Resource Guarding: What It Is And What To Do (And Not Do)

 Resource guarding isn’t about dominance — it’s about insecurity and survival instincts.

The fear of losing something they find valuable:

food, toys, space, even people.

Punishing it doesn’t fix it — it often makes it worse.

If your dog has ever shown signs of guarding, here’s what to do and what NOT to do:

🚫Don’t touch or take your dog’s food away

✅Do call your dog away from the resource

🚫Don’t enter your dog’s space

✅Do create space and lead your dog away so you can safely retrieve the item if needed

🚫Don’t try to take the object 

✅Do use a leash to help your dog make the right decision

✅Do create a solid “drop it”