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" Why is my dog resource guarding things?" And what you can do about it...

Ever tried to take a rogue sock off your dog? Maybe you've walked past their bed whilst sleeping? How about when they pick up a chicken bone off the street near the local kebab house? Did they growl? Did they snap? You're looking at resource guarding.

And it is one of the most common behaviour issues we see in dogs - and one of the most misunderstood. Lets break it down...


So, what exactly IS resource guarding?

Well, simply put, it is when a dog feels they need to protect something in their possession that they value - like food, toys, space, people, themselves etc. It can look like:

  • Growling and snapping when you approach

  • Freezing and large eyes

  • Hiding and hoarding items away from you

  • Leaning over the items and freezing

  • Lunging and snapping at other dogs and animals if they approach

It's not BAD behaviour - it's a natural survival instinct! But it doesn't meant that you should ignore it.


Why do dogs do it?

Genetics play a huge role in this and there are certain breeds that are more prone to resource guarding than others but it manifests itself in different ways. Take our guarding breeds; mastiffs, shepherds...they were bred to be fantastic guarders so their resource guarding may be worse around their property, their family and their space. However, gundogs like Spaniels and Labradors can also be prolific guarders too! We see our fair share of Spaniels that guard their toys to the death and Labradors that get pretty possessive of their favourite blanket. But here's some other reasons...

  • Anxiety and insecurity: this is common with rescue dogs and dog's that have had food bowls taken from them, toys snatched away to show that the owners are "the winner" and the old taking-a-treat-away just to show they can.

  • Lack of trust: very similar to the above. They don't have trust around people or other dogs that they resources won't be taken from them

  • Competition with other pets

  • Learned behaviour: they've guarded their items before and it worked - it made the person/other animal back off and they got to keep their stuff! Result!


"Should I punish them?" (Spoiler...NO!)

It's instinctive for some to tell your dog off or forcibly taking the item off them if they're met with an 'aggressive' display but that can make the issue worse. It's certainly going to pee all over any trust that may have been there before!


Punishment can teach your dog that "People take my stuff, so I need to guard it more" which can lead to escalated reactions - including bites. Can punishment scare your dog enough so they are less likely to do it again? Yes. Does that mean your dog is less likely to bite you? Absolutely not.

You need to teach your dog that they CAN have their resources and space WITH you. But this can only be done through trust and careful management.


So, here are 3 tips to Start Making Progress NOW

  1. Don't take anything away or move them by force: Avoid snatching, rushing them, man-handling. Swap them with tasty snacks, a better toy or calling them away from the space or item into the kitchen for snacks. Rustling in the fridge usually does the trick

  2. Create a safe zone: Let your dog rest and relax on their own bed or space without fear of being disturbed or mauled. They have the right to chill out with their stuff alone!

  3. Start a positive association: This is super simple but by approaching your dog and dropping down a sacrifice (a tasty treat) every time you walk by, they'll start to associate your approach as a good thing!

  4. Be fair: when playing with your dog, let them win some! Toy's should be a partner activity but if you keep winning and not playing fair, they aren't exactly going to want you in their game


Here's the truth, though...

Every dog is different. What works for one, does not work for another and rules don't apply when it comes to resource guarding dogs. Training can be done wrong and things can go bad...fast.

This isn't something that you can fully 'fix' with YouTube videos or TikTok (although we are glad that you've been researching and trying to get help!) It takes expert guidance and hands-on help in your dogs environment and around their triggers.


That's where we come in. Obviously.


We specialise in reactivity and aggression - resource guarding is a big part of that

At Dog Training Revolution, we know how to help dogs that guard - and their owners that are living with this. From mild cases to serious high level bites. We don't just manage the behaviour, we are there to support you, teach you and guide you through what's needed to help change resource guarding. Keeping safety at the top of our list but making sure that you don't feel alone. It can be so upsetting having reactions from your otherwise loving dog. We get it. We have been there too.


Book a free call, and let's start changing things.

If your dog is showing resource guarding signs, no matter how small they are at the moment - don't wait. Get in touch to book a free chat. The earlier you intervene, the easier it is to turn things around.


You can contact us on the website CONTACT US form or email info@dogtrainingrevolution.org


We are here for you x

-Laura & Rachel

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