Dog Guarding Behaviour: Causes, Prevention and Management

Dog guarding behaviour is a complex issue that can be triggered by various factors. One of the primary causes is a dog's instinct to protect its territory, which can be influenced by its breed, upbringing, and past experiences.

Dogs that have a strong prey drive or were bred for guarding may be more prone to guarding behaviour. For example, breeds like the German Shepherd and Rottweiler are often used as guard dogs due to their natural protective instincts.

Guarding behaviour can manifest in different ways, such as barking, growling, or even physical aggression. Understanding the underlying causes of guarding behaviour is crucial in preventing and managing it.

Preventing guarding behaviour requires early socialization and training, which can help a dog become confident and calm in the presence of strangers. This can be achieved by exposing a dog to various environments, people, and situations from an early age.

Additional reading: What Causes Resource Guarding in Dogs

Resource guarding is a normal behavior in dogs, influenced by their natural instinct to survive. This behavior is deeply rooted in their wild ancestors, who had to compete for food and resources to stay alive.

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In a natural environment, dogs are scavengers living in groups around food sources, and protecting a food source is within normal canine behavior. This behavior has evolved to keep other dogs away from a meal, and in most cases, these behaviors are ritualistic.

Dogs can guard anything they consider a highly valued or scarce resource, such as food, toys, their dog bed or crate, or even a favorite human. This can vary from one moment to the next, often making the behavior feel random and unpredictable.

The more time a dog has with an item, the more likely they are to become aggressive if someone approaches. If the person or animal touches the dog, the behavior is further intensified. Dogs place value on items differently than people do, so just because we don’t think something is valuable doesn’t mean it can’t be a dog’s most beloved possession!

Resource guarding can take on several forms, including:

Dogs may guard virtually anything – from food, dog toys and people, to specific parts of their body – or even a location!

Dog guarding behaviour can be caused by a variety of factors, including fear, anxiety, a lack of confidence, and a lack of control and routine. Dogs may also guard resources as a way to establish a hierarchy with other dogs.

Dogs that have been punished for displaying guarding behaviour in the past may also be more likely to develop this behaviour. Punishment can actually make the problem worse, as it can create confusion and increase aggression.

Here are some common causes of resource guarding in dogs:

To prevent resource guarding, it's essential to manage the environment by removing potential triggers, such as food bowls and toys. You can also relocate your dog's feeding area to a low-traffic area and spend time pre-conditioning your dog by feeding them in a confined space.

Resource guarding in dogs is a natural behavior, but it can be a problem if it's not addressed properly. Dogs guard resources because they feel a sense of insecurity and anxiety, which can be triggered by various factors.

A lack of confidence in their environment can lead to resource guarding, as dogs may feel the need to protect their resources from perceived threats. This is especially true if a dog has been punished or scolded in the past for displaying guarding behavior.

Routine is essential for dogs, and a disruption in their routine can cause them to feel anxious and fearful, leading to resource guarding. I've seen this firsthand with my own dog, who would get anxious if his regular feeding schedule was disrupted.

Some dogs resource guard because they're trying to establish a hierarchy with other dogs in the area. This can be a complex issue, especially if the dog is not socialized properly.

A confrontational approach can also trigger resource guarding in dogs. If a dog's human has taken away a precious item in the past or punished the dog for displaying guarding behavior, the dog may become more aggressive when resources are threatened.

Here are some common motivational reasons why dogs develop resource guarding behavior:

Preventing guarding requires patience, understanding, and a well-planned approach. By removing potential triggers and creating a safe environment, you can help your dog feel more secure and reduce the likelihood of guarding behavior.

One of the most effective ways to prevent guarding is to manage the environment. This means removing all potential triggers, such as food bowls, toys, and other items that might spark guarding behavior. A good rule of thumb is to keep the area around your dog's feeding area quiet and low-traffic.

To desensitize your dog and counter-condition them from resource guarding, try giving them space to eat quietly during meal times. This can be achieved by feeding them in a low-traffic area or using a confined feeding room.

Hand feeding can also be an effective way to prevent resource guarding. Start by feeding your dog one small handful of food at a time, and gradually increase the amount as they become more comfortable with the process.

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Here are some practical tips to prevent resource guarding:

• Give your dog space to eat quietly during meal times, and keep that location in a low human traffic area.

• Introduce hand feeding to make your dog comfortable eating around you and taking food from your hand.

• Hold large dog chews and encourage your dog to ‘share’ your chew while you hold it for them.

• Section off your dogs and/or cats during meal times, so each pet can eat their meals at the pace they wish without feeling stressed out.

• When hand feeding low value kibble, offer a trade of something higher in value, so your dog understands that if they allow you to remove their dog bowl from under their face, they will get something even better in return.

