Have you ever witnessed your furry friend become intensely possessive over an item? If so, they may be resource guarding, an instinctive behavior used to protect things like food, toys, physical space, or even a person. This can become quite problematic, oftentimes creating challenges within your home. If you are wondering how to identify and overcome this behavior, this guide is for you. By understanding how resource guarding works, you can improve the safety and happiness of both you and your pup!
What is Resource Guarding?
Resource guarding is when an animal protects a valued item, ranging from mild possessiveness to extreme aggression. It typically occurs when they perceive a threat to their belonging and feel the need to protect it. It’s important to note that resource guarding is a natural instinct for our furry friends. Before domestication, dogs had to protect their resources for survival. Although that’s no longer the case for our pampered pups, it’s still in their nature. That being said, resource guarding can escalate and become dangerous, so addressing the behavior is necessary.
Why Does Resource Guarding Happen?
Dogs may resource guard for several reasons. While not exhaustive, the list below includes some common explanations for this behavior.
- Stress: Dogs that feel uncertain or anxious in their environment may resource guard more.
- Value of Item: Our pets catch on when something is valuable and worth protecting, like a treat!
- Learned Behavior: If a dog has successfully protected something through resource guarding in the past, they’re more likely to continue it.
- Genetics: Certain breeds were conditioned to hunt and defend their territory. Sometimes it’s simply in their genes!
- Health Issues: Dogs experiencing illness or pain may display more aggressive behaviors, such as resource guarding.
What Does Resource Guarding Look Like?
Resource guarding takes many forms, making it difficult to identify. However, there are some tell-tale signs from your dog that can help you detect it. If you notice any of the following behaviors from your furry friend, they may be resource guarding.
- Chasing you
- Growling & snarling
- Hovering & freezing
- Eating excessively fast
- Biting (including air snapping)
- Physically blocking an item with their body
How to Address Resource Guarding
It’s possible to improve or even fix your pup’s resource guarding, but owner intervention is necessary. Be aware of the dos and don’ts of managing this behavior as a pet parent.
DO:
✓ Seek professional training: Working one-on-one with a professional can provide you with the proper tools to combat this issue. They’ll ensure that your canine companion is safe and supported every step of the way.
✓ Create a peaceful environment: Allowing your dog to be relaxed and undisturbed with their item can lessen their urge to resource guard.
✓ Provide access to resources: Your furry friend may have a scarcity mindset, leading to their resource guarding. Providing access teaches them that their favorite toy or treat will always be available!
DON’T:
✗ Intrude on their space: Not respecting your pooch’s space can further provoke them, causing them to guard their item even more.
✗ Take away their item: Removing an item will just reinforce your pet’s idea that they have something to defend! This can ultimately lead to more aggressive and harmful situations happening as well.
✗ Wait until behavior escalates: Don’t wait until your furry friend goes from sweet to snappy! At the first signs of possessiveness or combativeness, take action to correct the behavior.
Although a cause for action, resource guarding is nothing that can’t be managed. With patience, consistency, and the right tools, you can minimize your dog’s resource guarding, leading to a more trusting relationship with your pup!