22/03/2025
Resource guarding food is a very natural behavior for dogs. Subtle distance increasing communication should be sufficient to inform an approaching party that the object, space, person, or whatever is being coveted, is of high value and they wish to maintain possession. However, when that communication is not received well, or worse yet, is admonished, things can escalate. Dogs that are fearful or anxious are more prone to escalating past subtle communication as well as more prone to responding incorrectly to such communication. Resource guarding isn’t about your dog being dominant or ‘alpha’, a common misconception.
There are many factors that can contribute to the severity of resource guarding issues. Genetics and stress/anxiety seem to be the most common. History of access to the resource as well as history of response to their behavior over the resource as well as the inherent value or added value of a specific resource can all contribute to the problem. You can see how it may be natural for a dog to ‘guard’ many things, including their safe place and that may include their car, their crate, their bed, or even you!
Working through resource guarding issues can help build your dog’s confidence, create a better relationship between members in the household (both dog and human) and allow you to become more aware of your dog’s emotional state. So, whether you think you have guarding issues or not, this class can help your dog succeed in life!
Online dog training classes for obedience, rally, agility, tracking, nosework, dog behavior, freestyle, and foundation skills.
