Have you ever noticed your furry friend acting protective over a toy or eating all their food as fast as they can once they see you coming? These behaviors are often signs of resource guarding in dogs. Understanding the causes and signs of resource guarding is crucial to managing and preventing these behaviors. In this post, we’ll dive into what causes resource guarding and share some simple tips and training methods to help manage this behavior.
What is Resource Guarding in Dogs?
Resource guarding in dogs is a behavior where a dog shows aggression when they feel their valuable resources are threatened. The source of resource guarding can be anything from food or a toy to your pup’s favorite person or spot in the house. While it’s natural for dogs to protect valuable items, resource guarding is considered a problem when it results in aggressive behavior. This behavior comes from the instinct of dogs’ wild ancestors to protect limited resources. These resources aren’t limited to just toys and treats—dogs may also guard people they perceive as their resource, such as their favorite human.
Signs Your Pup is Resource Guarding
Resource guarding can look different depending on the individual dog, but common signs include:
- Staring at people or other animals while protecting an item.
- Eating quickly when someone enters the room or tries to approach their food
- Aggressive behaviors like growling, snapping, barking, or biting
- Hovering, stiffening up, or hunkering over an item
Why Do Dogs Resource Guard?
A variety of factors can cause resource guarding in dogs. Dogs may become possessive over things they highly value, like toys, food, or beds. This is especially true if they feel insecure, lack control, or aren’t getting enough activity. In multi-dog households, resource guarding can also occur when dogs compete for food or other resources. Certain breeds, like those bred for guarding or scent hounds, may be more prone to this behavior.
The environment and early experiences of your furry friend can also determine whether or not they begin resource guarding. Dogs raised in stressful or overcrowded conditions, like puppy mills, are at a higher risk. Harsh training methods or exposure to older dogs who guard their resources can also lead younger dogs to adopt similar behaviors. Regardless of the cause, understanding why your pup may be resource guarding will help you address it effectively.
How to Address Resource Guarding
Addressing resource guarding in dogs requires early intervention and a positive, consistent approach. If you notice any signs of guarding behavior, it’s important to begin training immediately to prevent it from escalating. Providing a calm, structured environment will also help your pup be more confident that their resources aren’t at risk. Training techniques like teaching “leave it” or “drop it” can also be effective in managing the behavior.
To further prevent resource guarding, consider separating your dog from other pets during feeding or when they have high-value items. Creating positive associations with human interaction around food or toys can help your dog relax and learn that people bring good things. If the behavior continues, seek professional help from a dog trainer who can create a plan for your dog’s specific needs. With time and patience, you can manage or correct most resource guarding behaviors.
When to Contact a Professional for Help
If your dog’s resource guarding behaviors are becoming more aggressive or difficult to manage, it might be time to consult a professional. A trainer or behaviorist can help you better understand the root causes of the behavior and provide tailored strategies to address it. Seeking professional help ensures you have the right tools to manage and modify these behaviors effectively. Our expert trainers at Sit Means Sit are here to help! Check out our tried-and-true training programs to get started.
While resource guarding in dogs can certainly be a challenging issue to manage, with the right approach, you can help your pup feel more relaxed and less protective over things like food or toys. The key is spotting the behavior early, staying consistent with training, and using positive reinforcement. By understanding what’s behind the guarding and working to ease any anxiety, you can build a stronger, more trusting bond with your dog and make your home a safer place for everyone.
Check Out These Related Blogs for More Training Tips!
How to Use Dog Communication Buttons
Foes to Friends: Tips for Fostering a Positive Dog & Cat Relationship