By following these tips and being consistent, you can help your dog feel more secure and reduce the likelihood of guarding behavior. Remember, desensitising and counter-conditioning your dog takes time, practice, and patience – so stick with it!

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Dogs will often display warning signs before resorting to more aggressive behavior. These warning signs can include freezing in place, crouching low to guard their "prize", showing their teeth, growling, lunging, and biting.

Some common warning signs of resource guarding include a dog covering their head over an item, freezing with their head close to the item, or lifting their lips slightly to show their teeth. These behaviors can be subtle, but they're essential to recognize to prevent escalation.

If you notice your dog displaying any of these warning signs, it's crucial to address the situation immediately. Most dogs will not go from zero to "bite" without warning, so learning to recognize these signals is the first step in addressing resource guarding in dogs.

Resource guarding can manifest in various ways, depending on the individual dog. Some common signs include going into a freeze pose, crouching low to guard their 'prize', showing their teeth, growling, lunging, and biting.

These behaviors can range from mild to intense and are often influenced by the dog's perceived value of the item being guarded. For example, a dog may become more protective of a high-value toy than a low-value one.

Dogs will often display warning signals before escalating to more aggressive behavior. These signals can include freezing with head close to the item, covering the item with their head, or lifting their lips slightly to show teeth.

It's essential to recognize these warning signals to address the guarding behavior before it escalates further. Most dogs will not go from zero to "bite" without displaying some form of discomfort or warning.

Here are some common warning signals to look out for:

If you're not paying attention to these signals, your dog may escalate to loud growls or barking, snapping, and even biting. Being aware of these warning signs can help you prevent resource guarding issues from arising.

If you've noticed your dog guarding their bed, it's essential to address the issue to prevent any potential conflicts.

Covering your bed can help deter bed guarding, as many people have reported their dogs guarding their beds from them.

Having your dog's bed in a quiet area can help prevent distractions and reduce bed guarding.

You should make your dog's bed or crate an 'off-limits' zone, where nobody touches or approaches the dog while in or on their bed.

If you have multiple pets, place their beds in separate areas to prevent fighting over the beds.

Don't stoke your dog in their bed at all, as this can reinforce the guarding behavior.

Avoid putting your face near your dog in their bed, as this can be perceived as a threat.

If you need to move your dog out of their bed, try luring them into another room with treats or toys, and then shut the door.

If your dog takes items to their bed and guards them, remove the items when they're not in their bed. If there's an item that's repeatedly guarded, consider getting rid of it.

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If your dog has started resource guarding with you, it's essential to address the behavior promptly to prevent it from escalating. This behavior can be challenging to change, especially if it's already ingrained.

Punishment is not an effective way to address resource guarding, as it can actually make the behavior worse. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement techniques to help your dog understand that approaching you or a resource is not a threat.

Learning the "leave it" or "drop it" command is crucial in this situation. This command can help you safely take high-value items from your dog without triggering resource guarding behavior. You can teach this command using positive reinforcement with praise and treats.

Trading is another effective technique to help your dog understand that giving up a resource can lead to something even better. Trade your dog's high-value items with something of higher value, and praise them for their calm behavior.

Here are some steps you can take to minimize resource guarding in dogs once it has begun:

Remember, implementing training to stop resource guarding in dogs is technical, so if you're not confident or don't have a technical mind, it's best to seek professional help.

Managing resource guarding behaviour in dogs requires a deep understanding of their body language and signals.

Recognising the severity of the guarding problem is crucial in determining the best course of action.

Desensitisation and counter conditioning are effective methods for addressing serious resource guarding cases. Desensitisation involves exposing the dog to the triggering stimulus in small increments, while counter conditioning involves associating the stimulus with positive outcomes.

To prevent resource guarding, it's essential to manage the environment by removing potential triggers, such as food bowls and toys. Feeding in a quiet area and using a "Say Please" program can also help.

Here are some practical steps to prevent resource guarding in a multi-pet household:

Resource guarding can begin as early as a puppy's first eight weeks of life, with littermate competition for resources like mom's milk or a shared bowl of food. This behavior can be even more pronounced in puppies from very small litters with only 1-3 puppies.

Genetics and environmental factors play a significant role in the development of resource guarding.

Managing resource guarding behaviour in your dog depends on what they're guarding and the severity of the problem. It's essential to be knowledgeable in recognizing signals and reading your dog's body language.

To manage resource guarding, you need to understand that your dog is guarding something because they fear losing it. This fear can be learned through experience or develop at a young age. Some dogs may show guard-type behavior from an early age, even as young as six to eight weeks old.

