Training Philosophy
What Is Resource Guarding and How Do We Treat This Behavior
Resource guarding behavior can be described as aggressive behavior when a dog has access to high-value resources. Your dog determines the value of a resource, which can include food, a person, clothing, a dog bed, or a comfortable place. We provide luxury dog training services, serving Kansas City, Nashville and St. Louis.
You may have noticed signs of resource guarding, perhaps your dog has snapped or growled when you have reached for their bone, or noticed your dog stiffening when you approach while they are holding something. Resource guarding behaviors can be directed at people or pets in the home. There is often confusion or feelings of betrayal when a dog resource guards, as it can appear out of nowhere, as there is a wide variety of conditions that can cause this aggressive behavior.
We use science-based training methods to address resource guarding behaviors. This includes the use of classical conditioning and positive reinforcement to create long term behavioral changes.
For more information on resource guarding behaviors, we recommend you check out our blog on “Why is My Dog Resource Guarding” which was written by our Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Dr. Kristyn Echterling-Savage.
Benefits of Resource Guarding Dog Training
Our program will teach your dog to 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 had previously caused aggression or stress.
Your dog will learn to be more relaxed and have more positive interactions at home, leading to a happier, well-adjusted dog and a more peaceful home household for everyone. In our Board and Train Program, your dog will learn these skills at your trainer’s home, which will easily transition to your own home. We will teach you how to manage this behavior through detailed instructions and our return and follow-up lessons.We will also teach your dogs specific obedience behaviors to better manage their behavior around other pets and resources.
Training Programs
We offer a virtual training package with one-on-one meetings with Dr.Echterling-Savage, our resident Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB). Dr.Echterling-Savage is one of only a few Board Certified Behavior Analysts who work in Applied Animal Behavior and one of approximately 50 CAABs in the country. With decades of experience that includes the publication of research papers on canine behavior, Dr. Echterling-Savage is at the forefront of her field, making her consultations an invaluable opportunity for those seeking life changing results.
Dr. Echterling-Savage will meet with you virtually to discuss your dog’s resource guarding behavior, where she will develop a personalized training plan that meets your dog’s unique needs. Following your first meeting, Dr. Echterling-Savage will provide ongoing guidance and troubleshoot resource guarding scenarios that ensure regular progress in your dog’s training. This program runs for four weeks for mild cases and six weeks for moderate or severe cases.
This program is personalized to best meet the needs of your dog by focusing 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 in dogs can stem from various factors such as genetics, breed, early upbringing, negative training methods, and interactions with other pets in the household. Unfortunately, if left unaddressed, this behavior tends to escalate. Our trainers utilize a blend of classical conditioning and positive reinforcement to address resource guarding, incorporating specific obedience training to manage your dog’s behavior around valuable items.
Research conducted by Mehrkam et al. underscores the effectiveness of function-based treatment, combining classical and operant conditioning, in significantly reducing resource-guarding behaviors in dogs, with results enduring for weeks post-treatment. Through our approach, dogs learn to become less possessive of resources, eagerly anticipating interaction with their caregivers. According to our resident CAAB Dr. Echterling-Savage, “Resource guarding in dogs is a problem behavior that has caused my clients some of the most stress, confusion, and concern. Luckily, with proper function-based training, it is treatable.”
During the Board and Train Retreat, your dog will live and train with Dr. Kristyn Echterling-Savage and Sean Savage at their home in Tampa Bay, Florida. Your dog will also train with our dog trainer Shelby Shipp.
This program begins by understanding your dog’s behavioral history and your training goals, so we can create a personalized training plan that best meets your dog’s unique needs. We gather this information through virtual consultations with Dr. Echterling-Savage and have you complete our “Indirect Assessment of Canine Behavior”.
One of our trainers will then personally transport your dog from your home to Tampa Bay, Florida. Your dog’s safety and comfort will be a priority, during this time, with your dog travelling by car with them or sitting in the cabin during the flight. Your dog will then stay at their home in Tampa Bay for four weeks of training. During this time, your dog will be a part of the family, with dedicated training time, playtime, and downtime. Training will occur both inside and outside of the home, so that we can most effectively address problem behaviors and teach the highest level of obedience and manners.
During the four-week retreat, you will be kept informed of your dog’s progress and how they are enjoying their stay. This will include regular correspondence via phone and video conversations, progress reports, and emails.
At the end of the retreat, we will return your dog home, where your dog will receive 4.5 hours of return and follow-up lessons. These lessons will teach you how to manage your dog’s newly learned skills and to achieve lasting results.