Unlocking the Mystery Behind Resource Guarding: A Case Study with dog 'A'

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Discover how addressing a 10-year-old dog's pain from undiagnosed hip dysplasia transformed his resource guarding behaviour.

Case Study Subject

Name: 'A'

Age: 10 years

Sex: Neutered Male

Breed Type: Bully

Introduction

Resource guarding (RG) is a common issue many dog guardians face, and it often requires both a thorough understanding of the behaviour and a tailored approach to resolving it. In this blog post, I want to share a case study of "A," a 10-year-old dog with a history of RG, multiple rehoming's, and a surprising underlying cause that affected his behaviour and quality of life.

Background

A’s early life was turbulent. By the time he was 15 months old, he had been rehomed three times due to RG behaviours around food and toys. His third guardians managed these behaviours to some extent but did not eliminate them entirely. When I met A, his guardians were concerned about his ongoing RG tendencies and were eager for a deeper understanding of what might be driving his behaviour.

The Initial Assessment: A Holistic Approach

When I first met A, it was clear that his posture and gait were not typical. These physical signs prompted a deeper investigation beyond behavioural observation alone. To ensure no detail was overlooked, we conducted a Canine Functional Analysis. This included:

  • A comprehensive discussion with A’s guardians about his behaviour, lifestyle, and physical capabilities.
  • Requesting and analysing photographic and video footage of A in a variety of settings, such as at performing activities at home, while out on walks and during a staged and structured gait analysis.

Key Findings from Functional Analysis

The analysis revealed several consistent but subtle signs that suggested a potential issue with A's right hind limb. For example:

  • Asymmetry in his gait, particularly a hesitation or stiffness when shifting weight onto his right side.
  • Changes in posture, such as an uneven stance and slight avoidance of certain movements.

These findings, combined with his behavioural history, pointed to a possible physical discomfort that could be contributing to his RG behaviours.

Collaboration with A’s Veterinarian

To provide a holistic solution for A, we prepared a detailed report for his veterinarian. The report outlined:

  • Observations from the functional, activities of daily living, dynamic and static analysis photographs and video reviews.
  • Hypotheses regarding the potential physical discomfort.
  • The recommendation for further medical investigation.

Diagnosis and Resolution

The veterinarian acted quickly and arranged an x-ray. The results confirmed that A had hip dysplasia in both of his hind limbs but more significantly on the right—a condition likely causing chronic pain and affecting his movements. Addressing this medical issue became the priority.

A’s treatment plan included:

  • Medication to manage his pain and inflammation.
  • Physiotherapy to improve mobility and strengthen supporting muscles.
  • Adjustments to his environment to accommodate his physical needs, such as non-slip rugs and orthopaedic bedding.

Progress and Behavioural Improvements

With his pain managed, A’s demeanour began to change:

  • The intensity of his RG behaviours decreased significantly.
  • He became more relaxed and willing to engage with his guardians during feeding and playtime.
  • His overall confidence and comfort in daily activities improved, indicating a higher quality of life.

Lessons Learned

This case underscores the importance of a holistic approach to behavioural concerns in dogs. Resource guarding, while often behavioural, can sometimes stem from underlying physical discomfort or medical issues. By addressing these root causes, it is possible to create meaningful and lasting changes in behaviour.

Conclusion

If you have a dog displaying challenging behaviours, remember that their behaviour might be their way of communicating discomfort. Research suggests that up to 80% of dog (and cat) behavioural issues are actually due to undiagnosed musculoskeletal conditions. Don’t hesitate to explore all possibilities, including physical health, when working towards a solution. A’s story serves as a reminder of the transformative power of understanding, collaboration, and comprehensive care.

Have you faced a similar challenge with your dog? Let us know in the comments or get in touch to learn how we can help you and your canine companion!


Categories: : Case Study, Resource Guarding

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