Understanding Resource Guarding in Dogs: Why Fido Won't Share His Favourite Sock
You might have noticed your dog growling when you get too close to his food bowl or giving you the side-eye when you reach for that well-chewed toy.
That, my friend, is resource guarding—a natural behaviour that says, "This is mine, and I’m not sharing!" But while it’s instinctive for dogs to protect their resources, it can become problematic if not managed properly.
So, what exactly is resource guarding?
Simply put, it's when a dog becomes overly protective of items they consider valuable, such as food, toys, or even a comfy spot on the couch. And while it might seem amusing when your tiny Chihuahua is guarding a biscuit, it's less funny when your large German Shepherd does the same with a shoe.
But don’t worry! With the right approach, you can help your dog understand that sharing isn’t the end of the world.
As I always say, dogs have individual personalities and training needs. This blog entry will help you understand resource guarding and give you tips on how to manage it. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you need more support.
Here are three ways to manage resource guarding, suitable for both small and big dogs, with gentle yet firm tactics:
Start training early
Training dogs early on can help reduce guarding and set your dog up for success later in life. The earlier you train your dog, the easier it will be for them to learn positive behaviour. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this isn’t always possible, particularly if you rescue or adopt a dog several years into its life.
Trade Up, Don’t Steal
Imagine someone yanking your favourite chocolate bar out of your hand without warning. Not cool, right? Your dog feels the same way when you try to take something they value. Instead of grabbing, offer them something even better in exchange.
It is vital that we don't do anything to make our dogs feel the need to guard items and we keep an eye out for triggers
How to do it:
- If your Pomeranian is fiercely guarding a toy, make sure you give the item no focus, do not like it look like you want it. Then call the dog over to you away from the toy and offer a high-value treat like a small piece of cheese or chicken. Once they drop the toy, reward them with the treat.
Teach “Leave It”
Training your dog to respond to the "Leave It" command can be a game-changer in managing resource guarding. (read my episodes on talking dog to understand how to teach new commands) It’s a simple yet effective way to get your dog to disengage from something they’re fixated on without confrontation.
Manage the Environment
For me this is hands down the best way to manage any behaviour. Always make sure you are setting your dog up for success everyday. The best way to prevent resource guarding and to set your dog up for success by managing their environment. This means being mindful of how and when you provide valuable resources.
How to do it:
For small dogs: If your Shih Tzu guards their food bowl, try feeding them in a quiet, secluded area where they feel safe. Avoid sudden movements or trying to take away their food mid-meal. If they’re protective of toys, limit access to high-value toys unless you're actively engaging with them in play. Dogs do not have toys in the wild, a toy is only made exciting by you so try and keep it that way
Patience and Consistency
Managing resource guarding takes time and patience, but with consistent, gentle guidance, your dog can learn to relax and trust that there’s plenty to go around. Whether your dog is big or small, remember to respect their boundaries while also teaching them that sharing can be rewarding.
In the end, your dog’s behaviour is just a quirky way of communicating. With the right approach, you can help them feel more secure, and who knows, maybe one day, they’ll even let you borrow that favourite sock!
Please get in touch for more help and support with resource guarding
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