Resource guarding is a common but often concerning behaviour in dogs. If your dog becomes possessive or aggressive over food, toys, or even you, it can create tension in the household and may even lead to dangerous situations. But don’t worry, resource guarding can be managed and overcome with the right approach. In this blog, we’ll explore what resource guarding is, why it happens, and how you can stop your dog from exhibiting these behaviours. Whether you’re dealing with a puppy or an adult dog, the strategies we cover can help you create a safer, more peaceful environment for both your dog and your family.
What is Resource Guarding?
Resource guarding occurs when a dog becomes protective of things they value. This can include food, toys, beds, or even people. It’s an instinct for dogs to guard valuable resources to ensure their survival in the wild, but in a domestic environment, this behaviour can cause problems if it leads to aggression or anxiety.
Dogs may exhibit resource guarding in various ways, such as:
• Growling or snapping when someone approaches their food or toys
• Stiffening their body or placing their mouth over the item
• Barking, lunging, or backing away when approached while they’re enjoying their resource
• Hiding their resources or eating quickly to prevent others from taking them
Although it can be distressing, with patience and the right training techniques, you can stop your dog’s resource guarding behaviour.
Why Do Dogs Resource Guard?
Understanding why your dog guards resources is essential for tackling the issue. Here are some common reasons:
1. Instinctual Behaviour
In the wild, resource guarding is a survival mechanism. A dog may guard food or territory from others to ensure they have enough to eat or a safe place to sleep. Although domestic dogs have plenty of resources, this instinct can still manifest in the home.
2. Fear and Anxiety
Resource guarding is often linked to fear. A dog that has had negative experiences, such as being deprived of food or other valuable resources, may develop guarding behaviour out of anxiety. They may feel insecure about losing their resources and react defensively when approached.
3. Lack of Socialization
Dogs that haven’t been properly socialized may not understand that other animals or humans can coexist without threat. This can make them more prone to guarding behaviour, especially if they were raised without interaction with other pets or people.
4. Possessiveness
Some dogs simply feel possessive of their food, toys, or even people. This can stem from their personality or past experiences – like having to fight for food in a large litter of puppies.
How to Stop Your Dog from Resource Guarding
Now that we understand why dogs resource guard, let’s look at how you can address and manage this behaviour. The goal is to change your dog’s mindset and reduce the anxiety they feel when someone approaches their resources.
1. Give, don’t take: Dogs need to realize that you are the source of the “good stuff”, primarily.
How to Do It:
• Begin by standing at a distance from your dog while they eat or play. Gradually, over time, reduce the distance between you and your dog, but always ensure they’re comfortable. (no stiffening or growling)
• At each stage, pair your presence with something enjoyable, like tossing more food or a new toy, so that your dog starts to associate you approaching with good things rather than threats.
• Work slowly, and never push your dog too far too quickly. If they start to show signs of anxiety, take a step back and increase the distance again.
2. Give your dog space.
Many resource guarding cases stem from a dog feeling exposed and crowded.
Make sure your dog is able to enjoy their food and treats without touching, petting or grabbing them or their food. (Yes, sometimes it is necessary to take items – your Bark Busters trainer can show you how to do this safely, without a confrontation)
Giving a dog a quiet, out of the way area – a crate, a pen,or a gated room can help.
3. Avoid Punishment
Never meet aggression with aggression. Punishing a dog for guarding their resources can backfire and worsen the behaviour. Punishment may cause your dog to feel more anxious and defensive, leading to increased aggression. Instead, focus on creating positive associations, safety and calmness around their resources.
4. Provide More Resources
In multi-dog households, resource guarding can be triggered by competition over limited resources. Ensuring that each dog has their own space and resources, such as separate food bowls, toys, and resting places, can reduce the pressure and competition that triggers guarding.
How to Do It:
• Provide each dog with their own designated area and resource, ensuring that no one feels threatened by others trying to steal their food or toys.
• If you have multiple dogs, feed them in separate rooms or use crates/gates to create boundaries while eating.
5. Consult a Professional Trainer
This is not the kind of behaviour that can be fixed in a basic obedience class! We always recommend consulting a professional in-home trainer for serious issues like resource guarding. This must be addressed at the source, and where it happens. A Bark Busters trainer, who specializes in behavioural issues and offers tailored advice and strategies for managing your dog’s guarding behaviours in a safe, effective manner.
Conclusion:
Resource guarding doesn’t have to lead to conflict in your home. By understanding why your dog exhibits this behaviour and taking steps to address it with positive reinforcement, desensitization, and effective training, you can help your dog feel more secure and less possessive of their resources. With time, patience, and consistency, you can eliminate resource guarding behaviours and help your dog become more relaxed and social in any environment.
Is your dog displaying resource guarding behaviour?
Contact Bark Busters today for personalized, in-home dog training solutions. Our expert trainers can help you manage and eliminate resource guarding issues using effective, dog-friendly techniques.
FAQ Section:
1. How do I know if my dog is resource guarding?
Signs of resource guarding include growling, snapping, or stiffening when someone approaches their food, toys, or sleeping area. Your dog may also hide or move their belongings when you come close.
2. Can resource guarding be fixed?
Yes, resource guarding can be managed and eliminated with the right training and consistency.
3. Is resource guarding a sign of aggression?
Resource guarding is a defensive behaviour, not necessarily aggression. It typically stems from fear or anxiety rather than an intent to harm. However, it can lead to aggressive behaviour if not addressed.
4. How long does it take to stop resource guarding?
The time it takes to stop resource guarding varies depending on the severity of the behaviour and how consistent the training is. In some cases, we see results in a few days, in other cases, it can take a few weeks to form new habits. The key is remaining consistent, day to day.
5. Should I punish my dog for resource guarding?
Never. Punishment can escalate anxiety and aggression. Instead, focus on building trust, safe spaces, and creating positive associations around food and humans nearby.