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. The value of a resource is determined by your dog and can include food, a person, a dog bed or where a dog sleeps, or a location, such as where the dog is fed.
Perhaps your dog has growled or snapped at you when you go to reach for their bone? Have you seen your dog stiffen or exhibit aggressive behavior when they are around food? If your dog is resource-guarding, we can help! Resource guarding can be directed at both people and other pets in the home. Oftentimes, there is confusion or even feelings of betrayal surrounding this behavior as it happens seemingly out of nowhere as there are a wide variety of conditions that bring on this aggressive behavior.
When addressing resource guarding behaviors, we use scientifically proven training methods. This includes the use of classical conditioning and positive reinforcement to create lasting behavior change.
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
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, positive interactions at home, leading 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.
We will teach your dogs specific obedience behaviors to help manage their behavior around resources and your other pets. Our training program emphasizes behavioral wellness, helping your dog develop positive associations and become confident in situations that previously caused stress or aggression. Your dog will learn to be better behaved when sharing a house with other pets and to have more positive interactions.
Training Programs
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:
Teaching obedience skills that are relevant to treating resource guarding.
Depending on the distance from Tampa Bay, travel may be complimentary or require a small additional cost.
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.
There are many reasons a dog can develop resource-guarding behaviors. These reasons include genetics, exposure to aversive training methods, such as an e-collar, having other pets in the home, and life experiences.
It has been shown that resource-guarding behaviors worsen if left unaddressed. Fortunately, this behavior can be effectively treated through behavior modification training. When addressing resource guarding behaviors, scientific research has shown that function-based interventions, including positive reinforcement and classical conditioning, can effectively treat resource guarding behaviors.
During the Board and Train Retreat, your dog will stay with Dr. Kristyn Echterling-Savage and Sean Savage at their home in Tampa Bay, Florida.
Dr. 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 trained dogs for over 20 years of experience training dogs high-level obedience commands, to be well mannered and addressing any problem behaviors. She also mentors and trains all of Beyond the Dog’s trainers.
Sean Savage is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA), who has over 20 years of experience in training dogs and treating complex behavioral issues.
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, Sean or Kristyn 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.