DOG RESOURCE GUARDING
What Is Resource Guarding?
​
Resource guarding is a common behavior in dogs, where they show protective tendencies over certain items or spaces they perceive as valuable. This can include food, toys, treats, resting spots, or even their human companions. Dogs might display behaviors like growling, snapping, or even biting to protect these resources from others, including humans or other animals in the household. This behavior can range from mild (such as growling when someone approaches their food bowl) to more intense (such as biting if someone tries to take a favorite toy).
​
​
What Can Be Guarded?
​
Dogs can guard a wide variety of items or spaces, but the most common resources include:
-
Food: Many dogs will guard their food bowl, especially during mealtime.
-
Toys: Dogs may show aggression or possessiveness over their favorite toys or bones.
-
Resting Spots: Some dogs feel the need to defend their bed, crate, or even certain areas of the home.
-
Humans: Certain dogs may show guarding behavior around their human family members, becoming possessive of their time and attention.
-
Other Dogs: Just like with resource guarding of humans, dogs can also become protective over the canine counterparts of their pack.
​
​
Why Do Dogs Guard?
​
The root cause of resource guarding is often linked to a dog’s instincts and survival mechanisms. Dogs in the wild rely on their ability to guard resources to ensure their survival. If a dog perceives an item or person as important for their well-being, they may try to control or protect it. This is often a result of a dominance-based mindset, where the dog feels a need to claim or own something.
In a home environment, the dog might not understand the pack hierarchy or its role within it. They might not view themselves as part of a family unit but rather as an individual in control of their own resources. This perceived need for ownership can lead to possessiveness, which manifests as resource guarding.
​
The Role of Dominance in Resource Guarding
Resource guarding can often be linked to a dog’s desire to exert dominance. In some cases, dogs may see themselves as the one in charge, owning and controlling certain aspects of their environment. The idea of "owning" something—whether it's food, a toy, or even the space they occupy—can give them a sense of power or security. This can create a cycle where the dog’s perceived need to guard their "property" becomes a regular behavior.
However, it's essential to recognize that resource guarding doesn't necessarily mean the dog is trying to dominate in every situation. Instead, it's often a sign of insecurity or a miscommunication within the household's pack structure.
​
How Behavioral Training Can Help
Behavioral training is one of the most effective ways to address resource guarding. By focusing on establishing a clear and balanced pack hierarchy, you can help your dog understand that they are not responsible for controlling resources in the household. The goal is to shift the dog’s mindset away from seeing themselves as the "owner" of things and help them understand their role within the family.
​
Adjusting the Pack Hierarchy
In a well-structured home, the dog should see its human family members as the leaders of the pack. With proper training, dogs can learn that they don’t need to control resources because their humans will provide everything they need. This shift in perspective helps reduce the dog's dominance-based behaviors. When a dog understands that their human is in charge, they become less possessive and protective over resources.
​
Establishing Boundaries and Creating Calm
Another key component of addressing resource guarding is establishing clear boundaries. When a dog knows what is acceptable and what is not, they are less likely to feel the need to guard things. Consistency in training helps the dog feel secure and calm, knowing that the environment is predictable and there is no need to be defensive.
A calm state of mind is crucial in eliminating the "scarcity mentality" that often fuels resource guarding. Dogs that are anxious about whether they will get enough food or attention are more likely to guard what they have. By creating a calm environment with consistent training and positive reinforcement, dogs can relax and stop viewing objects as things they need to defend.
​
Conclusion
Resource guarding in dogs is a behavior that stems from instinct, insecurity, or a misunderstanding of their place within the household hierarchy. Through behavioral training, we can help our dogs feel more secure, reduce their need to protect resources, and create a calm and balanced environment. By adjusting the pack structure and establishing boundaries, dogs learn that they do not need to "own" things to feel safe. As a result, the behavior of resource guarding decreases, and both the dog and the owner can enjoy a peaceful and happy life together.