Resource guarding in dogs is a common behaviour that can worry many owners. It happens when a dog feels the need to protect food, toys, a dog bed, or even a favourite human. While guarding behaviour is natural, it can become a problem if it leads to growling, snapping, or biting. The good news is that resource guarding can be managed and improved with the right approach. In this guide, we’ll explain why dogs guard things, the signs to watch for, and practical tips to prevent and stop resource guarding.
What Is Resource Guarding?
Resource guarding is when a dog protects a particular item, space, or even a favourite human because they believe it is valuable. It’s a natural behaviour—dogs protect resources in the wild to survive—but in a family home it can cause stress and risk.
Dogs may guard food, toys, dog beds, chews, or even people. One dog might guard food sources like the bowl or table scraps, while another may show guarding behaviour over high value items such as bones or chew toys. Some dogs guard space, like the sofa, or even protect their favourite human when other family members approach.
This guarding behaviour is based on fear of losing the resource. The dog feels anxious and uses body language or aggression to keep others away.
What Does Resource Guarding Look Like in Dogs?
Resource guarding behaviour can range from subtle to very obvious. Spotting the early warning signs is the best way to prevent aggression.
More subtle signs include:
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Stiffening when you walk past the food bowl or toy
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A hard stare if another dog approaches
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Eating faster when humans approach
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Carrying toys away or lying over a dog bed protectively
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Turning the head slightly to block access (head turn)
Stronger signs may involve:
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Growling, snarling, or barking
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Lifting the lip
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Lunging, snapping, or biting when someone tries to take a particular item
Dogs may guard food, high value chews, or toys. In some cases, a dog guards even a favourite human when others get close. In multi dog households, resource guarding may show as blocking access to food or toys from the other dog.
Causes of Resource Guarding in Dogs
There is no single reason why a dog guards things. Often, it’s a mix of instinct, experience, and environment.
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Survival instinct – In the wild, guarding food and safe spaces is normal. Even in homes, dogs may hold onto that instinct.
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Past experience – Dogs that had limited food sources, were in shelters, or lived with competition may guard food or toys more strongly. Battersea Dogs & Cats Home notes that dogs can develop guarding if resources were scarce early in life.
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Medical issues – Pain or illness can make a dog less tolerant. A sore mouth, joint pain, or digestive issue may make guarding worse. Always check with a veterinarian if guarding starts suddenly.
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Stress and anxiety – A stressed dog may show behaviour issues like resource guarding. Triggers might include new pets, children, or a change in routine.
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Breed tendencies – Some breeds bred for guarding or hunting may be more prone to possessive aggression. But any dog can guard.
How to Manage Resource Guarding in Dogs
Managing resource guarding means setting up the home so the dog doesn’t feel threatened and others stay safe. This is the first step in any treatment plan.
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Control the environment – Feed dogs separately. In a multi dog household, give each dog space with no competition. Use baby gates or separate rooms.
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Respect high value items – If a dog guards high value chews or a favourite toy, give them in a safe space. Don’t let children approach.
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Teach trade-up – Swap guarded items for high value items or extra treats. Over time, the dog learns humans approaching means reward, not loss.
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Avoid punishment – Shouting or grabbing the item increases stress. Punishment makes guarding worse and can damage trust.
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Safe zones – Provide a dog bed or crate as a safe space where the dog won’t be disturbed. This reduces anxiety and lowers guarding behaviour.
Example: If your dog guards the food bowl, feed them in a quiet room and don’t disturb during meals. Later, practice dropping a tasty treat into the bowl as you walk by. This creates a positive experience around food and helps stop resource guarding.
By managing the home environment and focusing on calm, reward-based interactions, owners can prevent resource guarding issues from becoming dangerous and build trust with their dog.
How to Prevent Resource Guarding in Dogs
The best way to handle resource guarding in dogs is to stop it before it starts. Prevention works especially well in puppies, but it can also help older dogs.
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Teach trust early – From puppyhood, make the food bowl a positive experience. Walk past while dropping tasty treats into the bowl. This shows your dog that humans approaching means more food, not a threat.
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Encourage sharing – Practice “swap” games by giving a low-value toy, then offering a high value chew in return. Rewarding these moments builds a habit of letting go.
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Safe feeding areas – In a multi dog household, feed dogs separately. This reduces competition and prevents early food aggression.
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Respect resting spaces – Give your dog a secure dog bed or crate where family members, especially children, are taught not to disturb them.
How to Stop Resource Guarding in Dogs
Stopping resource guarding behaviour takes patience and consistency. The goal is to change how your dog feels when humans approach their resources.
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Start with management – Prevent dangerous situations. Don’t allow children to reach for guarded items or disturb eating dogs.
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Trade-up training – When your dog guards food or a toy, calmly offer a higher-value treat. Over time, the dog learns to drop items on cue. Use the word “drop” during the swap to teach the behaviour.
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Gradual desensitisation – Approach slowly during meals, toss in extra treats, then walk away. This builds a positive association with humans near the food bowl.
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Reward calm behaviour – If the dog allows approach without stiffening or hard stares, praise and reward immediately.
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Seek professional help – If aggression escalates or you feel unsafe, contact a qualified behaviourist.
UK Laws
In the UK, dog owners have a legal duty of care under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. This law requires owners to meet a dog’s five welfare needs, which include providing the ability to express normal behaviour. Guarding in dogs is a natural instinct, but it must be managed safely.
The DEFRA Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs highlights the importance of safe handling, training, and preventing stress. If a dog bites due to guarding behaviour, owners may also face liability under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
This means owners must:
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Prevent harm to family members, visitors, or other dogs
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Provide positive training to stop resource guarding issues
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Seek professional help where needed
By following welfare guidelines and focusing on positive reinforcement, you not only protect your family but also meet your dog’s legal and emotional needs.
When to Ask for Help
Not all guarding behaviours can be fixed at home. Sometimes, professional help is the safest option.
Seek help if:
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Your dog has bitten or snapped at a person or other dog
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Guarding involves multiple items or extends to space and people
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Guarding escalates despite training efforts
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You feel unsafe or worried about family members
FAQs
How do I stop my dog resource guarding?
Start with management—feed separately, avoid confrontation, and teach “drop” with tasty treats. Use positive reinforcement to reward calm behaviour. If it escalates, seek professional help from a qualified behaviourist.
Can resource guarding be fixed?
Yes. Many dogs overcome guarding behaviour with consistent training, management, and patience. Some dogs may always need a treatment plan, but most improve significantly with reward-based methods.
What breeds are prone to resource guarding?
Any breed can show resource guarding. However, breeds bred for guarding, hunting, or strong possession instincts may show it more often. That said, environment and experience play a bigger role than breed.
How to tell if a dog is resource guarding you?
If your dog positions themselves between you and others, stiffens, growls, or shows a hard stare when family members or another dog approach, they may be guarding you. Early training and professional help are key to resolving this safely.
Conclusion
Resource guarding in dogs may look worrying, but it doesn’t mean your pet is aggressive or unloving. It simply shows that your dog feels threatened or anxious about losing something they value. By using positive reinforcement, respecting their safe spaces, and managing situations carefully, most owners can stop resource guarding before it becomes serious.
