Sudden increase of resource guarding - help!

[u/United_Classroom_764]

Hey friends. I'm having a problem with our 6-year-old Great Pyrenees/Maremma. We have had him for 5 years, and he was a rescue. When he was young and new to us, he exhibited some resource guarding behavior, but over time it seemed to largely diminish.

Unfortunately, in the last 2 years the behavior started to creep back in and now has become problematic whenever we have strangers in the house. He has even lunged at very familiar friends with whom he has had great relationships prior. Thankfully he has not actually bitten anyone, but he growls and snarls very suddenly and threateningly, then swiftly lunges at them. He sort of punches their hand or their thigh with his nose and head while snarling. It's over as fast as it starts but it is scary as hell. I cannot see a pattern to what triggers it.

It used to be just men, but yesterday he did it to a woman visiting who had been very affectionate with him and he with her. I don't know what to do.

We've been keeping people out of the space where his bowl is as that seemed to be the trigger-- getting near his (empty) bowl, but the range of where he gets protective is widening to the next room over. We're starting to have to put him in another part of the house whenever we have company.

I might be making stuff up, but it seems to have started increasing when we got a second house that we bounce back and forth to on weekends and stuff. He has dedicated bowls at each house. Is there something about being unsure of his territory that's riling him up? Beyond family and friends, I want to bring my clients to our Farm and he used to be such a welcoming friendly addition to that experience. But I can't have him lunging and scaring people. God forbid he ever bites someone. He's gotten more reactive with other dogs, too.

Help!!

[u/404-Any-Problem]

A couple of ideas.

For sure, start muzzle training him so that if you need to put it on, it won't add to the stress of the situation. Lots of good reinforcement with it will also help if your other safety measures fail (e.g., if someone accidentally opens a door).

Have you been for a checkup at the vet lately? If this is truly sudden, behavioral changes can be the first sign that something is not feeling well. (Not discounting the second home stress, but it might be worth checking other possibilities).

[u/Hermit_Ogg]

I'm not very familiar with livestock guardians, but these problems sound like typical LGD behaviours. They are supposed to be territorial, protective and wary towards strangers. Even a family friend can effectively count as a stranger.

While it would be wise to check for medical issues (it's the first step for good reason), I think what you really need is a IAABC certified trainer specialising in livestock guardians. These are demanding dogs with strong territorial and protective instincts, and you need help from someone with specialized knowledge.

In the meantime, go to careful management mode: guests will not be in the same room as the dog. Two locked doors between guests and the dog is ideal, if it can be done. Feed the dog in a room where it's alone, and once the dog has left the room, pick up the bowl. (Do NOT attempt to pick the bowl up with dog still nearby.)

Practicing trading with very low value items may help, but be very aware of the dog's comfort levels. The same for "leave it".