[FirstYorkie]

Hi Erin,

Here are a couple of thoughts for you.

First, with the Kong (or any other object Loki guards), you want to treat it the same way you described for Joy with food guarding. Walk by, say his name, and drop treats. When Loki stops chewing and looks up eagerly for his treat, you know you can slowly progress. Talk softly to him, touch his hindquarters, and drop a treat. Repeat many times. If he acts defensive at all, you're going to fast, back up a step. Eventually you should be able to pet him and give him treats while he has a high value object. The end goal is a dog that looks up eagerly for his treat any time you are in the vicinity.

Please note that all members of the household will have to do this exercise. Just because Loki learns that you are not a threat, doesn't mean that he no longer sees your husband as a threat. Dogs don't generalize well.

As far as extending his response to the drop it command, Joy is right. In addition to giving a treat, you should make a trade. When possible, trade for something higher in value that what he has.

In order to have a dog that reliably drops things, you need to practice the command many, many times with objects that he CAN have. Start with lower value items. Got a toy? Drop it. Treat. Pick the object up, look at it, and give it back to the dog. You should give objects back 75 -90% of the time. Don't just use "drop it" when you are being a meanie and taking things away! As you progress to bones (and Kongs), do the above, but make the bone even better - smear a bit of peanut butter or cheese on it before giving it back. Make it well worth it to Loki to give the item to you.

The good news about object and food guarding is that these behaviors CAN be treated (if you're willing to work at it)!