How do I get my dog to stop being possessive of toys with other dogs?
Jo Marquardt
2025-06-01 11:21:50
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: 9
If your dog shows guarding behaviours, leave them well alone when they are enjoying food or playing with toys by themselves. If you need to take something from your dog, swap it for something else that your dog considers to be equally or even more valuable. Offer your dog the better item before trying to take what they have away. You could drop several treats on the ground near your dog, so they have to leave the item to go and eat them. Then you can calmly pick up the item while they’re enjoying themselves. Being consistent and always swapping items will help dogs learn to share without being worried. You can teach your dog to drop and swap during fun training sessions. When your dog is playing with a toy, get something they like even better. Offer this to your dog a little distance away from what they already have. Your dog should be enticed to drop what they have and come to get the new item.
Hollis Hamill
2025-05-21 23:47:13
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: 9
To prevent dogs from being possessive over toys, use the same approach as you would for stopping resource guarding in dogs. If you have multiple dogs and some jealousy issues, a good dog training tip is to teach your dogs to leave the room, but use different cues for each dog. This way if you see one dog getting stiff or showing other signs of guarding behavior, you can tell the other dog to leave the room. Since Rex is the dog with the guarding behavior, I recommended the guardian teach Opie how to leave the room on cue and not teach it to Rex. The other dog had the item, Rex received a reward when the other dog approached the object or took it. It’s best to approach it in a positive way. When working on this lesson, remember to keep training sessions short and consistent. Practicing this with a jealous dog multiple times a week will improve the way they view other dogs sharing their toys. The guardian needs to create situations where she can control both dogs. The guardian should focus on Opie and Rex when giving treats, especially when Rex is looking at another dog. It’s important to teach the dog that when the other dog gets the object, Rex will get a treat. This is how to stop dog toy jealousy.
Ola Barrows
2025-05-21 21:18:27
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: 7
The first step to managing a possessive dog is to recognise the warning signs of possessive behaviour: Refusing to give up a toy or treat when asked Snapping at other dogs while eating Hoarding toys or treats Growling at other animals while holding a toy. Once you know what behaviours to look for, you can manage your possessive dog better. The most immediate way to control your dog’s possessive behaviour is to prevent access to the things he guards. If your dog is possessive over “high-value” items like certain chews for example, the easiest solution is to not bring those items home. You can also use doors and baby gates in your home to keep your possessive dog separate from resources he may guard. Sometimes, a possessive dog needs a basic obedience refresher course. “Drop it!” A key command for all dogs, “drop it” is especially helpful for dogs who get possessive about toys. Training your dog to reliably “drop it” can help prevent possessive behaviour before it starts. Use “drop it” when your dog refuses to let go of a tennis ball. And show him a particularly tasty treat, say “trade,” and follow it with a “sit.” When he sits, he gets the tasty treat as a reward, and drops the ball!
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