What triggers resource guarding in dogs?
Maryam Dibbert
2025-06-24 18:20:21
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Resource guarding is a natural behaviour that occurs when an animal feels the need to keep others away from a specific item or resource. It stems from the need of wild or feral animals to guard their limited resources in order to survive. Resource guarding can occur in any dog breed, and can present as a dog guarding one particular item or everything they view as valuable, from toys and treats to their bed or even a favourite location – or, in some cases, a particular member of their family. Even experienced dog owners can’t always anticipate what their dog might choose to guard, or how they will react to someone encroaching on their space while guarding. In adult dogs, if resource guarding has come on suddenly it’s a good idea to schedule a vet exam, as changes in behaviour can be a sign of pain or an underlying medical condition. Most dogs resource guard food or toys, but occasionally this behaviour can extend to people, too. This can be misinterpreted as protectiveness towards the human – but in reality it’s no less self-motivated than guarding a favourite object, and has the potential to become dangerous if left unchecked.
Carlee Davis
2025-06-18 11:50:44
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Just like us, dogs can become worried if they feel that something they value might be taken away from them. This worry can sometimes lead to guarding behaviour, which is a dog’s way of trying to keep their precious item safe. The main reason for guarding is fear of losing valuable items. Taking things away from your dog as punishment or telling them off for guarding is likely to increase their anxiety about losing things. They may become even more worried and feel the need to protect those valuable things even more. Guarding behaviour can include standing over an item they value, with a very stiff and still posture, lowering their body posture if anyone approaches the item, running away with the item, hiding the item, eating their food or treat very quickly, growling or showing aggressive behaviour to protect the item.
Brycen Gusikowski
2025-06-13 11:09:39
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Dogs may exhibit resource guarding for a variety of reasons, ranging from mild to more severe behavioral issues. Often, dogs become possessive over objects that are of high value to them, like special toys, treats, or even regular meals. Anxiety and fear: Some dogs who are anxious and fearful may display resource guarding when they feel afraid or feel that other aspects of their environment are out of their control. Frustration: Dogs may resource guard when they are understimulated or not getting enough physical exercise. They put their leftover energy and effort into guarding toys or food. Conflict: This is the most common reason for resource guarding, and it stems from food or object dominance. Dogs can use food or objects as a way to assert themselves over other pets or humans in the household, and they can become aggressively possessive as a result. Resource guarding can stem from fear and anxiety, frustration, and territoriality.
Ocie Bechtelar
2025-06-02 23:46:15
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Resource guarding is when a dog becomes defensive in order to keep you away from a particular item or resource that they treasure. The resource can be food, treats, toys, a place, like a bed or favourite chair, or occasionally even a person. Resource guarding is a natural behaviour for your dog, and an important survival strategy as a scavenger in the wild. If your dog is showing extreme resource guarding behaviour, we would recommend contacting your vet who can recommend a qualified behaviourist. Make sure all family members and everyone who visits know never to approach or interrupt your dog if they are eating or have a chew. As best as possible, hide or remove any items that your dog may steal and guard so that you do not have to confront your dog. If you do have to remove something from them, make sure it’s an exchange rather than just taking something away.
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