Resource guarding in dogs is a natural, instinctive behavior where a dog protects something they perceive as valuable—such as food, toys, treats, a resting place, or even a person—from being taken away by humans or other animals.
I find this photo above so fabulous where Shazam feels comfortable enough to happily chew a bone out in the open and Tony and Peter look on without any body language that would suggest that they are upset for not having one too. To me this means that I have been successful in creating relationships between these puppies where they each feel safe and trusting with each other when they have something valuable.
Resource guarding is a natural behavior, but it can be prevented or minimized with thoughtful handling from puppyhood onward. I have used gentle exposure to handling such as touching paws, mouth, ears while offering treats throughout their rearing process. We have also practiced giving and taking low-value and high-value items with rewards (exchange), not just removing things.
This type of training does not end with puppyhood. We revisit these strategies periodically within our pack to maintain that level of trust and prevent future problems.
Prevention Strategies
1. Hand-Feed Meals Occasionally
- This builds trust and teaches the dog that your hands near food are positive, not threatening.
- Let the dog eat kibble from your hand, and occasionally drop higher-value treats in the bowl while eating.
2. Teach a Positive “Trade” or “Drop It”
- Practice swapping items (e.g., a toy) for something better (e.g., a treat).
- Say “Drop it” or “Trade,” then give a higher-value reward. This teaches the dog that relinquishing objects = rewards.
3. Condition Comfort With Approach
- Walk by your dog occasionally while they eat and toss a treat into the bowl.
- Touching the bowl or taking things away too early and too often can create guarding, not prevent it.
- Keep interactions brief and positive, not intrusive.
4. Use Enrichment Feeding
- Puzzle toys and snuffle mats make food less of a “high-stakes” event.
- This helps reduce stress-based guarding.
5. Avoid Punishment
- Never punish or yell at a dog for growling or guarding.
- Punishment increases fear and can escalate the behavior.
6. Respect Boundaries
- Don’t tease or forcefully take objects to “teach who’s boss.”
- Teach mutual respect and communication instead.
7. Socialize With Controlled Exposure
- Expose puppies to people and other dogs while they eat or chew, ensuring calm, positive associations.
- Avoid chaotic or competitive feeding situations, especially in multi-dog households.
8. Teach “Leave It” and “Place”
- “Leave it” helps with impulse control around items.
- “Place” or mat work helps reduce guarding of space by giving the dog a consistent spot to feel safe.