Resource Guarding
What Is Resource Guarding?
Resource guarding occurs when a dog displays behaviors intended to protect a valued item. This might be food, toys, a bed, a favorite human, or even a random object they've decided is valuable. At its core, resource guarding is a survival instinct—your dog is trying to keep something they see as important from being taken away.
Common signs of resource guarding include:
Growling or snapping when someone approaches their food bowl or toy
Freezing, stiffening, or glaring when another dog or person comes near a valued item
Taking objects and retreating to hide with them
Eating faster or trying to block access to their food or toys
Types of Resource Guarding
Resource guarding can show up in a few different ways, and recognizing the type you're dealing with can help tailor your approach:
Food Guarding
The most common form—dogs may guard their food bowl, treats, or chews.Toy/Object Guarding
Dogs may become possessive over specific toys, stolen socks, bones, or anything they perceive as theirs.Space Guarding
This includes guarding a bed, couch, crate, or even a particular spot in the house.Person Guarding
Some dogs guard people, becoming agitated or aggressive when others approach their favorite human. They’re being possessive- not protective as many people believe.Multi-Dog Guarding
In multi-dog households, one dog may guard resources from the other dog(s), creating tension or fights.
How to Begin Resolving Resource Guarding
While resource guarding can be scary or frustrating, there are steps you can take to start improving the situation. Keep in mind that punishment or forcing a dog to give something up can make things worse. Instead, focus on building trust and teaching your dog that surrendering resources results in good things happening.
Here are a few tips to get started:
Never punish the growl. It's a warning and a crucial part of communication. Punishing it may suppress the signal but not the emotion behind it.
Trade, don’t take. Teach your dog that giving something up results in getting something even better (e.g., exchanging a toy for a treat).
Manage the environment. Until you've worked on the issue, prevent access to high-value items that cause guarding. In multi-dog households, ensure that dogs are separated using secure gates or doors when there’s food, treats or toys around.
Teach "drop it" using positive reinforcement.
Work With a Professional
Resource guarding can escalate quickly and should be addressed with care and expertise. Every dog is different, and what works for one may not work for another. That's why working with an experienced trainer is so important. A professional can help assess the situation, create a personalised plan, and guide you through the process safely.
If you're seeing signs of resource guarding in your dog, don’t wait—click the "Get in Touch" button above to take the first step toward a safer, happier relationship with your dog.
