Why Does My Dog Protect His Possessions?

What is resource guarding?

Resource guarding in dogs is a natural behaviour that occurs when a dog becomes insecure and/or anxious in specific situations, leading them to feel the need to protect something they perceive as their possession. They will use avoidance to escape with a valued item, or become defensive and protective over items and belongings, such as their beds, toys, food, bones, bowls, locations, or even people that they value.

Humans are prone to resource guarding too. That's why we employ enhanced security measures like safes, locks on doors and alarms that sound as soon as somebody comes near our belongings. However, there is a distinction between safekeeping and excessive resource guarding. Occasionally, we have valid grounds to protect our belongings, but excessive resource guarding can become harmful and dysfunctional, particularly when it affects innocent individuals who have no intention of stealing our perceived possessions.

Resource guarding in dogs is known to be labelled in different ways:

* Owner guarding is observed when a canine perceives their owner to have considerable worth, prompting them to display protective behaviour when other dogs or individuals approach them.

* Location guarding is when a dog safeguards a specific area or place, like a dog that stops a partner / spouse from entering the bedroom or getting on the bed, a dog that defends the sofa and reacts aggressively when anyone attempts to move them, a dog that protects the backyard and dogs that display aggression when in their preferred sleeping area, a crate or a car.

* Food-related aggression or food guarding pertains to a dog's inclination to protect edible items such as bones, treats and other food items. It also includes guarding things associated with food, like an empty food bowl or discarded wrappers / containers.

* Object guarding is related to the act of safeguarding non-consumable items, such as toys, tissues, sticks, stones and any objects inadvertently acquired by the dog that is usually restricted or off-limits. i.e. the TV remote control, shoes, clothing, etc.

Why does a dog resource guard?

Resource guarding is necessary for survival. In a natural setting, one can easily see and understand why a carnivore that has to hunt and forage for his next meal and protects his territory, mates and other coveted items, would have a greater advantage in surviving and reproducing compared to one that willingly relinquishes his resources. Resource guarding arises from a dog's inherent anxiety over the possibility of losing valuable items when someone approaches. This behaviour tends to worsen when owners strongly disapprove of dogs taking prohibited things and resort to chasing them around in an attempt to retrieve the item, inadvertently increasing the item’s value. This can also intimidate and distress dogs as they view it as bullying or threatening behaviour.

What are the signs you should recognise?

Prevention is always better than cure and as with all unwanted behaviours, the more it is practised / rehearsed, the more intense and ingrained it becomes. Resource guarding in dogs can be displayed in various ways, ranging from subtle to more obvious behaviours. In extreme cases, this behaviour can become pathological and pose significant risks to others.

Many dog owners fail to notice the initial indications of resource guarding, which include:

* Rushing toward an item before another dog or person can get to it

* The dog taking off with the valued item

* Failure or reluctance to relinquish an item

* Blocking access to an item

* Lowering his chin and/or body over the resource, i.e. a food bowl, toy or bone

* Hastily devouring food when someone approaches

* Abruptly ceasing eating while stiffening / freezing in place, frequently accompanied by the dog keeping a watchful eye on you

If these low-level signs of discomfort are missed or ignored, the behaviour will often escalate to growling, baring teeth, lunging, snapping and biting. While most dog owners excel at recognising clear indications of resource-related aggression, they tend to struggle with accurately pinpointing other behavioural patterns that serve as early warning signs of this form of aggression.

Neutered male dogs (due to the lack of testosterone contributing to a lack of confidence) and dogs with higher levels of impulsivity and fearfulness seem to have a greater tendency to display resource-related aggression directed towards people or other dogs.

How do we reduce or treat this behaviour?

The most effective techniques for managing resource guarding in dogs includes teaching them to "leave it" and "drop it" through reward-based training, as well as incorporating exercises that includes adding appetising food or treats during meals.

The common practice of taking away the food bowl during mealtime actually worsens the issue, resulting in a higher likelihood of aggressive behaviour towards humans. In addition to this, using positive punishment as a means to reduce a dog's aggressive behaviour has been proven to amplify the severity and length of the aggressive episode and promote further aggression.

The behaviour modification process often calls for desensitisation and counterconditioning methods and because studies have shown a link between serotonin deficiency and canine aggression, it is often recommended that the dog is given calming aids during the period of treatment. These include natural dietary supplements that promote the release of feel-good hormones like serotonin and dopamine, and inhibit the production of stress hormones like cortisol and catecholamines. The natural products often include a combination of L-Tryptophan, L-Theanine, Ashwagandha, Chamomile, Rhodiola, Passion Flower, Valerian Root, Lavender, B-vitamins, Vitamin D, Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Antioxidants, Omega 3, etc. There are helpful homeopathic remedies to consider too and personally, I would always opt to go the natural route first. However, in extreme cases, drugs that are meant to block the reuptake of serotonin, such as Amitriptyline and Fluoxetine are recommended, but these are not without side-effects.

If your dog is already showing advanced signs of resource-related aggression, it would be best to utilise the services of a qualified dog trainer or behaviourist who has experience in this matter. A good treatment plan will involve management strategies and behaviour modification to mitigate the risk of injury to humans and other dogs. Some dogs may respond quickly, while with others it may be more deep-rooted, meaning it will take time, commitment and patience to see the desired changes.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prescription or formal and individualised advice from a veterinarian and/or qualified canine behaviourist.