UNDERSTANDING RESOURCE GUARDING

CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, AND SOLUTIONS

Resource guarding in dogs is a common behaviour where a dog exhibits protective or aggressive behaviour over a valued resource. This could be food, toys, bones, or even a preferred resting spot. While this behaviour is natural and stems from survival instincts, it can become problematic when it escalates or occurs in inappropriate contexts, potentially leading to dangerous situations for both the dog and his human companions. Understanding resource guarding, its causes, symptoms, and how to manage it is crucial for ensuring a healthy and harmonious household.

ABOUT RESOURCE GUARDING

Resource guarding is the behaviour a dog displays when he feels the need to protect something valuable. The behaviours expressed can range from subtle signs like stiffening or growling to more overt aggression like snapping or biting.

Common objects that dogs might guard include:

• Food: This is the most common form of resource guarding. Dogs may growl, snap, or even bite if they feel their food is threatened.

• Toys: Some dogs are very possessive of their toys and may not want to share them with other dogs or people.

• Bones or chews: High-value treats like bones or chews can trigger intense guarding behaviour.

• Sleeping areas: Dogs may guard their beds or favourite resting spots, particularly if they feel threatened or insecure.

• Humans: Some dogs may exhibit resource-guarding behaviours when other animals or humans interact with their favourite human.

CAUSES OF RESOURCE GUARDING

The psychology behind resource guarding varies, but it’s typically based in anxiety. For example, dogs who have lived on the streets often guard their resources because they have previously been uncertain about where their next meal is coming from. That drive to protect resources can continue even when the dog is in a new home with a secure food source.

Training can also be to blame. In a misguided bid to assert dominance, some owners take a puppy’s food or toy away just as the dog settles in to enjoy it. This results in a dog who thinks that a human approaching the food bowl or toy means the food or the toy will disappear—and will respond defensively.

Lack of socialisation can also be an issue. Dogs that haven’t been properly socialised or exposed to different situations and people may be more prone to guarding behaviours out of fear or insecurity.

Finally, some breeds are just more genetically predisposed to resource guard as a part of the role they were ‘bred for’.

RECOGNISING THE SIGNS OF RESOURCE GUARDING

Recognising the signs of resource guarding early is key to addressing the behaviour before it escalates. Signs can range from subtle to overt and may include:

• Body stiffening: The dog may become rigid and tense when approached.

• Ears pointing backwards

• Lip licking

• Increased attentiveness to other dogs

• Hyperfixation on an object, dog or human

• Growling: This acts as a warning that the dog is feeling threatened.

• Baring teeth: The dog may bare his teeth as a warning.

• Snapping or biting: If the dog feels particularly threatened, he may escalate to snapping or biting.

• Quick eating: The dog may eat his food faster than normal when he senses someone (human or another animal) approaching.

• Blocking access: The dog may physically place himself between the resource and others, preventing access.

MANAGING RESOURCE GUARDING

Resource guarding can be managed with the right approach. Here are some strategies to address resource guarding:

1. Avoid confrontation: If your dog is displaying guarding behaviour, avoid direct confrontation. Forcing the dog to give up the resource can escalate the behaviour and damage your relationship.

2. Remove problem items: Removing items that cause issues is a quick way to manage the issue while you look at training your dog with some of the techniques below.

3. Trade-up technique: Teach your dog that giving up a resource leads to something even better. Offer a high-value treat in exchange for the guarded item, reinforcing that sharing is positive.

4. Always provide sufficient and equitable resources. To avoid resource guarding between dogs, make sure you have enough toys, beds, treats and food to go around.

5. Desensitisation and counterconditioning: Gradually expose your dog to situations where resource guarding might occur, starting at a distance at which your dog is comfortable. Pair these situations with positive experiences, like treats or praise, to change your dog’s emotional response.

6. Teach commands: Commands like ‘leave it’ or ‘drop it’ can be invaluable in managing resource guarding. Start teaching these commands using positive reinforcement in a non-threatening environment and gradually introduce them to more challenging situations.

7. Controlled feeding: Feed your dog in a calm, quiet environment where he feels safe. Avoid disturbing your dog while he’s eating, and if necessary, feed in a separate space away from other pets.

8. Consult a professional: If resource guarding behaviour is severe or you’re unsure how to handle it, consulting a professional dog trainer or behaviourist is highly recommended. They can provide tailored advice and support.

PREVENTING RESOURCE GUARDING

The main ways to prevent resource guarding arising in the first place include the following:

1. Socialisation and positive reinforcement: Socialising your dog from a young age and using positive reinforcement techniques can help prevent resource guarding from developing. Exposing your dog to different environments, people, and animals can build confidence and reduce insecurity.

2. Teach commands from a young age: Teaching the commands ‘leave it’ or ‘drop it’ can prevent resource guarding, particularly if taught from a young age.

TOP TIP

Use positive reinforcement to encourage good behaviour. For example, try dropping tasty treats into the bowl while your dog is eating. This way, they’ll associate a human walking up to their bowl with something good happening rather than their food being removed.

CONCLUSION

Resource guarding is a natural behaviour rooted in a dog’s instincts, but it can become problematic in a domestic setting. Understanding the causes and recognising the signs of resource guarding are essential steps in addressing the issue. With patience, consistent training, and, when necessary, professional guidance, resource guarding can be effectively managed, ensuring a safe and happy environment for both your dog and your family. Remember, the key to success is to approach the issue with empathy and understanding, always prioritising your dog’s well-being.