Aggression with Other Dogs over toys

Posted by LWillard
Dec 4, 2009
I have a two year old Daschund / Poodle Mix (20 pounds) Name - Cocoa). He is a great dog. Has been through puppy class, obedience 101, 102 and 103. We have also participated in tricks / skits classes and performed for audiences. I have two other dogs, 3 year old toy poodle and 2 year old boxer. Cocoa is aggressive when it comes to toys. He doesn't like to share. It is almost impossible to have toys for my dogs to chew. If Cocoa has a toy and my boxer gets to close, it's fight time. Of all the training courses I've been through with all of my dogs, I am at a loss on how to deal with this. They play together, we take walks together, they even sleep together when not in their kennels. But as soon as a toy or toys are brought into the equation Cocoa's attitude changes. You can actually see him get tense. Any help you can give will be greatly appreciated. I want my dogs to be able to have chew toys (so they don't find other items to chew) but don't know how to handle the aggression in Cocoa. Please help me.
Posted by MaxHollyNoah
Dec 4, 2009
Hi LWillard,

What would you do when Cocoa behaves poorly, such as showing resource guarding aggressions, taking somebody else's toys away?

With all of the trainings that you have done with Cocoa, I assume (and hope) you can control her most of the situations.

What would she do if you take her toy away and give it to one of your other dogs in front of her eyes as a punishment? After you have given the toy away to the other dog, can she "Leave it"?

I would keep doing this practice: Give her a toy and ask her to drop it. Reward and praise when she does. Give another toy to your other dogs and tell Cocoa to "Leave it" (means leave the toy alone = it's not yours). If she does, reward and praise. I would never let go if she snatches someone else's toys. I would take it away from her and give it to the other one right in front of her eyes. As the leader of the pack you should be able to manupulate the situation?

Let me know how it goes.