Dog Resource Guarding Help

Dog Resource Guarding is a natural behavior observed in dogs.

A common dog behavior, dog resource guarding can be alarming to humans and pose problems in a home affecting the well-being of both the dogs (and other pets) and people who reside together.

Resource guarding can present immediately or down the line with adoptive, foster, or purchased dogs.

But, don’t worry!

Dog Resource Guarding is often preventable and usually able to be addressed and controlled for everyone’s safety and household harmony.

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Notably...

1. All dogs resource guard to some extent
2. Resource guarding can be managed - it is not a reason to give up
3. Training goes a long way
4. If identified early, it can be easily redirected
5. Learn to read your dog's body language
6. Set your dog up for success!

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In this article, we will cover:

1. WHAT is dog resource guarding?
2. IDENTIFY how to spot resource guarding
3. TARGETS what dogs resource guard
4. WHY dogs resource guard
5. PREVENTION of resource guarding
6. SUDDENLY resource guarding
7. MANAGEMENT of dog resource guarding
8. PRO HELP when to bring in professional help

Note that resource guarding is a NORMAL dog behavior (especially for dogs bred to be guard dogs) and usually manageable with training (i.e. training you to understand and guide your dog!).

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What Is Dog Resource Guarding?

Resource guarding is a natural canine behavior where a dog becomes defensive about keeping something they value from another animal or person.

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How Do I Know If My Dog Is Resource Guarding?

Examples of Dog Resource Guarding behavior may include:

• ENERGY SHIFT
• STIFFLY STANDING over an item
• BLOCKING ACCESS to an item or space
• HARD EYE CONTACT (no blinking)
• GROWLING
• BARING TEETH
• SNARLING
• SNAPPING
• LUNGING
• BITING

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What Will A Dog Resource Guard?

A dog may resource guard anything it deems valuable. This may include:

• YOU or other people
• TOYS
• BEDS
• TREATS
• FOOD
• WATER BOWLS
• BONES
• SPACES such as a couch

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Why Is My Dog Resource Guarding?

To understand dog resource guarding, we must understand dogs.We have to remember that dogs are animals which means they are always living in an instinctual state.

The lens dogs look through is always going to be: survival first.

Dogs will analyze every scenario to see if they are safe and what steps are needed to survive. When dogs have a resource they deem high value in front of them, they have two choices:

1. CLAIM IT
2. SURRENDER IT

If a dog claims something as their own and another animal (or person) tries to take that thing or space a dog's options are to fight for it or give it up to the other party.

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Is It Possible To Prevent Resource Guarding Behavior When A New Dog Is Brought Home?

In most cases yes but not always. Prevention will depend on the dog's practice of resource guarding, or the lack thereof, prior to the new home.

It will also depend on how well you set your new dog up for success via slow, controlled "333 Rule" introductions. Using the 333 Rule Dog Introduction Protocol to slowly allow a dog to learn a new home, its humans, resident pets, and expectations is always the best guide when introducing a new dog to your home - whether that be a permanent resident, a foster dog, or even visiting dogs belonging to friends and family!

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If you have a dog that has not practiced resource guarding then you have a clean slate to work with and you can start to identify what your dog views as “high value” then find ways for your dog to earn those rewards.

When we can find ways for humans to be in control of the resources - this can help build a stronger bond between you and your dog.

In the dog's eyes you become more and more valuable because you control the “good stuff” in the dog's life.The human can be in charge of providing or approving access to resources and also the one who can put or take them away.

However... you don't want this to lead to the dog then resource guarding you as guarder of the resources! (Hire a Trainer!)

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SET A NEW DOG UP FOR SUCCESS - initial tips

• FOOD apart from other animals, children, household chaos

• TREATS initially, don't give a new dog treats side-by-side with another dog or child - no need to make them worry someone else may get their goodie as they are just starting to train with you and getting used to their new pad!

• TOYS don't leave loose toys out until you know your dog well - your dog can be given a toy and play with it, then take up the toy and put it away after playtime

• COMPETITION don't put your dog in competition with another dog or person "for fun" such as encouraging competition over a toy, a person's attention, or a spot on the couch

• HIRE A TRAINER This is for YOU - to learn "dog," have a professional assess your new dog and give advice based on what they notice and questions you have then equip you with starter information and tools to lead your dog! Even just one session will set you up with basics from which to build!

