Resource guarding is when a dog shows behaviours like growling, snapping, or stiffening to protect things they value—such as food, toys, or people. It can be worrying, especially if it escalates.
But it’s more common than you might think.
And it can be managed.
What does resource guarding look like?
Common signs include:
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Growling or snapping when approached
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Freezing or eating faster when someone comes near
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Blocking access to a person or item
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Lunging or biting if challenged
These behaviours are often driven by fear of losing something important—not aggression.
Why do dogs guard resources?
It’s natural. Dogs, like many animals, want to keep hold of what they need to survive or enjoy.
According to certified dog behaviourist Dr. Patricia McConnell, “Resource guarding is a normal behaviour for many animals, including dogs. It becomes a problem when it affects safety or wellbeing.”
Some common triggers:
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Genetics: some dogs are more predisposed
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Past trauma: rescue dogs may have had to compete for food
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Lack of training: puppies not taught to share may not learn
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Stress or anxiety: dogs feel more need to guard when unsettled
What the science says
A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behaviour (Jacobs et al., 2018) found:
“Dogs with a history of resource guarding were not more aggressive overall but showed heightened responses to specific triggers.”
This suggests the behaviour is specific, not a general trait.
Another study (Casey et al., 2014, Applied Animal Behaviour Science) found that:
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Resource guarding occurred in around 20% of surveyed dogs
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It was more common in multi-dog households
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Most dogs displayed mild to moderate signs, not severe aggression
Can it be prevented?
Yes—especially in puppies.
Trainer and author Jean Donaldson recommends early handling and trade games:
“Teach puppies to expect something better when humans approach their food or toys. It builds trust, not conflict.”
Some practical steps:
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Hand-feed meals to build trust
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Practise swapping toys for treats
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Approach with calm body language
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Use “leave it” and “drop it” cues gently and often
What if your dog is already guarding?
Don’t punish the behaviour. It can increase fear and make things worse.
Instead:
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Identify the trigger: is it food, toys, people?
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Manage the environment: feed separately if needed
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Teach a reliable trade: offer something better in exchange
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Use desensitisation: slowly pair your approach with rewards
Certified trainer Chirag Patel advises:
“Focus on changing the emotional response, not just the behaviour. Help the dog feel safe, not threatened.”
If the guarding is severe, consult a qualified behaviourist. Look for someone certified.
Does food type matter?
Sometimes. If food is high value, guarding may increase. This doesn’t mean you should switch to low-quality food. It means training is needed.
At Poppy’s Picnic, we support building trust around mealtimes with:
Dogs often guard more when stressed, so quality nutrition and a calm environment matter too.
Final thoughts
Resource guarding is common and manageable.
It’s not a sign your dog is bad or broken.
It’s a signal.
Understanding that signal—and responding with training, care, and calmness—can make all the difference.
