That’s Mine! A Guide to Preventing Resource Guarding
Resource guarding — when a dog protects food, toys, chews, or other valued items — is a natural canine behaviour, but one that can quickly create tension and risk in the home. The good news? With thoughtful prevention and a little training know-how, we can reduce the likelihood of guarding ever developing.
What Is Resource Guarding?
In the simplest terms, resource guarding happens when a dog feels the need to protect something they value. This might include food, toys, chews, bones, or even a person or space. Dogs may use subtle signals at first, such as positioning their body to block access, hunch over an item, or play keep-away or run off once they’ve gained access to a resource. More obvious behaviours, like growling, freezing, or snapping, can follow if those subtle warnings are ignored.
Guarding is not about dominance — it’s about insecurity and fear of loss. Dogs who guard are worried their precious thing will be taken away, and they respond in the only way they know how: by trying to keep it.
Spotting the Subtle Signs Early
Resource guarding rarely appears “out of nowhere.” Often, dogs show small, early signs that they’re starting to feel uneasy. Recognising these can help you act before guarding escalates.
Look out for:
Freezing, slowing movements, or tension of the face and body, when someone approaches their food, toy, or chew.
Turning their body away or hunching over an item .
Whale eye (showing the whites of their eyes) when you get close.
Ears pinned back or lip licking when near a valued resource.
Moving items away or subtly shifting position to block access.
Low growls, side-eye glances, or tense posture when touched or approached.
These are all early communication signals — your dog is saying, “I’m not comfortable.” Intervening here, with management and building positive associations, prevents conflict and helps your dog feel safer in future.
Building Trust, Not Conflict
The best prevention strategy is to make your dog feel safe and secure around people when they have valued items.
Trade, don’t take. Regularly swap lower-value items for higher-value ones so your dog learns that your approach predicts good things coming, not things being taken away.
Keep feeding time calm. Avoid hovering, staring, and repeatedly moving towards a dog or puppy that is eating. DO NOT follow the advice of the random dog owner at the park who says you should be putting hands in their bowl! Let them eat in peace — this builds confidence, not defensiveness.
Add, don’t subtract. Occasionally walk by (at a distance) while they eat and throw something tasty in the bowl. This teaches your dog that people near their food are positive, not threatening.
Respect their space. If your dog takes an item to their bed or a favourite spot, let them enjoy it there. Teach “leave it” and “swap” as separate, positive cues during training — not in high-pressure situations.
Practise gentle handling. Some dogs guard chews or bones when startled by sudden touch. Build up positive associations with being approached and handled gradually.
Of course, there are going to be times when management or puppy proofing fails, and our dogs access items that might be dangerous. If you do the above, removing an item in an emergency (calmly!) will have a lot less impact.
Special Considerations for Rescue Dogs
When bringing home a rescue dog, especially when we have unlimited history, it’s safest to assume they could have some level of resource guarding — even if it hasn’t yet shown up. Shelters can be stressful places, and dogs often haven’t had consistent access to food or safe spaces to relax.
To help them feel secure:
Treat your new dog as if they do guard. Give them quiet, private spaces to eat and enjoy chews without interruption.
Never “test” them. Don’t reach into their bowl, take things from their mouth, or disturb them while eating. These tests create stress and can trigger guarding behaviours that weren’t there before.
Don’t snatch, grab, or take items away unless there’s an immediate threat to safety.
Call away or swap it out. Teach recall and gentle exchange games so you can safely retrieve items without confrontation. By giving your rescue dog time, space, and predictability, you’ll build trust — the foundation of a secure relationship.
The Link Between Guarding and Medical Issues
Sometimes, what looks like guarding behaviour can actually be influenced or worsened by underlying medical problems. Pain, discomfort, or chronic stress can make a dog more defensive or less tolerant of being approached.
Consider medical factors if:
Guarding appears suddenly or worsens without clear reason.
Your dog guards specific areas of their body when touched.
There’s a change in appetite, mobility, or general behaviour.
Conditions such as arthritis, dental pain, ear infections, gastrointestinal upset, or hormonal changes can all affect how safe and comfortable a dog feels. Always rule out pain or illness with your vet before addressing behavioural concerns — comfort and wellbeing must come first.
Are Some Breeds More Likely to Guard?
Any dog can guard, regardless of breed, upbringing, or background — it’s a natural behaviour linked to survival instincts. However, some breeds may be more predisposed to resource guarding due to their genetics, history, or temperament.
Lack of natural outlets for breed specific traits can often create then environment for problems like resource guarding to arise. Have a think about what your dog was initially bred for, and provide for that!
It’s important to remember that breed tendencies are just one piece of the puzzle — individual experience, environment, and learning history have a far greater influence on whether guarding develops.
Setting Puppies Up for Success
For puppies, prevention is key.
Teach early that people approaching their food or toys always bring bonus rewards.
Give them a safe space (like a bed or crate) where they can eat and chew undisturbed.
Encourage calm swapping games and reward curiosity when you approach.
Puppies who grow up feeling relaxed around humans and resources are far less likely to develop guarding behaviour later.Management Matters
Even with excellent training, dogs have individual sensitivities. If your dog is showing mild signs like freezing or moving an item away, manage the environment:
Feed in a quiet area away from children or other pets.
Pick up leftover food or chews rather than leaving them around.
Avoid confrontations — they often make guarding worse.
When Things Go Wrong
If your dog growls, stiffens, or snaps when you approach something they value, don’t punish them. Growling is communication — your dog is saying they feel uncomfortable. Punishment teaches them not to warn, not to feel better.
Instead:
Stop and step away. Give your dog space to relax.
Assess what happened. What was the trigger? Food, toy, resting spot?
Contact a qualified professional. A certified trainer or behaviourist can create a tailored plan using positive reinforcement to rebuild trust and reduce guarding safely.
Guarding can be worrying, but it’s also highly workable with the right support. Early prevention, clear communication, and a relationship based on trust go a long way in helping dogs feel safe — and ensuring harmony at home.
If your dog is showing signs of guarding, don’t wait for it to escalate.