Desensitization and counterconditioning are effective techniques for managing serious resource guarding cases. Desensitization involves exposing your dog to the trigger of resource guarding in small increments, without causing a negative response. Counterconditioning involves associating the trigger with a positive outcome, such as a high-value reward.

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To prevent resource guarding from occurring, it's crucial to implement practical measures early on. This includes giving your dog the space they need to eat, play, and rest, and creating safe spaces in your home where they can quietly eat or rest. You should also be aware of the warning signals of resource guarding and address the problem before it escalates.

Here are some key steps to take:

By following these steps and being patient, you can help manage and prevent resource guarding in your dog.

Dogs may guard people they're sitting near, such as a human being stroked by another person. This is often seen when a dog growls or snaps at other dogs approaching them.

Resource guarding can occur in homes with young children or multiple pets. Puppies are prone to developing dog food aggression or resource guarding of their toys when they aren't monitored properly during meal times and play times.

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Dogs may suddenly start resource guarding at any age, often due to fear of losing their prized possessions. Even adult dogs who are calm and docile can show possessive aggression if they aren't regularly reminded that it's good to share.

Some common triggers of resource guarding include:

Resource guarding can be triggered by a variety of factors, and understanding these triggers is key to addressing the behavior.

Puppies are prone to developing dog food aggression or resource guarding of their toys when they aren't monitored properly during meal times and play times before going to their forever homes.

Young children or multiple pets in the home can also contribute to the development of resource guarding in puppies.

Dogs can suddenly start resource guarding at any age, often due to fear of losing their prized possessions.

Your dog may see their food or toys as something that needs protecting, leading to possessive aggression.

Even adult dogs who are calm and docile can show possessive aggression if they aren't regularly reminded that it's good to share.

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Young puppies that exhibit severe resource guarding, such as being unable to lift their head from food, snarling, and biting, may have a reduced likelihood of successful remediation.

The behavior is likely genetic, making it extraordinarily abnormal, and in some cases, it may not be responsive to intensive treatment.

Puppies that start resource guarding at a young age may be more challenging to help, and the earlier the behavior starts, the more difficult it can be to address.

In rare cases, the behavior is so severe that it's concerning and may not be treatable, even with intensive intervention.

Breed can be a potential risk factor for resource guarding, but it's not a guarantee that an individual dog will exhibit the behavior. Certain breeds, such as those bred to guard livestock or property, are at a greater risk.

Scent hounds like Beagles, Bloodhounds, and Basset Hounds are also prone to resource guarding due to their strong sense of smell. This can lead to possessiveness over food and other resources.

Lap dogs like Chihuahuas, Tibetan Spaniels, and Japanese Chins are also at risk due to the personality traits selected for them to happily sit on laps.

People guarding can occur in all dogs, not just specific breeds. It's a common issue where the dog views their owner as their world and becomes protective, often acting like jealous children.

Some dogs that have lived as only dogs for a good portion of their lives can develop people guarding, as can dogs that used to live with another dog but have lost their companion. This is because the dog now sees the human and the home as solely theirs.

Dogs with people guarding may exhibit behaviors such as running over and pushing another dog or person away, keeping a short distance from you and blocking another dog or person from approaching you, or growling at another dog or person if you touch them.

If you notice people guarding in the home, it's essential to not draw attention to it and not panic. You should also avoid telling the dog off or punishing them, as this can make the situation worse.

Here are some steps you can take to manage people guarding:

It may take multiple attempts to get the dogs to settle down and understand that people guarding will not get them attention. Be patient and consistent, and don't hesitate to seek support from trainers if you're struggling.

Location is a crucial aspect to consider when it comes to a dog's behavior, especially if you're dealing with location guarding.

Some breeds are more prone to location guarding, but it's not exclusive to any particular breed. If you suspect your dog is location guarding, don't walk into the room with them, as this can exacerbate the issue.

To address location guarding, start by finding some tasty treats and begin throwing a treat toward your dog, luring them out of the room and then throwing a treat a distance away from the room. This can help redirect their focus and make them more receptive to training.

If your dog becomes fixated on a specific location, it's essential to close the door, preventing them from accessing the room, and not allow them back in. This can help break the cycle of location guarding and allow you to work on retraining your dog.

In some cases, it may be necessary to call a professional trainer to discuss the issue and develop a customized training plan.

Living with multiple dogs in the home can be a challenging experience, especially if one of them develops resource guarding behavior. In some cases, a younger dog may learn to resource guard by observing an older dog who exhibits this behavior.

It's not uncommon for younger dogs to develop resource guarding behavior after being introduced to a home with an older dog who has this issue. This can lead to a lifelong struggle for pet parents.

