
20/06/2025
🐾 Mine! Understanding Resource Guarding and Anxiety in Dogs 🐾
Have you ever seen your dog stiffen, growl, or snap when someone approaches their food, toy, or even a favourite spot on the couch? This behaviour, known as resource guarding, is your dog’s way of saying “This is mine!” — but it’s often not just about the item itself.
Resource guarding is not about dominance; it’s often rooted in anxiety or fear. Dogs who feel uncertain, insecure, or stressed may guard what they value most, fearing it might be taken away.
💡 What can trigger it?
Past trauma or neglect
Inconsistent access to resources (like food or attention)
Underlying anxiety or medical issues
Genetic predisposition in some breeds or individuals
📉 Punishing guarding behaviours can increase fear and worsen anxiety. Instead, behaviour modification based on trust, predictability, and positive associations is key.
💬 If your dog shows signs of guarding, it’s not a personality flaw; it’s a stress signal. Support is available, and early intervention can make all the difference.
📩 Reach out to Kalmpets if you’d like tailored advice or help managing guarding behaviours in your dog. Your dog isn’t being “bad”; they’re asking for help.