Overview of Resource Guarding Program

Resource guarding is a very natural behavior for dogs, but it can be a very dangerous one to live with. Depending on what your dog guards, the program will likely look a bit different.

It's also important to note that Resource Guarding is generally a behavior that doesn't just "go away". The tendency to resource guard makes sense - if you think something you value will be taken away, you want to guard it. If someone ever randomly took my phone from me, I'd feel aggressive!

Because of this, training for resource guarding focuses on creating trust between you and your dog. If my husband takes my phone from me, I trust that he has a good reason, and will be giving it back.

Resource guarding training also focuses on making the triggers less likely as well, sometimes by working to devalue whatever the dog is guarding, setting up the environment so some scenarios no longer happen, etc.

As with all my training programs, we start with the Intro Lesson where we'll focus on making sure your dog's base needs are met. Depending on your dog, this may need special routines so no one in your home is in danger. In my experience, resource guarding tends to persist even after meeting their needs as best we can, but meeting those needs are crucial to get any headway on the resource guarding.

We'll also focus on good management to lessen instances of resource guarding during the intro lesson so your dog doesn't practice the behavior, as well as really focusing on your dog's specific body language that indicates the very start of their guarding tendencies.

For more information about the Intro Lesson in general, you can visit the Intro Lesson Page here.

In the supported training portion, we'll focus heavily on routines that lessen the triggers for resource guarding for your dog, so they do not practice the unwanted behavior. We'll also work on teaching your dog that someone approaching them while they are in possession of whatever they guard doesn't mean it will be taken away. We then work towards actually taking some things away, but rewarding your dog with something fantastic!

I often recommend also teaching a strong "go to place" behavior if appropriate (if your dog guards spaces, it may not be appropriate) to assist with their training as well.

Resource Guarding

Timing/Scheduling for Program

Depending on your dog, what they guard, the intensity of their guarding, and your living environment, resource guarding may be something you can tackle within a six week program, or may be something you need additional programs for.

For most dogs, the tendency to resource guard is always going to be there. For example, my personal dog Laika came in as a very skinny stray and had fairly severe resource guarding with food and toys when we got her. She still has a tendency to guard food and toys, but my husband and I are trusted by her to take things from her, and instead of

Generally, if your household includes children or other members that do not uphold routines well, it takes much more dedication and time.

Coaching or Pro Daytrain Track?

When dealing with fear and anxiety, I pretty much never suggest the daytraining option. Often the dogs are scared of me, and fear is very much contextual, so training is more effective with the Coaching Track.