Dogs are loyal companions that bring joy, love, and laughter into our lives. However, just like humans, dogs can display complex behaviours that may require understanding and intervention.

One such behaviour is resource guarding – a common issue many dog owners face. Resource guarding occurs when a dog becomes possessive over certain items, such as food, toys, or their resting place, and displays aggressive or defensive behaviour to protect those resources.

But what exactly is the reason behind this behaviour?

1. Survival Instincts

Resource guarding is a behaviour that stems from the instinct to protect and defend what a dog considers valuable. It is a way for dogs to ensure their well-being and safety.

Food and a safe resting place are essential for the survival of all living species, including dogs. These instincts are ingrained in them as a means to maintain their physical well-being and sustain themselves in challenging environments. Just as humans have mechanisms to protect their homes or belongings, dogs have natural behaviours to safeguard their resources.

Even though our domesticated dogs may no longer face the same scarcity and threats as their ancestors, their instincts remain intact. When a dog resource guards, it manifests its instinctual drive to protect what they perceive as its valuable possessions. They express their intentions to protect something by growling, snapping, or even biting to defend their resources.

2. Anxiety

Anxiety is another significant aspect that can contribute to resource guarding and various other behavioural issues in dogs.

Anxiety in dogs can stem from various factors, including genetics, past experiences, lack of socialisation, or even environmental changes. Dogs not adequately socialised during their critical development stages may struggle with anxiety when faced with unfamiliar situations, objects, or people. Similarly, traumatic experiences such as abuse or neglect can leave lasting emotional scars and increase anxiety.

Regarding resource guarding, anxiety can exacerbate the intensity of the behaviour. An anxious dog may exhibit resource guarding as a coping mechanism to alleviate their internal distress. When feeling anxious, they may perceive the presence of others as a threat and engage in resource-guarding behaviours as a way to self-soothe or maintain a sense of control in an uncertain environment. This can manifest as guarding specific resources such as food, toys, or personal space. By guarding these resources, the dog seeks to create a sense of security and stability amidst their anxiety.

Recognising signs of anxiety in dogs is crucial for early intervention. These signs can include:

excessive panting
pacing
trembling
excessive barking or whining
avoidance behaviour
or even destructive behaviours

Each dog may uniquely exhibit anxiety, so paying close attention to their individual behaviour patterns is important.

3. Past Experiences

Imagine a rescue dog who has endured neglect or abuse in its previous home. These past experiences can leave lasting emotional scars, leading to heightened anxiety and a deep-seated need to protect their resources. For them, resource guarding becomes a coping mechanism to maintain control in an unpredictable world.

Unfortunately, there were 92,244 reported incidents of dogs being victims of cruelty in the UK last year alone, averaging 253 reports per day or more than 10 calls per hour.

These distressing numbers shed light on the importance of considering the impact of past experiences on dogs. Many of these reported cases involve dogs suffering traumatic events or not receiving adequate care and socialisation.

4. Training Can Also be to Blame

Training is crucial in shaping a dog's behaviour, including its response to resource-guarding situations. Unfortunately, in some cases, training methods can inadvertently contribute to developing or escalating resource-guarding behaviour.

When owners mistakenly attempt to assert dominance over their dogs by taking away their food or toys, it can create a negative association and trigger defensive reactions.

Imagine a scenario where a puppy is happily enjoying their meal or engrossed in playing with a favourite toy. In a misguided attempt to establish dominance, an owner abruptly removes the food bowl or snatches the toy from the dog's mouth.

This interruption creates a sense of uncertainty and can lead the dog to believe that the presence of a human during these enjoyable moments signifies the loss of their resources.

As a result, the dog may respond defensively, growling or snapping to protect their possessions. This unintended consequence of training gone wrong can instil a sense of anxiety and increase the likelihood of resource-guarding behaviours in the future.

Can Resource Guarding Be Cured?

Resource-guarding behaviour in dogs can be a challenging issue to address. Still, the good news is that it can be effectively managed and improved with the right approach and dedicated effort. While a complete "cure" may not always be achievable, significant progress can be made in reducing the frequency and intensity of resource-guarding behaviours.

It’s important to remember that resource-guarding behaviour in dogs is not considered a pathological condition but rather a natural survival instinct. Therefore, eradicating this behaviour is not realistic or necessary. Instead, the focus is on effectively managing and improving the behaviour through training and behaviour modification techniques.

The journey to managing resource guarding begins with understanding and addressing the underlying causes we discussed earlier, such as genetics, anxiety, territoriality, past experiences, and training methods. Identifying and addressing these factors can lay the foundation for positive change.

Professional guidance from a certified veterinary behaviourist or an experienced dog trainer, such as Animal Wellbeing Centre, can be immensely helpful. Our team of experts can create a customised behaviour modification plan tailored to the individual dog's needs. The plan may include techniques like counterconditioning, desensitisation, and positive reinforcement training to change the dog's emotional response to resource-related situations gradually.

Consistency and patience are vital throughout the training process. We can gradually reshape the dog's associations and responses by consistently reinforcing desired behaviours and avoiding situations that trigger resource guarding. It's important to note that progress may take time, and setbacks can occur along the way. However, with perseverance and a positive mindset, improvement can be achieved.

It's also crucial to manage the dog's environment to prevent opportunities for resource guarding. This includes managing access to valuable resources, providing separate feeding areas for multiple dogs, and carefully introducing new objects or people to avoid triggering guarding behaviour.

Conclusion

Resource-guarding behaviour in dogs is a complex issue influenced by various underlying causes. By understanding these causes, such as genetics, anxiety, territoriality, past experiences, and training methods, we gain valuable insights into the intricacies of resource guarding. This understanding allows us to approach the problem with empathy, patience, and effective strategies.

While a complete "cure" may not always be possible, significant progress can be made in reducing the frequency and intensity of resource-guarding behaviours.

With commitment, dedication, and a willingness to adapt our approach, we can help our dogs feel more comfortable, secure, and content. This, in turn, promotes their overall well-being and strengthens the bond we share with them.

To take the first step towards helping your dog, we encourage you to book a behavioural consultation with us now. Our consultation services are designed to provide personalised guidance and support for you and your furry companion.