In this blog I want to talk about a behaviour that’s often misunderstood, sometimes frustrating, but entirely natural for our Furkids: resource guarding. If you’ve ever had a dog growl or snap over their food bowl, toys, or even a cozy spot on the couch, you’ve witnessed resource guarding firsthand. So, why do dogs resource guard, and what can we do to help them feel more secure? Let’s get some info on understanding resource guarding, why our dogs do it and exactly how we can help them.
What Is Resource Guarding?
Resource guarding is a behaviour where dogs protect things they consider valuable. This could be anything from their food and water bowls to toys, chews, or even a favourite human. Some dogs might guard these items by standing over them, growling, or even snapping if they feel threatened. It’s their way of saying, “Hey, this is mine, and I don’t want to share!” The item being guarded doesn’t even need to be in the same space. If your Fido feels like their treasured item is at risk then they will be on high alert.
The Science Behind Resource Guarding
Let’s dig into some science to better understand why our dogs might feel the need to guard their treasures. Resource guarding is a behaviour deeply rooted in a dog’s evolutionary past. In the wild, resources such as food, shelter could mean the difference between life and death. A study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science highlights that resource guarding is an adaptive trait inherited from wolves, where protecting limited resources is crucial for survival (Van Kerkhove, 2004).
Even though our dogs are domesticated, some still carry these survival instincts. It’s important to remember that resource guarding isn’t about dominance or aggression; it’s about fear and insecurity. Your dog is simply trying to protect what they value most, often because they’re afraid it might be taken away. It is likely that dogs who have had inconsistent access to food, or those who have experienced scarcity in puppyhood are more likely to develop resource guarding behaviours in an effort to survive. Both nature (genetics) and nurture (experiences) probably play significant roles in how this behaviour develops.
What Triggers Resource Guarding?
Several factors can contribute to why a dog might start guarding their resources:
Genetics: Just like people, dogs have different temperaments. Some breeds or individual dogs may be more prone to guarding behaviours because of their genetic makeup. Bradshaw et al. (2011) explored this in their research, noting that certain breeds are more likely to exhibit guarding behaviours due to their historical roles as guard dogs or protectors.
Past Experiences: Dogs that have experienced scarcity, such as those rescued from hoarding situations or the streets, may guard their resources more fiercely. Their past has taught them that they might not always have enough, so they hold onto what they have with a tight grip (or tongue). Research by Casey et al. (2014) supports this, showing a direct correlation between traumatic past experiences and the development of guarding behaviours. Yes, dogs can also develop post-traumatic stress, Cut them some slack.
Inconsistent Access to Resources: If a dog’s access to food, toys, or attention is unpredictable, they might start guarding these items to ensure they don’t lose them. This behaviour is similar to how humans might become more possessive during times of uncertainty.
Signs Your Dog Might Be Resource Guarding
Resource guarding doesn’t always look like a full-blown snarl or snap. It can be subtle at first. Here are some signs to watch for:
Stiffening or freezing: Your dog might freeze when you approach them while they have a valued item.
Hard stare: A fixed, intense stare directed at someone approaching.
Growling or snapping: A warning sign that your dog is feeling threatened and wants to be left alone.
Possessive behaviour: Some dogs may try to hide their valued items or move away with them when approached. If they’ve hidden a treasure in their bed or crate then chances are it’s valuable to them.
How to Help a Resource Guarding Dog
Now that we understand why dogs might guard their resources, let’s talk about how to help them feel more secure. It’s crucial to approach this with empathy, patience, and positive reinforcement. Here’s what I recommend:
Don’t Punish: Never punish a dog for guarding. Punishment can increase anxiety and make the behaviour worse. It can also damage the trust between you and your dog. Remember, they’re acting out of fear, not malice.
Trade-Up Technique: Teach your dog that giving up a resource leads to something even better. Start by offering a high-value treat (think chicken or cheese) in exchange for a lower-value item. Gradually work up to more valuable items as your dog becomes comfortable.
Desensitisation and Counter-Conditioning: This involves gradually getting your dog used to having people near their valued items while associating that presence with positive experiences. For example, if your dog guards their food bowl, start by standing a distance away while tossing treats, slowly getting closer over time – and I mean a long time. Success is measured in months, not minutes.
Provide Abundance: Ensure your dog has plenty of toys, chews, and other resources. When there’s plenty to go around, they’re less likely to feel the need to guard.
Create Safe Spaces: Give your dog a safe, quiet place where they can retreat with their treasures without being disturbed. This helps reduce anxiety and the need to guard. I advocate for crate training to protect the dog from well-meaning skinblings and other fursiblings
Research by Jacobs et al (2018) found that:
- Teaching your dog to drop (I use the cue “give”) the valued item could reduce aggression that is commonly exhibited with resource guarding. That way you can ask and exchange for an item of value without risking life and limb to retrieve it. I always like the idea of an exchange rather than a hostile removal.
- Let snackies rain from the sky – offering really high value food during your Fido’s mealtime may reduce resource guarding. You become the giver of all things amazing rather than the human trying to remove the treasure.
- Don’t listen to the numpties that say you should remove the food/bowl from you dog during feeding time. This will just increase resource guarding behaviour. Also, NEVER put your hand in their bowl while they’re eating. I wouldn’t like you sticking your finger in my glass of shiraz so don’t stick your hand in your dog’s version of fillet mignon.
Finally, always consult a Professional: If your dog’s resource guarding is severe or you’re unsure how to handle it, consult a professional dog trainer who uses force-free and positive reinforcement methods. The Pet Professional Guild Australia is a great resource for finding trainers committed to force-free, positive training techniques.
Resource guarding can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that it’s a normal, natural behaviour for many dogs. By understanding the reasons behind it and approaching the issue with empathy and patience, we can help our dogs feel more secure and less anxious about their treasured items.
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