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Why Is My Dog Suddenly Showing Resource Guarding Behavior?

Sometimes, any dog behavior can feel like “all of a sudden” behavior.

However, most of the time there are communications the dog is offering that the human may be missing.

When we realize the behavior, it could be a little too late and the behavior may have advanced.

An obvious sign of dog resource guarding is a growl or showing of teeth over an object or space.

But generally these are going to be last-resort communications from the dog to advise the potential threat to give them space, away from the resource.

Studying the body language and intensity the dog has towards the resource can be early signs to watch for which can help prevent the dog from getting the point of acting out.

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How Do I Know If My Dog Is Resource Guarding Or If They Are Just Protecting Me? Is My Resource-Guarding Dog Aggressive And A Danger To Keep In My Home?

A question I like to ask would be…did you ask the dog to guard you or is the job they have made for themselves?

Most of the time it's a job the dog has created for themselves. Also what scenario are you in that you would need to be protected?

If the dog is viewing anything getting near you as a threat and you can't get them to stop the behavior, then most likely they are resource guarding and not protecting.

Protecting should be something you would specifically ask the dog to do and then turn off when its not needed.

"Protection" is more of a job than a practice.

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There is a difference between an aggressive dog and a reactive dog. Too often we label dogs as “aggressive” when there is what we view as "scary behavior."

"Aggressive" is non-negotiable, a dog feels threatened and will move forward with intent of using force (biting, jumping, attacking, etc) to back the threat up.

A "reactive" dog practices a different behavior that can look similar.

With a "reactive" dog - they may not have the skills to know how to create space away from a threat or maybe frightened on the inside so they will try and portray they are fierce on the outside. But in reality it's coming from a place of insecurity. So, they will use the bark to try and get the threat to go away. If that doesn't work they will most likely be out of options and either fight out of fear or flee to safety.

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If you are unsure of what your dog's body language is communicating - seeking professional help is recommended to get you on the right path. At Estill Dog Psychology, we stand by the notion that dog training is largely for the human - starting with understanding your dog's mind and how to help them achieve preferred behaviors.

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How Do I Train My Dog Out Of Resource Guarding Behavior?

Here is a beginner step...

I would always start by making sure that anything the dog could may view as a resource is put away and not left out for the dog to get to and practice guarding. So pick up toys, food, food bowls, and anything else which may be considered a high value resource to your dog.

The goal when dealing with a dog that is guarding a resource is we have to teach the dog that the resource belongs to the human and not the dog.

So, I would start with a leash on the dog. Get a resource out and place it on the floor. I want you to walk the dog past the resource over and over again until the dog loses interest. Once he is not moving forward towards the resource as you walk by, pick the resource up and put it away again.

Over time, we want the dog to choose to not move forward on the resource and that they can be present with it but not have the resource until the human invites the dog to have the resource.

Resource guarding is a serious behavior, so safety first and I would seriously suggest hiring a professional to help teach you how to read your dog's body language and guide your dog away from resource guarding behaviors.

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When Is It A Good Idea To Hire A Professional Dog Trainer or Behaviorist To Help My Dog With Their Resource Guarding?

Resource guarding is one of the most important topics that I believe should be addressed immediately once it's noticed.

We have to limit the practice of the dog guarding and the number one concern should always be safety.

Resource Guarding is not a behavior I would take lightly and always best to get professional help to avoid any injury to humans or dogs if you feel unsafe or uncertain.

A professional dog trainer assessment and consultation can help you understand and modify the situation in a way best for all members of your household - human(s) and dog(s)!

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Robbie Estill is the founder of Estill Dog Psychology in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas area where the training focus is on the brain first and the body second. Leaning into the importance of educating humans on dog psychology and how a dog’s mind works to build stronger relationships - the goal with Estill Dog Training is building a stronger human/dog relationships for lifelong bonds. Follow Estill Dog Psychology on Instagram and Facebook!

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