How do I stop my dog from being territorial over toys?
Rasheed Johnson
2025-06-12 09:24:08
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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.
Sarah Mann
2025-05-30 16:43:34
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You can also use the same technique to prevent your dog guarding their toys or chews. When your dog is settled with their chew or toy, place a few treats down on the floor near to where they are lying and give them the opportunity to leave the resource to take them. Move away as they do so, then approach them again and put down another treat nearby. Repeat this a few times and once your dog is comfortable, put down a few treats and then pick up the toy/chew. By using positive methods your dog will continue to associate you being near their resources with positive things happening, like treats. Make sure all family members and everyone who visits know never to approach or interrupt your dog if they are eating or have a chew. As best as possible, hide or remove any items that your dog may steal and guard so that you do not have to confront your dog. If you do have to remove something from them, make sure it’s an exchange rather than just taking something away. Another helpful tip is to teach your dog the “leave it” cue. This will allow you to ask your dog to leave whatever they are guarding in a safe and positive way.
Leonard Sporer
2025-05-30 16:33:56
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The main way that dogs learn Toy Aggression is through play. Everyone loves to play with their dogs, games like fetch or tug of war are extremely popular. However, 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.
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.
Delaney Kautzer
2025-05-30 14:25:42
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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.
We are starting to learn that she is not good at sharing toys with other dogs.
Make sure you check out our WIKI for recommended resources and articles about common problems.
Mathew O'Connell
2025-05-30 12:52:08
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If your dog shows guarding behaviours, leave them well alone when they are enjoying food or playing with toys by themselves. Always swap the dog's item for something else, 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 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. You can then pick up the original item, where you can during training sessions, return your dog’s first item to them soon after you have swapped it, this will help them to learn that letting go of something they love can be a positive experience. 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.
Read also
- Why is my dog suddenly protective of toys?
- Why is my dog obsessed with a toy all of a sudden?
- How do I stop my dog from toy guarding?
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- Should dogs have access to toys all the time?
- Do dogs get emotionally attached to toys?
- What triggers resource guarding in dogs?