Resource Guarding in Dogs: How to Recognize, Prevent, and Resolve It
- Maria Cecilia Martinez
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
By M. Cecilia Martinez, Southernwind Kennels
Have you ever seen your dog become out of control around their food dish, snarly on the sofa, or grouchy when chewing on a bone? If so, you are not alone. This behavior, known as resource guarding in dogs, is one of the most common challenges I’ve encountered in my 50 years of breeding and training.
The good news? With the right understanding and a structured plan, resource guarding can often be resolved — and even prevented.
What Is Resource Guarding?
Resource guarding happens when a dog feels the need to protect something valuable, like food, toys, bones, or even a favorite resting spot. While this behavior comes from natural survival instincts, it can create unsafe situations in the home if left unchecked.
Why Dogs Guard Resources
From my professional experience, dogs guard resources for three main reasons:
Instinct and survival history – in the wild, protecting food meant survival.
Lack of structure at home – without clear leadership, dogs feel responsible for controlling resources.
Past experiences – dogs who had to compete for food or attention may develop guarding habits.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Guarding behavior often begins subtly. Watch for:
Freezing over an object
Hard stares or hovering
Growling or snarling
Snapping when approached
Catching these signs early can make all the difference.
Preventing Resource Guarding Before It Starts
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is this: the earlier you act, the easier it is to prevent guarding.
Puppies may stiffen when you approach their food, carry a toy and run off, or growl lightly if another puppy comes near. Many owners dismiss this as “cute,” but these are early signs of guarding.
By responding right away, you can stop it from escalating. Here are simple prevention steps:
Trade-up games – teach your puppy that when you approach, something better appears (a treat for a toy).
Hand-feeding – occasionally hand-feed meals to build trust and reduce possessiveness.
Controlled sharing – supervise puppy play with food and toys to avoid competitiveness.
Dogs raised with these positive foundations grow into adults who trust, share, and remain confident without needing to guard.
Step-by-Step Guide to Addressing Resource Guarding
1. Safety First
Use tools like baby gates, leashes, or even a basket muzzle during training sessions if necessary. Safety must come before progress.
2. Desensitization & Counterconditioning
Show your dog that your presence near their food or toy means good things happen. Start small: walk by and drop a treat in the bowl. Gradually increase interaction.
3. Handling & Trust Building
Practice gentle handling around food and toys. Reward calm responses so your dog learns your touch is not a threat.
4. Structure & Leadership
Make sure your dog understands that you control resources. You decide when food and toys are given, which creates security and reduces anxiety.
5. Troubleshooting & Regressions
It’s normal for progress to have setbacks. If your dog regresses, return to earlier steps and remain consistent.
My Professional Perspective
Over the decades, I’ve seen remarkable transformations. Dogs that once seemed out of control over their food bowls learned to relax, trust, and even step aside happily when approached.
Remember this: a resource guarder is not a “bad dog.” Guarding is a behavior — and with patience, structure, and consistency, it can be redirected into balance.
Final Thoughts
If your dog shows signs of resource guarding, don’t panic. With the right plan, consistency, and early action, most dogs can overcome it — and many puppies can avoid it altogether.
The bond you build in this process will create a safer, calmer, and more trusting relationship for years to come.