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Resource guarding can transform even the sweetest dog into a possessive, growling guardian overnight. This revealing conversation with Karen, owner of Rupert—a lovable yet challenging cockapoo—takes you behind the scenes of living with a resource guarding dog who has actually bitten.

Karen doesn't sugarcoat the reality: some days it's scary, frustrating, and filled with self-doubt. Yet she shares the remarkable ways she's learned to work with Rupert's limitations rather than against them. From the hilarious hedgehog-under-the-saucepan incident to managing stolen socks and pants, you'll discover practical strategies that transform confrontation into cooperation.

The most counterintuitive lesson? When your dog steals something valuable, your natural reaction is precisely what you shouldn't do. Lauren and Karen explain why making a big deal about stolen items only intensifies guarding behaviors, and offer genius alternatives like "toy box" games that sidestep confrontation entirely. They detail the subtle warning signs most owners miss—the stillness, the whale eye, the obsessive return to spaces—signals that appear long before growling or biting.

What makes this episode particularly powerful is its honesty about the genetic components of resource guarding and the limitations of training. Not every dog behavior can be "fixed," but with the right approach, even serious resource guarders can live happy, fulfilling lives. Whether you're currently struggling with a resource guarding dog or want to prevent these behaviors from developing, these practical, compassionate strategies will transform your relationship with your dog. Ready to turn resource guarding challenges into opportunities for deeper connection?

Check Out 10 Days to Stop Resource Guarding
https://absolutedogs.me/resourceguarding

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