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Proactive Prevention

While we can't completely prevent unwanted behaviors, we can get proactive about minimizing their likelihood.  Learn about what you can do to establish good associations and get your puppy off to the best start.

A dog holding a chalkboard

Resource Guarding

 

Resource guarding occurs when your dog wants to protect someone, something or somewhere of high value. 

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We head off these natural instincts by doing some exercises that help your pup feel great when approach. 

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Click here for our Resource Guarding Minimizing exercises.

Separation Anxiety

Teaching your pup that the x-pen and crate are safe and happy places is the first step. 

The second step is planning some safe absences using our alone time training.

love crate
aggression

Fear & Aggression

Aggression is usually rooted in fear and stems from your dog wanting more distance from the scary thing. Your pup may want a person to back up, so she barks and looks scary to accomplish that goal. Your pup may not like the way you're handling her, so she nips your hand to make it go away. Your dog may bark and lunge on a leash to look very scary so that the "thing" doesn't come any closer.

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Some fear and aggression tendencies that are inherited or predisposed are out of your control. These are some common ways fear is acquired for dogs:

  • Mom stressed during pregnancy

  • Mom stressed at birth of puppies

  • Genetics

  • Maternal behavior 

  • Being removed from litter too early

  • Bad experiences

  • Lack of socialization

Note that only a few of these things are within our control.  Early socialization is the most important gift you can give your dog. We covered this in the Puppy VIP list - so, we won't go into detail here about how to do it (refer to our socialization guide for that).  But, worthy of reiterating are the signs your puppy may give you if she's feeling fearful:​

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  • yawning

  • licking lips, or nose

  • turning away

  • averting gaze

  • shaking off

  • lifting from paw

  • whale eyes

  • frozen body

  • crouching

  • ears pulled back/flat

  • tail tucked

  • hiding

  • shaking

  • pacing

  • panting

  • growling

  • snarling

  • scratching self

  • sniffing ground

  • running away

important reminders

Reminders about dog socialization

p.s.

Don't assume your dog likes something, especially petting or handling. Punctuate petting with pauses. Pet for a few seconds, then pause. If your puppy moves away, respect this decision. She was done. If she asks for more - go for it, but remember to pause again soon. Puppies can change their minds.
We offer private training by our certified dog trainers in:
Frisco, TX  Dallas, TX  Prosper, TX Plano, TX McKinney, TX  Fort Worth, TX,  Allen, TX, University Park, TX, The Colony, TX, Richardson, TX Garland, TX, Southlake, TX, Celina, TX, Highland Park, TX, Rockwall, TX & more! If you live in the DFW area and need help, reach out!

Contact Us

214-210-2695  (phone/text)​

Phone

Email

Areas of Service

Frisco, Prosper, Celina, Plano, Allen, Richardson, McKinney, North Dallas, Park Cities, Dallas, Addison, Carrollton, Irving, Southlake, Arlington, Lakewood, East Dallas - Additional DFW cities also available; Virtual Anywhere

Hours of Operation

By appointment only

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