Resource guarding can be a challenging behavior to treat, especially when it involves fighting between dogs. In some cases, generations of dogs may develop this behavior, making it difficult to break the cycle.

Introducing a new dog to a home with an existing resource guarder requires careful planning and training to prevent the new dog from developing this behavior.

Certain breeds are at a greater risk for resource guarding due to their breeding history and characteristics. These include breeds bred to guard livestock or property, such as the Great Pyrenees and Rottweiler.

Scent hounds like the Beagle and Bloodhound are also prone to resource guarding due to their strong sense of smell. This can lead to possessiveness over food and other resources.

Lap dogs like the Chihuahua and Japanese Chin are also at risk, as their personality traits often prioritize being close to their owners over sharing resources. This can manifest as resource guarding in these breeds.

Some breeds, like the English lab, may display behaviors that resemble resource guarding but are actually driven by their love of food or play.

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Puppies housed in less-than-desirable conditions or tight spaces like puppy mills are at a greater risk to resource guards.

A lack of space, not a lack of food, contributes to resource guarding in dogs. This suggests that even if a dog has plenty of food, they may still develop resource guarding if they're confined to a small area.

Homeless dogs with scarce resources but plenty of space are not at a greater risk for resource guarding once given proper nutrition. This is a key takeaway for anyone working with dogs in challenging environments.

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Food guarding is a serious issue that can be addressed with patience and consistency. Start by having an empty food bowl and approaching it from a distance of about 5 metres, then stop and throw pieces of food toward the bowl.

Approaching the bowl from different angles and changing the amount of time between approaches can help your dog become desensitized to the situation. This process needs to be repeated over and over before moving to the next step.

Through very small changes, you can progress to the dog approaching the bowl without guarding, eventually working up to walking all the way up to the empty bowl, dropping treats in, and walking away. This can be a long process, but it's essential to make it a positive experience for your dog.

By dropping treats and gradually increasing the level of interaction with the bowl, your dog starts to associate the situation with happy anticipation of a treat. This emotional shift from fear to happiness can be a game-changer for dogs with food guarding issues.

Food and resources are a big deal for dogs, and it's not uncommon for them to get a little possessive. A great way to address this is to desensitize and counter condition serious cases of food guarding by starting with an empty food bowl and gradually increasing your approach.

Approaching your dog while he's eating can be overwhelming, so try placing the food in a separate room without him present, then letting him enter the room to eat in peace. This helps him relax and associate humans with adding more food, not taking it away.

Removing toys and bones from the environment can also help reduce resource guarding, as there's simply nothing to fight over. By doing so, you're giving yourself time to assess the dynamics of your household and work on addressing any tension or aggression that may arise.

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Start by providing a separate room for your dog to eat without any distractions or other pets.

This helps your dog eat in peace, lowering his fear and anxiety, and is especially helpful for resource-guarding dogs.

Place his food in the separate room and shut the door behind him, allowing him to eat at his own pace.

After he finishes eating, open the door, call his name, and place another food bowl with some extra treats by the door.

Then, walk away to show him that when humans approach, they add more food, not take it away.

This new feeding routine should be followed for several weeks to help your dog relax in the presence of a food bowl.

After a couple of weeks, you can start opening the door while he eats, call his name, and toss a yummy treat toward him, aiming for the bowl from a distance.

This helps your dog learn to associate the presence of food with positive experiences, rather than fear and anxiety.

Removing toys and bones from your home is a simple yet effective way to reduce tension and aggression in your dogs.

Putting them away means there is nothing to guard and nothing to fight over.

You may feel guilty but your dog will be just fine without toys or bones for a few weeks.

Resource guarding is a common issue in dogs, and it's not just about food - it's about feeling secure and in control. Dogs guard resources because they fear losing them, and this fear can be learned through experience or developed at a young age.

Some humans unknowingly create resource-guarding behavior by taking things away from their dogs without warning, which is essentially like grabbing something from someone without permission. We should train dogs from an early age to politely hand over valued items when asked.

Even six to eight week-old puppies can show resource guarding behavior to their litter mates and humans. This behavior isn't just about food; it can extend to toys, treats, and even attention.

To eliminate food guarding in dogs, hand feeding can be used as prevention or desensitization. Start by feeding a new dog one small handful of food at a time, and even if they don't resource guard, this can help prevent food aggression in dogs.

Feeding a dog in a bag and grabbing their empty food dish helps the dog associate a hand approaching the food dish with the arrival of good things. This should be done for every meal for the first few weeks to show the dog that you provide the food and are the bearer of good things.

It's essential to remember that a dog's guarding habits won't change overnight, and you need to work on this every day. Consistency and patience are key to helping your dog feel more secure and confident around resources.