Resource Guarding – Prevention is better than cure

Let’s start by saying that resource guarding is a perfectly normal behaviour. However, if you’ve ever lived with a resource guarder it doesn’t feel normal. It’s not an easy behaviour to live with and it can be dangerous.

Have you ever been in a bar or restaurant and the staff have taken your unfinished drink away when you weren’t paying attention? Annoying, isn’t it? The next time you see them approach, you will probably keep a closer eye on them and move your hand closer to your glass in anticipation. If it happens twice, you’ll probably hold onto your drink and say something to them. You’ve started to resource guard your drink from the staff.

All dogs have the potential to guard resources. Yes, ALL dogs.

The following tips are to prevent resource guarding in the first place. If your dog is already showing signs of guarding, whether it be food, people, items or places, please consult a qualified behaviourist for advice.

Prevention Rule #1 Don’t take your dog’s food away from them just to prove that you can

The internet is full of outdated advice and this beauty used to be rife. Fortunately, we now know better. Removing your dog’s food bowl or food from them while they are eating is a quick route to creating anxiety around meal times.

Prevention Rule #2 Don’t play the game

Dogs love to play. Chase and tug are two games that most dogs enjoy. If your dog picks up an item they shouldn’t have and you respond by chasing them and pulling on the item then what has your dog learnt? Your dog has learnt this is a great way to start a play session with you!

Prevention Rule #3 Teach your dog that dropping items is worthwhile

Dogs can find holding items intrinsically rewarding, especially dogs that have been bred to hold items in their mouth; Spaniels, Labradors, etc. Play is also rewarding (see rule 2) and chewing just feels good! We need to teach our dogs that dropping the item is also rewarding. Teaching a solid ‘drop’ cue is one of the first things we teach in puppy class. If you’re in our private client Facebook page you will find a step by step ‘drop’ tutorial there. Chirag Patel’s counting game is also an excellent way to teach a dog to leave an item (YouTube link below):

https://youtu.be/Ra8TKCwTDbk

When you are training these behaviours, and if it’s safe to do so, you can reward your dog for dropping by giving the item back to them. This way they learn that it’s not always about losing the valued item.

Prevention Rule #4 Trade UP

While you are working on your ‘drop’ cue, always swap stolen items for something of more value. Always trade UP. Before you pick up the stolen item, make sure it is safe to do so. Create space by throwing the trade UP item away from the stolen item.

Prevention Rule #5 Provide legal toys and chews

Make sure your dog has items that they can play with and chew. Playing and chewing are both natural behaviours and your dog will find an outlet for them if you don’t provide one. Much better a stuffed KONG than a stuffed pillow 😊