Does your dog hide their toys in the couch cushions or get aggressive when you approach their food bowl? Do they growl or bark when other dogs try to sniff the flowers in your front lawn? Your pup might be engaged in resource guarding. So what is resource guarding, and is it something to be concerned about?
The term is used to describe protective or defensive behaviors that dogs sometimes display when they view an item, space, or person as valuable. It comes from a natural instinct that dogs developed long ago in their evolutionary history to protect their resources from predators in the wild.
Resource guarding is a normal behavior in dogs. It isn’t necessarily something to be worried about, especially if the behaviors are mild. However, it can be a sign that your pup feels anxious, insecure, or afraid. Fortunately, there are effective ways to help your dog feel more confident and secure in their environment.
Signs of Resource Guarding To Look For
Resource guarding is a natural instinct, but it can be a symptom of anxiety, past trauma, or aggression. Here are some signs to look for:
- Growling and snarling: Dogs may growl, snarl, whine, or bark when another dog or person approaches their toys or food.
- Intense staring: When a dog feels protective of their belongings or space, they may widen their eyes and stare.
- Snapping or biting: If your dog snaps or bites at your hand when you reach for their bowl, toys, or other items, they’re probably feeling defensive.
- Body stiffening: A dog may stiffen up and appear very tense when guarding a valuable item.
- Head lowering: Dogs may try to protect important resources by lowering their head to hide and defend them.
- Hyper-vigillance: If your dog appears especially alert in the presence of other dogs or people, they may be concerned their belongings or loved ones are at risk.
Types of Resource Guarding
Food Guarding
Food guarding is one of the most common types of resource guarding, especially for rescued strays who may have had to compete for food in the past. While some degree of possessiveness over food is normal, extreme resource guarding can lead to food aggression, which is characterized by snapping, biting, or growling at others during meal times.
Toy Guarding
Many dogs have a favorite toy, and may become fearful or hostile if they suspect a person or other dog may try to take it away from them.
Space Guarding
Space guarding is when a dog becomes territorial over a certain place. This may include a bed, crate, or an entire home. They may growl, snap, or pee on their favorite space to establish their claim on the area.
People Guarding
In some cases, dogs may be possessive over a person rather than an item. They might try to guard their primary caretaker or a family member they view as particularly vulnerable, such as a newborn.
New Object Guarding
While dogs commonly guard items or people that are familiar and precious to them, they may also become possessive over newly obtained items, including toys or furniture..
Possible Causes of Resource Guarding
Resource guarding is a natural instinct that dogs evolved to survive and protect resources in the wild. But in domesticated modern dogs, more extreme resource guarding behaviors are sometimes caused by other factors, including:
- Anxiety: Anxious dogs may become fearful that their items will be taken away.
- Past trauma: Dogs who have experienced traumatic events, such as lack of resources or abandonment, are more likely to be excessively defensive of people and things.
- Genetics: Some breeds, such as cocker spaniels, retrievers, German shepherds, and border collies are more prone to resource guarding behaviors.
- Dominance: Some pups may resource guard around other dogs as a way to establish dominance.
- Insufficient socialization: Dogs with limited socialization may feel threatened by unfamiliar people, animals, and situations.
Tips for Managing Resource Guarding in Dogs
1. Maintain a Calm Demeanor
If your dog is experiencing anxiety around their food or belongings, the last thing you want to do is affirm their fears by mirroring their anxiety. Avoid making sudden movements or loud noises when your dog is in possession of a valuable resource. Instead, talk in a soothing voice and don’t approach them suddenly.
2. Work on Desensitization
Desensitization and counterconditioning can help your dog develop a healthier emotional response to other people and animals. This process involves slow and gentle exposure to triggers to teach them they don’t have anything to fear. This may involve gradually reducing the distance between you and their preferred item as well as using rewards to create a positive association with other people and animals.
3. Create a Designated Space for Your Dog
While excessive resource guarding can be a problem, it’s also important that your dog has a safe space where they can feel in control of their surroundings. Consider setting up a designated space just for your pup. That way they have somewhere they can go where they know they don’t have to worry. This could be a crate, a dog bed, or a play area where they keep their toys.
4. Teach Your Pup to “Drop It” or “Trade”
One of the best ways to address resource guarding behavior is to work on training your dog to respond to commands. Start with a toy they’re not particularly protective of, and try getting them to “drop it” or “trade” for a delicious treat or another toy they prefer. This will teach your furry friend that they can get a reward for giving something up. Once they’ve mastered this, you can slowly increase the value of the item you’re asking them to trade.
5. Never Punish Your Dog for Resource Guarding
Avoid reprimanding your pup or reaching for the resource they’re guarding. This can worsen their fears and lead to even more guarding behaviors. It’s important to give your dog time and space to realize their belongings are safe.
6. Keep Your Pup Entertained and Fulfilled
Dogs who feel bored or frustrated are more likely to engage in resource guarding. Exercise, mental stimulation, play, and attention can all help ease your pup’s anxiety and keep excess energy to a minimum. Try mental enrichment activities like puzzle toys and make sure you take your pup on plenty of walks.
7. Seek the Help of a Professional
Resource guarding behaviors are natural, especially in formerly traumatized dogs, new rescues, and dogs in new environments. But in severe cases, it may be worth hiring a professional trainer or certified dog behaviorist to help you work through your pup’s fears. Working with a professional can be especially helpful if your dog shows signs of aggression.
Final Thoughts
If your dog has a tendency to be defensive about food, toys, or living spaces, try not to worry. Resource guarding is a normal instinct. However, if they show signs of aggression toward you, other people, or other dogs, it’s probably worth trying to work on these behaviors to ease their anxiety and ensure everyone’s safety.
Work on teaching commands, make sure your dog has a dedicated space for play, and keep them exercised and mentally stimulated. Also give them the time they need to learn that their resources are safe!