Resource guarding is a behavioral issue in dogs where they exhibit aggressive behaviors such as growling, lunging, or biting over food or toys. This behavior is sometimes referred to as "possessive aggression" and can occur in dogs of any breed. Early and consistent training can help discourage resource guarding before it becomes a significant issue.

Experienced dog owners and individuals who are knowledgeable about dogs understand the importance of not disturbing them while they are eating or enjoying a toy. It is unpredictable how dogs will respond to such disturbances. While some dogs may not mind being petted, interrupted, or accidentally bumped into during mealtime or playtime, others find these disturbances to be highly upsetting.

In some cases, this behavior can extend beyond food and toys. To dogs, possession holds great importance, like real estate. This can include anything from a specific nesting spot to their preferred human. Dogs find various things valuable, ranging from food to personal belongings such as your favorite sweater. However, some dogs may growl, stiffen, lunge, or bite when someone approaches or tries to retrieve the item they are guarding.

This behavior, known as resource guarding, is an essential instinct for feral dogs as it enables them to survive with limited resources in the wild. However, it is not an ideal trait for domesticated animals. So, how can you help your dog overcome resource guarding? Your best approach is to begin training at an early stage to prevent the development of resource guarding. However, this is not always possible, especially when rescuing an adult dog from a shelter or inheriting one from a family member. In such, you can work with dogs that resource guard food, for example, by gradually desensitizing them to your presence around high-value items.

To start, tether your dog to a secure and sturdy object. Maintain a distance of 6 to 8 feet from the dog and throw food, such as chicken or hot dogs, in their general direction. Walk past the dog and continue to throw the food, but do not stop moving. If the dog displays warning signals such as a stiffened body or a raised lip, it means you have approached too closely. Once you have repeated this process a few times, observe the dog's body language. If they look up at you in a happy manner, anticipating that more food will be coming their way, you may gradually move a bit closer. It is important to take this process slowly and avoid rushing the dog. The ultimate goal is for you to be able to approach the dog's food bowl without them feeling threatened or stressed. Professional trainers can assist in this task and offer additional tips and techniques.