resource guarding

Question
I have a 8 year old cockapoo from a rescue he was given up because of his resource guarding. i have 3 other dogs. this dog is named chip he has been taken clomicalm since nov 2006. it helped for awhile . he hides under furniture if he is pushed out he snarls and bites. if he is startled while sleeping he will snap. if i tell him he to leave room he growls. no food aggression. i called vet to try prozac. he was checked for thyroid problems everything was fine. i will no longer let him sleep on sofa or bed. i have been trying to work with him once he steals things offering treats etc. sometimes it works and then are the times i just have to ignore him until this rage stops.

Answer
Hi Kath,

With an 8 year old dog, you may never break him completely of his bad habits.

Here are two websites on resource guarding you might find helpful:

http://www.pawrescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_ResourceGuarding.html

http://www.diamondsintheruff.com/RG.html

There isn't a quick fix for this, it sounds like you're doing all that you can. You can try using a dog appeasing pheromone (DAP). Dog Appeasing Pheromones mimic the properties of the natural pheromones of the lactating female. Within three to five days after giving birth, the female generates pheromones that give their puppies a sense of well-being and reassurance, known as appeasing pheromones. Even as an adult, a dog retains the response when they detect these pheromones. You can read more about these pheromones here:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/04/040422225509.htm

You can find DAP at larger pet stores, and online. Just do a web search for "dog appeasing pheromones".

You also might consider working with a dog behaviorist. It could help you see improvement faster than you would by working on this problem on your own.

It takes plenty of time and patience before changes can be expected. Hang in there!

Best of luck,
Patti