Understanding and Managing Resource Guarding in Dogs
Resource guarding is a behaviour in dogs that is the most common cause of bites to owners in the home. It occurs when a dog defends things they perceive as valuable – like food, toys, stolen items, or even a favourite person – from others. Understanding why dogs do this and how to respond can make a big difference in maintaining a safe and trusting relationship.
What Is Resource Guarding?
Resource guarding can look different depending on the dog and the situation. Some typical signs include:
- Growling or snapping when someone approaches their food or toy
- Stiffening or freezing over an item
- Giving a hard stare or showing teeth
- Trying to hide or run away with the item
- Lunging or biting in more serious cases
While these behaviours might seem aggressive, they’re often rooted in fear or anxiety. Your dog is simply trying to protect something they value because they’re worried it might be taken away.
Why Do Dogs Guard Resources?
From an evolutionary perspective, guarding valuable resources like food or resting spots is essential for survival. Therefore, if they have a history of losing these resources, they will start to defend them.
Even though our pets are no longer in survival mode, the instinct can still be strong, especially in dogs that:
- Had to compete for food or attention in the past (e.g., in a rescue centre or where resources were limited)
- Experienced inconsistent training or punishment for guarding
- Had a lot of items taken away from them as puppies
What NOT to Do
Many well-meaning owners accidentally make things worse by reacting harshly. Avoid:
- Punishing your dog for growling or guarding. This can suppress the warning signs and lead to a bite with no warning next time.
- Trying to “show dominance” by taking items away forcefully. This compounds the idea resources will be taken away from them, making the guarding behaviour worse.
- Ignoring the behaviour, hoping it will go away on its own.
How to Manage and Modify the Behaviour
Thankfully, with patience and the right approach, resource guarding can be reduced or eliminated.
1. Prevention
If you’re raising a puppy, help them learn that people approaching their food or toys is a good thing. Hand-feed them sometimes, add yummy things to their bowl while they’re eating, and practice trading toys for treats.
2. Desensitisation and Counter-Conditioning
This method teaches your dog that your presence near their valued item means something good is coming. For example:
- Approach while they’re eating and toss a high-value treat (like chicken) into the bowl
- Use the same process with toys or other items.
It’s important to go slowly and watch for signs of discomfort. If your dog shows stress, go back a step and go slower.
3. Teach the “Trade” Game
Encourage your dog to willingly give up items in exchange for something better. Use a command like “drop” and reward them with a tasty treat when they do. This helps build trust and teaches them that giving up an item doesn’t mean they lose – it means they gain. As an added bonus, give the item back too, showing them there is nothing to lose by giving you items.
4. Use Management
While working on training, avoid putting your dog in situations where they feel the need to guard. Feed them in a quiet, separate area. Pick up toys when guests come over if your dog tends to guard them. Create a predictable, low-stress environment. Give them plenty of space when they have an item.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your dog is showing guarding behaviour, like hunching, growling, biting or guarding multiple types of resources, it’s best to work with a dog behaviourist. Look for someone with experience in positive reinforcement and fear-free methods.
Final Thoughts
Resource guarding is natural but manageable. By understanding the root causes and using compassionate, evidence-based techniques, you can help your dog feel more secure and reduce their need to guard. With time and consistency, you’ll build a stronger bond based on trust, not tension.
If you’d like help creating a training plan for your dog’s resource guarding, get in touch!
