Resource Guarding is one of the most natural behaviours, for us humans and for our dogs.

🐶 It’s just that when our dogs do it, let’s say ‘excessively’ from our point of view, it doesn’t fit into our lifestyle.

💜 The key to addressing resource guarding is understanding, not confrontation.

➡️➡️ Instead of punishing your dog for growling or snapping - simply behaviours that communicate their discomfort - focus on:

✅ building trust (counter conditioning)
✅ management (avoiding situations where your dog feels the need to)
✅ positively teaching new skills that will allow you and your dog to easily navigate these situations (drop, leave, hand target, back, off, etc).

🛑 also rule out underlying heath niggles (you’d be surprised by how much GI issues or pain/ discomfort can play into resource guarding behaviours).

🐾 and ensure your dog’s basic needs are met, from providing them with a safe place to rest to being able to eat in peace.