My new puppy is resource guarding. Is he safe around my young children?

This is pretty concerning behavior especially if there are young children are around, and you may want to think about whether or not your home is the best place for Scout. I think it sounds like you need to find a new trainer or behaviorist since working with a dog who is aggressive and resource guarding can be very difficult. It sounds to me like he should not be around children if he is biting, and I wouldn’t recommend leaving him unsupervised with the new puppy. This might help with resource guarding and food aggression, but I think the aggression towards kids would be the biggest concern at this point. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/common-dog-behavior-issues/food-guarding

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Chewbacca is super cute! Biting children especially in the face is very serious. Chewbacca should not be in a home with young children. Biting in the face is unacceptable in any breed of dog. I recommend seeing a Veterinary Behaviorist for the best possible outcome. They can provide you and prognosis for his ability to be around children. Sadly it is likely best for him to be re-homed with someone with out children. I am not convinced that stress of moving has anything to do with the bite. I would at a minimum discuss this with your Vet at an appointment and consider behavior modifying drugs. In the meantime Chewbaca should be kept in a separate room from kids. I am sorry! I hope this helps and I wish you the best of luck!

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is not a normal behavior in puppies. I recommend you seek the help of a dog trainer or behaviorist to try to deal with this while he is still a puppy which is a lot easier than when he becomes an adult. Good luck!

Hi there. The situation you describe would be a common trigger for a bite. I would recommend getting in touch with a veterinary behaviorist who can evaluate your dog in person to help determine the degree of risk going forward, and help you put together a training plan to work on the problem. In the meantime, no one should be allowed to bother him or approach him when he has a bone or other valuable resource. You can search for a board-certified veterinary behaviorist in your area here: www.dacvb.org

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Teddy. I agree that his behavior is very worrisome. I would recommend seeing if his breeder will take him back or exchange him for another pup. A responsible breeder should want to ensure each pup is in the best home to meet their needs. If this is not an option, then I would start puppy training and maybe individual classes immediately to help socialize him. Finally, he needs to see a veterinarian to ensure there is not a health problem causing his behavior. I hope this information helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! In my experience these situations will become worse if not handled correctly. I recommend taking Rosie to your vet to discuss behavior training. There is a lot you and your family can do to prevent it getting worse but you may need to talk with a specialist. Your vet can help you find someone in your area but I recommend setting this up soon. Good luck and kisses to Rosie!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I would keep Kingston on a leash at all times. The first time the kids meet him have him in a crate. Prep them to speak softly, not to scream or work him up so he jumps or barks. Then introduce him to one child at a time out of the crate. Puppies sleep a lot. Do it after he has played hard so he’s sleepy. Always have him on a leash. Always try to keep the kids calm with quiet voices as to not startle him or rile him up. Keep him on a leash controlled by an adult until they seem to have accepted him. Also be sure to take him to basic training. I wish you the best!