Resource Guarding Explained
Resource guarding is a common, natural behaviour in dogs, yet it’s often misunderstood. Many owners worry that it’s a sign of aggression or “bad behaviour,” but in reality, it’s an instinctive way dogs protect valuable resources such as food, toys, or even favourite resting spots.
Understanding resource guarding, recognizing the signs, and knowing how to prevent or manage it is essential for keeping both dogs and their human families safe and happy.
What Is Resource Guarding?
Resource guarding is when a dog shows defensive behaviour to protect something they value. This could include:
• Food or treats
• Chew toys or bones
• Beds, blankets, or resting spots
• Human attention or affection
Dogs do this because they want to maintain access to these resources. In the wild, guarding food or other valuable items increases survival chances, so it’s completely natural.
We all do it! When we are really enjoying something, we want to keep it all to ourselves - i get pretty protective over my wine too!
Common Signs of Resource Guarding
Owners often misinterpret subtle signals. Subtle signals of resource guarding can include:
-Slowing down or speeding up as you approach them while they are eating
-Side eyeing and watching you very carefully when you go near them and their valued resource
-Moving away and taking the chew/item with them
Some more obvious signs include:
• Growling or snarling – a warning signal to stay away.
• Snapping or biting – escalated warning if the dog feels threatened.
• Stiff body posture – body becomes rigid, tail may be raised.
• Freezing or staring – intense focus on the item being guarded.
• Blocking behaviour – standing over or between the resource and a person or another pet.
It’s important to note that resource guarding exists on a spectrum. It is important to listen to all our dogs lower level signals so they don’t feel the need to escalate their behaviour in order to get listened to.
Prevention Is Better Than a Cure
The best approach to resource guarding is prevention. Some strategies include:
1. Teach a “trade” or “give” cue
• Train your dog to exchange an item for something of equal or higher value. This creates a positive association with giving up resources.
2. Avoid forced removal
• Never grab food, toys, or objects directly from a dog. This can escalate their behaviour.
3. Separate dogs at mealtimes or with high-value items
• In multi-dog households, feed in separate areas and supervise during play with toys. Do this, even if your dogs show no resource guarding issues, having dogs fully separate behind closed doors allows them to eat in peace and not have to worry about protecting their food.
4. Add, never take away!
• An old school tactic was to take your dogs food bowl away from them while they are eating, however this often has detrimental affects. We want our dogs to feel safe around us when they are having their dinner, not defensive and worried. By taking their food from under their nose, we are actually increasing the chance of resource guarding escalating, we are teaching them that their resources are not safe around us! Instead of taking food away, try dropping some tasty treats into their bowl while they eat- we are teaching them that us being around their food is not only safe but also rewarding too.
5. Manage the environment
• Limit access to high-value items during training and gradually build trust around shared resources. If you have young children or other pets at home, having a separate area for dogs to eat in peace like a different room or crate (if crate trained) means you can make sure everyone is kept safe and happy.
It’s a Natural Behaviour
Resource guarding is instinctual — it doesn’t mean your dog is “bad.” Dogs communicate needs through body language, and growling or snapping is their way of setting boundaries. Respecting these signals is key to preventing escalation and building trust. This is why taking the time to learn our dogs body language is so important, being able to listen to their subtle signals prevents them from ever having to use those bigger signals like growling.
When to Seek Professional Help
If your dog’s resource guarding is frequent, intense, or escalating, consult a qualified behaviourist. Professional guidance can:
• Safely assess risk factors
• Create a step-by-step desensitisation and counter-conditioning plan
• Help ensure safety for all household members
Final Thoughts
Resource guarding is a natural and common behaviour in dogs, but it can be managed effectively with understanding, prevention, and training. Recognizing early warning signs, avoiding forced confrontations, and using positive reinforcement strategies keeps dogs confident, safe, and happy — and helps families enjoy a harmonious home environment.
Casey - Weird & Wonderful Dog Training and Behaviour x