Why It Happens and How to Prevent It

Resource guarding is one of the most common behavior concerns dog guardians face and one of the most misunderstood. It can look like growling, stiffening, snapping, or even biting when a dog is approached while eating, playing with a toy, or resting in a favorite spot.

But here’s the truth: resource guarding isn’t about dominance!  It’s about feeling unsafe or worried about losing something valuable. And with the right approach, it can be prevented, managed, and improved using trust and positive reinforcement.

What Is Resource Guarding?

Resource guarding happens when a dog feels the need to protect something they value:   food, toys, bones, sleeping areas, or even people.

It’s a natural survival behavior. In the wild, protecting resources helps animals survive; in our homes, though, it can create stress or safety concerns if not handled correctly.

Why Dogs Guard Resources

Dogs guard for a few key reasons:

• Instinct: Guarding is normal, natural behavior rooted in survival.

• Fear or Insecurity:  Dogs who had food taken away in the past or lived in unpredictable environments may guard due to anxiety.

• Competition:  In multi-dog households, dogs may guard to make sure their needs are met.

• Learned Behavior:  If growling makes people back away, the dog learns that guarding works.

Guarding isn’t “bad behavior”!  It’s communication: “I’m afraid of losing this.”

How to Prevent Resource Guarding

Prevention focuses on safety, trust, and positive associations:

Trade, Don’t Take

Offer a treat or another toy in exchange instead of grabbing items away. Your dog learns that giving things up makes good things happen.

Hand-Feed Puppies or New Dogs

Creates comfort and positive associations with people near their food.

Add Value Instead of Removing It

Drop high-value treats into your dog’s bowl as they eat. Your approach becomes good news, not a threat.

Respect Space

Let dogs move away with valued items. Teaching consent prevents fear-based guarding later.

What To Do If Your Dog Is Already Guarding

Punishment makes guarding worse, it confirms your dog’s fear that their resource is at risk.

Instead:

• • Stay calm and give space

• • Don’t take items by force

• • Avoid confrontation

• • Keep everyone safe

• • Work with a certified positive reinforcement trainer

Desensitization and counterconditioning help dogs feel safer around valued items — but only when done properly. A certified positive-reinforcement trainer can guide you through the steps so your dog progresses without added stress.

How Positive Reinforcement Helps with Guarding

At Doggie Does It, we use science-based methods that build safety and trust. Through gradual exposure, rewards, and communication, dogs learn that people approaching their valued items is not a threat, it’s an opportunity.

When dogs feel safe, they don’t need to guard. They can simply enjoy being part of the family.

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Resource Guarding: Quick Summary
Resource guarding—over food, toys, or favorite spots—is a natural behavior rooted in fear or insecurity, not dominance. Using positive reinforcement, dogs can learn to feel safe, build trust, and enjoy interactions calmly. Training focuses on prevention, gradual exposure, and rewarding good choices.

If your dog is guarding food, toys, people, or space, I offer positive reinforcement dog training in Mission, Abbotsford and Albion BC to help you resolve it safely and effectively. Click the “book now” to secure your session.