Sunday’s recap: resource guarding in dogs

Resource guarding in dogs is the term used when a dog shows behaviors such as growling or snapping to convince humans or other animals to stay away from a resource the dog has. This may be dog food, toys, bones or treats – anything special that the dog has and does not want anyone else to take. Some pet owners chalk this behavior up to a dog’s natural instincts, but the truth is that resource guarding is a very dangerous behavior that needs to be corrected.

It is a natural behavior in dogs, as they have evolved from opportunistic feeders. This just means that wild dogs tend to eat whenever the opportunity arises, because they never know where their next meal may come from. Domesticated dogs still food (and other things they deem special) as a resource that they need to protect.

Usually, with proper training and exposure as a puppy, a dog will learn that resource guarding is not an acceptable behavior. In some cases, the dog may not learn this as a puppy or the desire to guard resources may be stronger than average. This can lead to a very dangerous situation and you should address this behavior problem with a professional to ensure your safety.

Sunday’s Recap: Resource Guarding in Dogs

Resource guarding is one of the leading causes for canine aggression towards humans. Resource guarding is also one of the most common reasons that dogs bite children. Your dog needs to understand that he must be willing to give up any of his possessions to a human, even if it is a very small human.