Resource Guarding - Nuance in Everything
Resource guarding is tough. I actually find it to be one of the more challenging behaviors for owners to keep working on once they’re back home. Why? There are a few reasons, and like most things in dog training, there’s a lot of nuance to each situation.
1. To some extent, almost all dogs will guard resources under the right circumstances.
It’s natural, and sometimes even justified. Honestly, you’d probably smack your little brother’s hand if he reached onto your plate while you were eating too.
2. I believe true resource guarding is largely genetic.
That means dogs who lean toward resource guarding will likely always have that tendency. They’ll need some level of management throughout their lives to lower the chances of it popping up. **This doesn’t mean your dog will guard resources every day forever, or that you won’t see huge improvements. It just means it’s always in them to possibly resurface.**
3. Then there are dogs who guard simply because they need a relationship or lifestyle reset.
These dogs aren’t hardwired to guard - they’re doing it because it’s worked. Usually it’s because there are unclear - or totally absent - boundaries. Think of them like a spoiled kid throwing a tantrum in the grocery store because they want everything they see.
4. In either case, the owner or handler needs to be more aware and in tune with their dog - in all sorts of environments, including at home - to give them the guidance and management they need.
And that’s the hard part. Like with other forms of aggression, owners of dogs prone to resource guarding have to be all in. They need to think ahead, use solid management tactics, and stay alert anytime their dog is around something that might trigger guarding.
Preventing resource guarding long-term comes down to clear boundaries, solid management, and constantly working on your relationship with your dog. If resource guarding does show up - whether it’s genetic or not - I’m a big believer that board and train programs can help in a huge way. They give both the dog and the owner a much-needed reset. Many dogs who’ve come to me for resource guarding have gone home showing no more signs of it again, as long as their owners stick to the lifestyle changes needed to keep setting their dog up for success.
From one owner of a resource guardy dog to another - I see you! Shit’s tough, but you’ll find a rhythm that works for you and your dog. It really can get better!
