Preventing Resource Guarding from Developing in Puppies
That said, the most effective technique for stopping a dog from guarding resources from human intervention is to change your dog's internal response to anothers attempt to possess their “treasure.” That is why you are best off using Desensitizing and Classical Conditioning to teach your dog to love it when you approach
Sit the dogs far apart, one on either side of you, tethering if necessary. Say Dog B's name and give him a medium-value treat. Immediately say Dog A's name and give him an even better treat. If either dog appears uncomfortable at all, move them further apart and start again.
Stop resource guarding once it has started
How to Prevent Resource Guarding Between Dogs
Resource guarding occurs when dogs exhibit behaviors like growling, lunging, or biting over food or toys. This behavior is also known as “possessive aggression” and may occur in dogs of any breed. Training early and often can help discourage resource guarding before it becomes too problematic.
Leaning over or walking directly toward a dog is often a trigger for resource guarding. If your dog becomes still and stiff or raises a lip at any time, don't continue. Remember, the key is to trade for an item of greater value. And the dog gets to decide what's valuable.
You may feel confused by why your dog is exhibiting food aggression or guarding other items, especially if you've worked hard on early socialization and feel like you always provide more than enough resources for them. Remember — resource guarding is a normal and natural dog behavior!
Resource guarding in most instances is something easily fixable with time and effort. There are severe cases where the expertise of a professional trainer is needed. Resource guarding also shows up as a symptom when there are other behavior issues so enrolling in a positive training class is highly suggested.
Resource Guarding Between Dogs Guarding behaviors could happen over a certain resting place, food bowls, or high-value chews and toys. When resources are limited, such as when there's only one chew but two dogs, we tend to see an increase in guarding.
Why Dogs Resource Guard Owners. Guarding valuable resources is a natural dog behavior, but it can cause issues within human homes. Dogs will guard beds, food bowls, high value toys, treats, space and people. Every dog has a different personality, but most will resource guard whatever they find valuable to a degree.
Resource guarding is normal dog behavior. Dogs have evolved as opportunistic feeders, and it's natural for them to protect what they consider to be “theirs” from potential takers. The displays of growling and related body language are the dog's way of saying, “Back off!
How to stop my dog from resource guarding me
You could use negative punishment (taking away something from the dog) to interrupt guarding as a way to prevent it from continuing being rehearsed, for example asking the dog to get off the couch when he is guarding it.