5 Easy Ways to Handle Dog Aggression Over Toys

Dog aggression over toys is a behavior problem often exhibited in dominant dogs, but there are also breed dispositions. For example, terriers are possessive over toys, food, and rest areas. Regardless of the breed, here are some pointers that any dog trainer will tell you.

1. Do not give your dog any toys to be possessive over. This is the easiest solution. Eliminating the cause is always easier than correcting the behavior.
2. Allow your dog to play with toys in an area of your home where people are constantly passing by. The kitchen is a good room. When you give him a toy and then leaving him alone, it sends a message that the toy only belongs to him. When your dog is finished playing with the toy, put it away. Leaving it on the floor may encourage resource guarding.
3. Avoid tug-of-war games. Aggressive dogs play to win.
4. Teach the Give Command:
   1. When your dog has a toy in his mouth, position your left hand under his mouth.
   2. With your right hand, hold a treat close to your dog's nose and say "Give."
   3. When you dog drops the toy into your left hand, give him the treat and praise.
5. Exert your dominance. When the toy is on the floor, stand over it. You are taking possession of the toy. When your dog walks toward the toy, take a step toward him to back him away from the toy.

   Pack leaders are more likely to decide that they own toys more so than submissive dogs. You need to reestablish yourself as the pack leader. Pack leaders walk through doors first, are fed first, and have their demands for affection met immediately. Do not give affection to your dog until he obeys a command. If your dog is in your walking path, make him move. Don't walk around or over him.

Addressing dog aggression over toys is vital because it can be an early warning sign for aggression in other areas. Aggression can escalate to resource guarding of other things such as food, furniture, and people.

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