01/09/2026
This is Floyd. 🐾
Like many dogs, Floyd learned early on that when people approach while he has something, he needs to protect it.
Here’s the important context: Floyd is a Golden Retriever.
In my experience, they’re one of the worst puppies on the planet for grabbing things—and I say that lovingly.
Retrievers are genetically wired to carry objects. They love having things in their mouths, and they love engaging people with them. That’s literally what they were bred to do.
So it’s no surprise that Floyd, as a puppy, was constantly getting into mischief—grabbing items, being chased, and having things pulled out of his mouth.
Over time, those interactions taught him an unintended lesson: “When people come near my stuff, I should hold onto it tighter.”
As he matured, that behavior turned into confident resource guarding.
The good news?
Luckily Floyd hadn’t gone years doing it since he’s still quite young.
Floyd’s family got help.
After just the second session, the change has been huge.
Now, when asked, Floyd can disengage from the item he’s chewing, walk away from it, and come back to the handler willingly.
That’s not a small win—that’s a massive shift in trust, communication, and emotional regulation. His people are thrilled, and they should be.
So let’s all give it up for Floyd.
And most of all, let’s give it up for Floyd’s family!
They recognized when something needed support and they got help early. It makes all the difference
