IT’S MINE!  

By Pia Silvani, CPDT, CABC

Director oft Training and Behavior – St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center

 Some dogs may exhibit aggressive behaviors when in possession of certain items or when resting in places that they perceive to be “theirs.”  This behavior is known as resource guarding.   If not dealt with immediately, the behavior can become increasingly dangerous over time.

Types of Resource Guarding: 

         Food--includes meals, bones, rawhides, stolen food items or food found on the floor or the ground.

Objects--toys, shoes, used tissues--anything the individual dog finds valuable to him or her.     

Locations--areas where the dog is relaxing—such as a bed, couch, crate or in the car.

Human—the owner or any other person that the dog considers a coveted possession.  This is also called “protective” behavior.

Keep in mind that different dogs will guard different things, even within one category.  To avoid problems, be aware of your dog’s behavior when he’s in possession of an item and his reactions when approached from the moment you bring him into your family.  Left unchecked, resource guarding will worsen and someone is likely to be bitten! Careful observation will ensure that you see the danger signs and seek help before that happens. 

Indications of Guarding Behavior: 

• “Freezing up” when feeling threatened.  Dog may stop chewing, give you a “hard eye,” or stare into space.
• Changing eating or chewing pattern when approached.  Some dogs stop, others gulp or chew at a very brisk, intense pace.
• Giving a low, guttural growl without moving the body
• Becoming very still and exposing teeth, either by raising a lip on one side or retracting both lips back
• Snapping into the air.  This is a warning--he deliberately “misses.”
• Making contact with your skin with an inhibited bite that does not break the skin
• Taking coveted items to a hiding spot and moving to another spot when approached.   If cornered the dog will display threatening behavior.

If your dog exhibits any of the above behaviors you would be wise to seek advice and assistance from a certified trainer, applied animal behaviorist or veterinary behaviorist.  They will be able to help you with a plan of action that will work best for you.

 There is no “quick fix” for this type of behavior.  Understanding what triggers the dog’s actions is an important step toward managing the behavior.  For example, he might only guard a tasty morsel of human food, but not his own serving of kibble; only a rawhide bone, not the rest of his toys or treats.  Some dogs might guard furniture (bed, sofa, etc.), but do not mind being approached on their own bed or in their crate.  Some guard certain members of the family, but not others.   Every dog is an individual and the guarding behaviors can vary greatly from dog to dog. 

 Write down all the triggers that cause your dog to react.  That way you will be able to manage the behavior, either on your own or until you can arrange for professional help.  Management means that exposure to the triggers is eliminated.  In some situations you can manage the dog’s behavior without working with a professional on a behavior modification program, while other situations may require it.  For instance, if the only time your dog exhibits guarding behaviors is when he has a rawhide bone, simply stop giving them to him.  You’ve eliminated the trigger, which eliminates the behavior.  If he only growls when he’s on your bed and is approached or you attempt to remove him from the bed, then deny him access to the bed so that he learns to sleep alongside it or in his own bed.  Again, the trigger is eliminated.

   If you cannot easily manage the dog’s behavior, professional help is warranted.  If you live in an active household, especially one with children, you may need to manage the humans as well until you are well into a behavior modification program.  Safety is paramount and you may find that there are some triggers that just can’t be removed, making special arrangements necessary until you meet with the trainer or behaviorist.  For instance, a dog that guards his own food bowl still has to eat—you can’t stop providing his meals.  So, you will have to be sure that he is fed in an area where no one can come in contact with him--even inadvertently—until he is finished eating.   If your dog cannot tolerate someone coming near you, then he should be put away safely when others are present.  Remember to seek the services of professionals who employ only humane methods in their treatment programs.  You want to ensure the safety of everyone who interacts with your dog, but you also want to be sure that your dog is handled safely and with kindness during treatment.