Resource Guarding & How To Prevent It
Dog resource guarding is a behavior issue that can be seen in some dogs where they become possessive of a certain object, food, or person. This behavior can range from mild, such as pushing away another dog or person to get closer to the item or person they are guarding, to more serious behaviors like growling and biting if approached too closely.
Resource guarding can be caused by several factors. It could be that the dog wasn’t socialized well with other people or animals early on in their life, so they are trying to protect what’s theirs out of fear or insecurity. Some dogs may guard resources because they don’t have anything else to do and it makes them feel important. Resource guarding can also happen when a dog is given too much freedom; when left alone for long periods of time with access to food, toys and other resources, a dog might start to believe that these items are “theirs” and will try to protect them from others.
It is important for owners to recognize the signs of resource guarding in order to prevent it from escalating into more serious behavior issues. Signs include growling, snapping, and showing teeth when someone approaches the item being guarded. The best way to prevent resource guarding is by setting consistent boundaries for your dog and enforcing them consistently. Make sure your dog knows you are in charge by being calm and assertive when interacting with him/her. When possible, when taking toys, bones or other items away from your dog, trade them for something else of value. This can help prevent resource guarding since your dog sees this as more fair. You should also train your dog using positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise so they know that desired behaviors will be rewarded. Additionally, work on desensitizing your dog so they no longer feel the need to guard their resources by slowly introducing them (from a distance) to new people or animals while giving them treats for good behavior around those things that make them uncomfortable before allowing physical contact with them. Finally, keep an eye out for any potential triggers for resource-guarding behavior; if you notice something making your pup uncomfortable (like someone getting too close to their food dish), remove yourself and the trigger from the situation until you have time to address it properly at another time.
By following these steps, owners can help ensure that their dog does not display aggressive behaviors related to resource-guarding while still allowing him/her accesses to necessary items like food and toys without fear of retaliation from other animals or people in his environment.
References:
1. What is Resource Guarding in Dogs? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.petmd.com/dog/behavior/what-resource-guarding-dogs
2. Resource Guarding in Dogs – Prevention and Solutions - The Dogington Post (2019). Retrieved from https://www.dogingtonpost.com/resource-guarding-in-dogs-prevention-and-solutions/
3. How to Stop Your Dog's Resource Guarding: Steps and Tips - American Kennel Club (2020). Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/how-to-stop-your-dogs-resource-guarding/
4. Resource Guarding in Dogs – Causes, Prevention and Solutions - Dogappy (2020). Retrieved from https://dogappy.com/resource-guarding-in-dogs
5. Resource Guarding in Dogs: What Is It And How To Handle It? - The Honest Kitchen (2021). Retrieved from https://www.thehonestkitchen.com/blog/resource-guarding-in-dogs/
6. Resource Guarding in Dogs – How to Stop it & Prevent it From Happening Again (2021). Retrieved from https://www.happytailsspa.com/pet-health-center/behavioral-issues/resource-guarding/