How to stop a dog from being territorial over toys?
Keith Little
2025-06-07 22:32:54
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: 15
We are starting to learn that she is not good at sharing toys with other dogs. We have just been taking the toy out of the mix and then she is fine. She doesn't attack or bite just bares teeth and gets in their face. Make sure you check out our WIKI for recommended resources and articles about common problems. This community is geared towards modern, force-free, science based methods and recommendations.
Alexie Orn
2025-05-31 19:49:07
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: 18
If your dog shows guarding behaviours, leave them well alone when they are enjoying food or playing with toys by themselves. Being consistent and always swapping items will help dogs learn to share without being worried. 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. 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. 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. Once your dog has the hang of this, you can add a cue word ‘drop’. Over time, your dog should associate the word ‘drop’ with letting go of their toy, and you can ask them to ‘drop’ what they have in exchange for a tasty treat.
Nils Weimann
2025-05-24 10:44:41
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: 17
The main way that dogs learn Toy Aggression is through play. Everyone loves to play with their dogs, but one mistake that is commonly made by owners with their dogs is forgetting to engage in winding down. You need to take the time to wind them down, slowly transitioning from the semi-aggressive play to a much calmer demeanor. This will ensure that your dog understands that the playful aggression is associated with the game, and not necessarily the toy itself. Now what do you do if that aggression has become real, and now extends towards all of your dog’s toys? Well, the best way to combat Toy Aggression is with positive reinforcement through rewards. Instead of trying to take your dogs’ toys away, try to practice first by replacing them. Take one toy they are protecting but give them another one in return. This way, your dog can learn that the loss of a toy is not a big deal. As you practice this, make sure to express vocal praise, and sometimes even replace the toy with a treat.
Sarah Wintheiser
2025-05-24 09:15:24
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: 9
Resource guarding aggression, otherwise known as possession aggression, presents when a dog becomes territorial over possessions they deem to be exclusively theirs, such as their food, treats, toys, and bed. They fear losing their favorite possessions and will monitor from a distance and rush aggressively if another dog, pet, or human approaches their belongings. To manage resource guarding aggression, simply pick up your dog's toys, food bowls, and other possessions when your dog is not using them. This will create an “out of sight, out of mind” situation. Dogs are naturally territorial and protective creatures, but their behavior when feeling threatened should never rise to the level of aggression.
Cameron Tromp
2025-05-24 09:15:17
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: 28
To stop a dog from being territorial over toys, always provide sufficient and equitable resources. Try these approaches: Always provide sufficient and equitable resources. For example, if you adopt a second dog and buy them a new bed, your first dog will probably want to hang out on the fluffy new bed. Remove problem items, if your dog is possessive when it comes to a specific toy, just take it out of the house. Teach “give” and “leave it” cues by pairing the action with a reward, and always offer a trade if you need to take something away. Consistently reward good behavior and never punish dogs for “bad” behavior. Work to build your dog’s confidence, expose them to new situations, people and animals, and reward them when they do well. Don’t bring toys to the dog park, and if you take your pup to doggie daycare, ask the staff to tell you if they notice any guarding behavior.
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