worsen if left unaddressed. Fortunately, this behavior can be treated through behavior modification training. This is achieved by treating the causes of the behavior, and not just the symptoms. Causes are varied but can include the dog’s breed, genetics, early-life experiences, exposure to aversive training methods, including shock collars, and the behavior of other pets in the home.
Research has shown that function-based interventions, including classical conditioning and positive reinforcement, are effective in addressing resource guarding behaviors in dogs. We implement these training methods to significantly improve a dog’s behavior when approached by other dogs and people, encouraging them to be excited rather than concerned.
At their home in Tampa Bay, Florida, your dog will live and train directly with two leading experts in their field.
Dr. Kristyn Echterling-Savage is a Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with a Ph.D. in Behavioral Psychology, specializing in animal behavior. She has over 20 years of hands-on training experience and mentors and trains Beyond the Dog’s trainers.
Sean Savage is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), who brings decades of experience in training manners, obedience, and addressing complex behavioral issues.
This program starts with a consultation with Dr. Echterling-Savage, who will review your training goals and your dog’s behavioral history. You will also complete our “Indirect Assessment of Canine Behavior”, to help in developing a personalized training program that addresses your dog’s unique needs and to ensure long term success after the training program has been completed.
A trusted staff member will personally transport your dog from your home to their home in Tampa Bay. Your dog will be a part of the family during the whole Board and Train Wellness Retreat. Your dog will be trained both inside and outside the home to develop advanced obedience and manners and address problem behaviors.
You will receive regular calls, updates, and correspondence throughout the four-week Board and Train Wellness Retreat, keeping you informed about your dog’s progress and how they are enjoying their stay. At the end of the retreat, Sean or Kristyn will return your dog home, and will provide 4.5 hours of follow-up training sessions entirely or with assistance from another of our trainers. This will help ensure you can maintain your dog’s new skills well beyond the conclusion of the training program.