Treasure?

My insights on resource guarding, a common, very normal behaviour in dogs, which can sadly escalate, and result in the breakdown of relationships.

I love watching my dogs with items they value, the joy on Sula's face when she acquires an illicit crisp packet that's been left on the arm of the sofa, Alys' excitement when she finds a toy she didn't expect in

the garden.... Watching the pleasure they derive from acquiring these 'treasures' makes me really happy.

Sula often seeks me out to help her access the tasty 'licks' inside the bag. She knows I will not take it from her, but rather share the experience with her.

Dogs value all kinds of things, very often things which have no value for us at all. Many dogs experience anxiety that those items, food, toys or space will be taken from them, and that is when resource guarding can occur.

Dog's will guard an astonishing array of things they perceive as being valuable. I've seen dogs that have bitten whilst in possession of the lid of a Mcdonald's cup, a tea towel, a tissue, a sofa space, various chews and treats, and once even a pile of sick.....

Understanding Resource Guarding in Dogs

Resource guarding is a natural behaviour in dogs, but it can become problematic if not understood or managed appropriately. As a dog guardian, it’s essential to recognize the signs, understand why it occurs, and implement positive strategies to help your dog feel secure.

What is Resource Guarding?

Resource guarding occurs when a dog attempts to protect something they perceive as valuable—this could be food, toys, a resting spot, or even a person. The guarding behaviour may range from subtle signs, such as stiffening or turning away, to more overt behaviours like growling, snapping, or lunging.

Why Do Dogs Resource Guard?

Resource guarding is an evolutionary survival instinct. In the wild, animals must protect their resources to ensure survival. While our pet dogs live in a domesticated environment, their instinct to secure valuable items remains intact. Several factors can influence the development of resource guarding, including:

Genetics – Some breeds or individual dogs may have a stronger predisposition.
Early experiences – Puppies that had to compete for food or toys in early life may develop guarding tendencies.
Lack of trust – Dogs who feel unsure about when they will have access to resources may guard more intensely.
Past reinforcement – If a dog has learned that growling or snapping makes a perceived threat go away, they may continue using this strategy.

Signs of Resource Guarding

Recognising early warning signs can help prevent escalation. Look out for:

Eating faster or tensing when someone approaches
Freezing or hovering over an item
Growling or baring teeth
Snapping or lunging if the threat persists
Avoiding giving up an object

What NOT to Do

Many well-meaning dog guardians unknowingly worsen resource guarding by:

Punishing the dog – This may suppress the warning signs but does not address the underlying emotion, increasing the risk of a sudden bite.
Forcibly removing the item – This teaches the dog they must guard even more intensely in the future.
“Testing” the dog – Constantly taking food or toys away to see how the dog reacts can create anxiety and mistrust.

How to Help a Dog Who Resource Guards

Rather than punishing guarding behaviour, the goal is to help your dog feel safe and secure in the presence of people around their valued items. Here’s how:

1. Prevention Through Positive Associations

If your dog is relaxed while eating or chewing, occasionally walk past and drop something even better—such as a tasty treat. Over time, your dog learns that people approaching means good things happen.

2. Teach a Reliable Trade Cue

Teaching your dog that giving up an item results in something even better (rather than a loss) helps reduce guarding tendencies. Start with low-value items and offer a higher-value reward in return.

3. Use Management Strategies

Feed your dog in a quiet area to reduce competition and stress.
Provide multiple toys or chews to lower perceived scarcity.
Avoid taking items from your dog unnecessarily; instead, use trades or distractions.

4. Seek Professional Guidance

For dogs displaying intense guarding behaviours, working with a qualified behaviour professional can provide tailored strategies to build confidence and reduce guarding responses safely.

Final Thoughts

Resource guarding is a natural canine behaviour, not a sign of a ‘bad’ dog. By using positive reinforcement and trust-building techniques, you can help your dog feel more secure, reducing the need to guard in the first place. Patience, understanding, and proactive training are key to supporting a well-adjusted and confident dog.