Resource Guarding

[OutlineACDs]

My youngest dog, Rumor (3yrs) started resource guarding her toys from my other dog, Carrie (8yrs). I'm turning to you guys for advice because I have managed the situation until now, but I may be bringing in a puppy in a couple of months. I would really like to work through the problem.

When Rumor started this it was very subtle. I have a toy box in my room with their toys in it. Carrie would pick up a stuffy and go lay down and chew on it. Rumor started by taking her toy over to where Carrie was laying and chewing. This is fine. Then it escalated to Rumor walking over and standing over Carrie until she moved. Carrie would usually leave the toy, and Rumor would get it. Then Rumor would rudely stare at Carrie to get her to drop the toy. At this point I intervened and would point Rumor to a different toy and encourage her to get it. If she still would not leave Carrie alone I crated her. It got to the point where all toys were taken away unless we were all three actively playing. She does not resource guard (to this level) the chuck-it, frisbees, tug toys while I am involved in the game. If Carrie gets the toy she may circle her a few times or reach for the toy, but she is pretty quick to leave it alone and wait for the next throw. Playing fetch is VERY high value to her.

So all toys have been put up in my house, this includes cow hoofs/bones which I was able to leave out before Rumor started resource guarding. When I bring in a new puppy I want to be able to leave things out to keep it occupied.

What I have done so far is brought out the toy box and planted lots of treats in there. I showed it to Carrie who starts rummaging around for treats. Then I play "look at that" with Rumor and dole out treats for her watching Carrie go through the toy box. She is controllable and can offer behaviors while this is going on but she is definately over excited.

I guess I need to know where to progress from here. I have never really worked with a dog who resource guarded (other than a food bowl) from other dogs.

Thanks for any advice, I have a 3-day trial this weekend so if I don't respond until Sunday or Monday that's why.

[OutlineACDs]

*bump*