If you’ve ever seen your dog growl or stiffen up when someone approaches their food bowl, toy, or even a cozy spot on the couch, you’ve probably encountered resource guarding. While this can be alarming, it’s a natural, reflex-like behaviour in some dogs, rooted in their instincts to protect valuable resources. But, it's often not just bones or food bowls! For some dogs resource guarding can be triggered by something that humans perceive benign like a Kleenex. Let's dive into what resource guarding is, what can make it worse, and how to manage it in a way that keeps everyone safe and happy.
What is Resource Guarding?
Resource guarding is when a dog shows signs of protecting something they consider valuable—whether that’s food, toys, a favourite bed, or a person. We can see resource guarding that is only towards other dogs and not people or vice versa. Think of resource guarding as "buggy software"; it may apply to one thing on a Wednesday but then change on a Thursday. It may apply to a pen you dropped on the floor inside the house but not to a bully stick. This is quite common. While it may not make sense to us, it is a very real and perceived item of value for them.
This is a deeply ingrained behaviour for dogs, going back to their ancestors who had to protect their resources to survive, and can see this behaviour in very young puppies. While resource guarding may seem troubling, it's actually quite normal. However, some dogs display this behaviour more intensely than others, and that’s where careful management comes into play.
The story of Cesar Millan and his encounter with a dog named Holly is a powerful example of why certain training methods can be harmful, particularly when it comes to managing resource guarding and other behavioral issues. Holly, a Labrador mix, appeared on Millan's show, The Dog Whisperer, exhibiting intense resource guarding behavior, particularly over food. This episode has since been widely discussed due to the approach Millan used and the aftermath for Holly.
The Showdown with Holly
Holly's resource guarding was severe—she growled, snapped, and lunged when anyone came near her food. On the show, Millan used what’s commonly known as “flooding” and physical force to address her behaviour. This included taking food away from Holly while physically dominating her, employing tactics such as “alpha rolls” (forcing the dog onto her back to submit). Millan believed that by asserting dominance over Holly, she would stop guarding her food. The episode showed Holly reacting with increased aggression before eventually “submitting” after a prolonged struggle. He received the "worst bite" in his career.
The Aftermath for Holly
The reality behind what happened to Holly after the show didn’t make the headlines in the same way the episode did. Holly’s aggression worsened after the filming. Her resource guarding became more intense, and her behaviour spiralled. Eventually, Holly was sent to live at Millan's "ranch". She could have stayed with her family if the right approaches were used.
This tragic outcome highlights the dangers of using dominance-based training methods. Instead of helping Holly feel safe around her resources, the intense confrontation increased her anxiety and fear, making her more prone to guarding behaviours in the long term.
What Makes Resource Guarding Worse?
Several factors can escalate resource guarding behaviour. Understanding these triggers can help you avoid making the situation more intense.
Pain or Discomfort: If your dog is in pain—due to an injury, illness, or age-related issues—guarding behaviour can worsen. Pain makes them more sensitive to their environment and more protective of what they have. Always rule out any underlying medical issues if you notice changes in your dog’s behaviour.
Stress and Anxiety: Like us, dogs can become more protective when they're feeling anxious or stressed. Major life changes (moving, a new baby, changes in routine) or even subtle stressors like loud noises can cause a dog to guard more intensely.
Micromanaging Everything! If your dog feels like they have no choices or control in their life, they may seek to control what little resources they have access to. Don't make this mistake by micromanaging everything in their life, it will backfire. Give them the opportunity to make as many choices as possible which will reduce stress and likely alleviate the intensity of resource guarding.
Tight Spaces and Close Proximity: Smaller spaces or environments where your dog feels cornered can amplify their need to guard. If someone (human or animal) gets too close to their resource in a confined area, it can make the dog feel trapped and more likely to react.
Humans Challenging the Dog: One of the worst things you can do is directly challenge your dog’s guarding behaviour. Trying to forcibly take something away from them or physically confront them can make the behaviour worse, as it reinforces their belief that they need to protect what’s theirs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When facing resource guarding, it's easy to make well-meaning mistakes that can actually worsen the problem. Here are some things to avoid:
Punishment: Punishing your dog for guarding behaviour may seem like a quick fix, but it actually makes things worse in the long run. Dogs don’t see punishment as a lesson in sharing; instead, it increases their fear, stress, and mistrust, which can escalate guarding behaviour.
Forcing Your Dog to Give Items Up: Taking things directly from your dog’s mouth or hands-on confrontations only reinforce the dog’s belief that their resource is in jeopardy. This tactic can backfire, teaching them to guard more fiercely the next time. Instead, opt for a trade with something of higher value, like a favourite treat, to show that giving things up leads to positive outcomes.
Labelling Your Dog as "Dominant": Dominance theory has long been debunked when it comes to dog behaviour. Resource guarding is not about a dog trying to dominate or control you—it’s an instinctual reaction to protect something they consider important. Viewing your dog as “dominant” can lead to harsher methods that exacerbate the problem.
Best Practices for Prevention and Management
Since resource guarding is a natural behaviour, the focus should be on prevention and management, not "curing" it. Here’s how you can help:
Rule Out Medical Issues: If your dog suddenly starts guarding resources or if their behavior becomes more intense, it’s essential to have them checked by a veterinarian. Pain, discomfort, or illness can all contribute to an increase in guarding behaviour, so addressing any health concerns is a crucial first step.
Prevention: Early prevention can help reduce the likelihood of guarding behaviours. For puppies, incorporating exercises that teach them humans are not a threat to their resources is a great start. Games like “trade” or “drop it” can be fun and rewarding ways to build trust. Prevention can also mean feeding your dog in a different area of the home with no foot traffic.
Management: When your dog is guarding something, don’t try to take it away. Instead, offer them a trade with something even more exciting, like a tasty treat. This reinforces the idea that giving up a resource leads to a better outcome, rather than conflict.
Reduce Stress: Whenever possible, reduce stress in their life and anticipate when stress and excitement may trigger resource guarding. For some dogs it may be going to the vet, for others it could be family or friends visiting or going camping. It's important to identify what is stressful for YOUR dog.
Work with a Certified Behaviour Consultant: If your dog’s resource guarding behaviour is becoming problematic, it’s a good idea to seek help from a certified behaviour consultant. They can create a tailored management and training plan that works for you and your dog, reducing stress and promoting positive interactions.
Seek a Veterinary Behaviourist for Severe Cases: In more severe cases, where guarding leads to aggression or presents a risk to humans or other pets, it may be necessary to consult with a veterinary behaviourist. These professionals are trained to handle complex behaviour cases and can offer medical solutions if needed, alongside behaviour modification techniques.
Can Resource Guarding Be Cured?
No, resource guarding can’t be “cured,” but it can be managed. The goal is to reduce the intensity and frequency of the behaviour while creating a safe and comfortable environment for your dog. By addressing underlying triggers like pain, stress, and anxiety, and using positive reinforcement techniques, you can help your dog feel more secure without needing to resort to guarding.
Resource guarding may be a natural behaviour, but with the right approach, it’s something that can be managed effectively. Avoid punishment and confrontations, focus on prevention and management, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help when needed. By understanding your dog’s instincts and working with them rather than against them, you can create a more harmonious relationship built on trust.
We don't need any more dogs to end up like Holly.