Have you ever reached for your dog’s favorite toy only for him to growl or even nip at your hand? This behavior is called resource guarding and can become a much larger problem is not addressed early and quickly.   While this type of behavior is a remnant of our dog’s wild ancestors that allowed them to protect necessary resources like food, it can spell big problems for your household.   What is resource guarding in dogs? Much like the name implies, resource guarding is aggressive behavior exhibited by a dog that is protecting something it perceives to be of value. This can include: food, toys, bed, space and even a person or animal.    How can I tell if my dog is resource guarding? Dogs that resource guard can display an array of behaviors, but you will notice that the aggression occurs when the dog is approached while he is with an item or person he deems to be of value. For instance, you may notice that your dog growls or stares when you sit on the couch with him or attempt to remove him from an area.   He may exhibit one or several of the following behaviors:
  • Growling
  • Staring
  • Snarling
  • Nipping or biting
  • Lunging
  • Chasing/herding other animals/people away
  What to do if your dog resource guards While resource guarding is a common behavior in dogs, it is unwanted. Luckily, this also means there are plenty of tested and successful methods in improving this behavior. First, you will want to determine what is causing your dog to resource guard. It could be fear, anxiety, territoriality, stress, or even genetics – as some breeds are more prone to these types of behaviors.   Once you can identify why your dog is resource guarding, you can better tailor your approach to breaking the cycle. A certified trainer and/or behavioral veterinarian can help you find the cause of the guarding while also helping you learn how to address the behavior through a skilled, scientific approach.   However, in the meantime you can implement simple changes to help ease the tension in your home.  
  • Remove the high value item(s) from the home
  • Provide your dog with plenty of exercise
  • Increase mental stimulation through games, training, or other methods that do not include the high value items your dog is guarding
  • Don’t allow dog on bed and furniture
  • Separate animals during feeding
  • Don’t yell at or a punish a dog that is guarding – this can reinforce the behavior  
  Since resource guarding can escalate quickly, it is strongly encouraged to make contact with a dog trainer to help address the behavior. Through time and consistency, you can establish boundaries and bring peace to your hold.