This is a dog's respectful yielding to human guidance before receiving any rewards. Dr. Karen Overall designed a protocol using this behavior to prevent behavioral issues during play.

What is 'resource guarding' in canine behavior?
Chapter 1
The puppy mind
Chapter 2
The language of training
Chapter 3
House rules and socialization
Chapter 4
Preventing problems and playing games
Ch 4 · Preventing problems and playing games
Glossary
deference (noun)
This is a dog's respectful yielding to human guidance before receiving any rewards. Dr. Karen Overall designed a protocol using this behavior to prevent behavioral issues during play.
This is a dog's respectful yielding to human guidance before receiving any rewards. Dr. Karen Overall designed a protocol using this behavior to prevent behavioral issues during play.

BETA
arti Time your praise and treats perfectly to learn how positive reinforcement shapes puppy behavior.

arti Dogs protect food or toys as a natural survival instinct, but dropping high-value treats near their bowl prevents resource guarding

arti Gradual alone time training prevents separation anxiety, a leading cause of shelter surrenders.
Fun Fact
Mental tire-out: Ten minutes of sniffing and solving a puzzle toy burns as much energy for a puppy as a long walk.
Quiz
What is a highly effective way to build a puppy's confidence when leaving them home alone?
Quiz
Which game helps teach a puppy the 'recall' (coming when called) command using two people?