Why is my dog suddenly resource guarding?

It's important to understand that the main reason for guarding is fear. This means that taking items away from your dog or telling them off for guarding is likely to make their behaviour worse in the long term. They may become even more worried and feel the need to protect those valuable things even more!

What is resource guarding in 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.

Why do dogs resource guard their owner?

Guarding resources is a natural dog behavior. It's a natural animal behavior — humans included! Access to resources like food, water, and a safe space is essential to survival. It's hardwired into animal nature to protect the things we believe we need to survive.

What triggers resource guarding?

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.

Is it normal for a puppy to resource guard?

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!

Can resource Guarding in dogs be cured?

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.

What causes resource guarding in dogs?

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.

Can a dog resource guard their owner?

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.

What causes dogs to resource guard?

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!

What breeds are prone to resource guarding?

Certain breeds seem to have a pre-disposition to resource guarding. For example, Working Cocker Spaniels and Beagles feature prominently in my case histories. It seems retrieving breeds may also be more likely to resource guard.

Does neutering help with resource guarding?

In these cases, spaying or neutering can absolutely be helpful! But for most dogs with more run-of-the-mill aggression issues (leash reactivity, resource guarding, biting visitors, etc.), it probably won't make any difference.

Does resource guarding go away?

Resource guarding won't just go away, and it tends to gets worse if not managed properly. If your dog has severe guarding issues (where they snap or growl at you) please seek out the help of a professional trainer or behaviorist.

Do dogs grow out of resource guarding?

DOGS DO NOT GROW OUT OF GUARDING BEHAVIORS; THEY GROW INTO THEM. Practice preventive measures. This is no guarantee, but it can take the edge off of a puppy's insecurity about losing valuable resources.

How to stop resource guarding with other dogs?

Preventing Resource Guarding from Developing in Puppies

1. Letting them eat or chew in peace. Don't put your hand in their food or pet them while they're eating.
2. Practicing positive-sum trades.
3. Teaching them to drop it and leave it.
4. Managing their environment.
5. Make sure to properly socialize your puppy.