How To Deal With Resource Guarding In Dogs

If you've ever approached your dog while they're eating, only to be greeted with a growl, or you noticed your puppy becoming aggressive when you get near their favourite toy, that’s resource guarding. Also known as “possessive aggression”, this behaviour is rooted in a dog's instinct to protect their food, toys or other valuable items from perceived threats.

Dealing with resource guarding in dogs can be a challenging and sometimes frustrating experience. This behaviour can not only strain the relationship between you and your pet but also pose safety risks if not addressed properly, as they might lunge or bite in extreme cases.

Below, we'll explore effective strategies to manage and reduce dog resource guarding, to ensure a harmonious coexistence.

Understanding resource guarding in dogs

Resource guarding is a natural survival instinct. In the wild, dogs need to protect their food and possessions from others in order to survive. This, however, can become problematic in a domestic setting.

The good news is that, with proper training, you can discourage this behaviour in your dog.

Causes and signs of dog resource guarding

Several factors can contribute to a dog developing resource-guarding behaviours, including genetics, past experiences (such as having to compete for food) or lack of early socialisation.

Signs of resource guarding include growling, snapping or even biting when someone or something approaches their food or toys.

How to address resource guarding in dogs

Addressing resource guarding in dogs requires a careful, strategic approach to maintain their feelings of security while reducing aggressive behaviours.

Here's how you can effectively manage and mitigate resource guarding in dogs, promoting a safer and more harmonious environment for your pet and your family:

• • Start early — Early intervention can make puppy resource guarding easier to manage. Socialising your puppy and teaching them that human — or even animal — interaction with their things is positive can prevent guarding behaviours from developing.
• • Apply desensitisation and counter-conditioning — Gradually expose your dog to the presence of people or fellow pets near their resources, starting at a distance where they feel comfortable and slowly decreasing that distance. Pair this with positive reinforcements, such as treats, to change their association with people and other pets approaching their resources from negative to positive.
• • Establish the trade-up game — Teach your dog the "drop it" command in a non-threatening way by trading the item they're guarding for something better. This teaches them that giving up their resource results in getting something even more valuable.
• • Avoid punishment — Reacting negatively to resource guarding can increase your dog's anxiety and potentially worsen the behaviour. Focus on positive reinforcement strategies.
• • Manage the environment — Prevent resource-guarding scenarios by managing your dog's environment. This might include feeding them in a separate room or removing high-value toys when guests or other animals are present.
• • Consult a professional — If your dog's resource guarding behaviour is severe or escalates, consult a professional dog trainer or behaviourist. They can provide personalised, effective strategies for managing and reducing these behaviours.

Safety precautions

When dealing with a resource-guarding dog, prioritising safety is paramount to prevent situations that could escalate into aggression or injury.

Here are essential measures to consider:

• • Never force an item away — If your dog is guarding, do not attempt to forcibly remove the item.
• • Teach children to respect the dog's space — Children should be taught to understand when to leave the dog alone, especially during feeding times or when the dog is playing with their favourite toy.
• • Avoid confrontation — Confronting a dog over a guarded resource can intensify their protective behaviour. Instead, distract them with another activity or treat to redirect their attention safely.
• • Use barriers to manage space — When resource guarding is directed towards other pets, use gates or crates to manage the spaces between them, especially during meals.
• • Supervise interactions — Always supervise interactions between your dog and others, particularly when known guarded items are present, so you can intervene before any potential conflict arises.

How DogMaster Trainers can help

Addressing resource guarding in your dog requires patience, consistency and a positive approach. It's about building trust and teaching your dog that they don't need to guard their resources from you.

If you're facing challenges with resource guarding in your dog, DogMaster Trainers is here to help. With a commitment to quality and a deep understanding of canine behaviour, we offer a range of training collars and other tools to assist you in managing and overcoming resource guarding.

From specialised training collars for pet obedience to collars for working or hunting dogs, we have everything you need to create a safe, positive training environment. Explore our selection of training aids and contact our experts to find the best solutions for your dog's specific needs.

With DogMaster Trainers, you're not alone in your journey towards addressing dog resource guarding — we're here to support you every step of the way, ensuring a happier, more peaceful relationship with your pet.