Resource guarding is a natural behavior in dogs, driven by the instinct to protect valuable possessions like food, toys, or even their favorite resting spots. While it’s a survival mechanism, it can become a significant problem in a domestic setting, potentially leading to aggression towards humans. This article clarifies what resource guarding entails, how to recognize it, and where to find resources for treatment and prevention.
What is Resource Guarding?
Jean Donaldson, in her book “Mine!”, defines resource guarding as “Dogs behaving aggressively when in possession of (and sometimes to gain possession of) food, toys, bones, their owners, their resting spots and crates.” Although it’s a natural behavior that enhances survival, it can be problematic for pet dogs. Donaldson classifies most resource guarding as ritualized aggression, where dogs use threatening behaviors that fall short of physical violence. However, even these behaviors can cause harm, and there is no level of resource guarding against a human that should be disregarded.
Signs of resource guarding can include freezing, a hard stare, eating faster, growling, snarling, snapping, and biting. It’s crucial to address these behaviors promptly.
Recognizing Resource Guarding: A Case Study
A previous post presented a guessing game with two photos of dogs and their prized possessions, aiming to highlight the subtle signs of resource guarding. One dog was indeed exhibiting resource guarding, while the other was engaged in play that mimicked guarding behavior.
Cricket’s Resource Guarding
The photo of Cricket, a rat terrier, with her rawhide chew toy clearly depicted resource guarding. At the time the photo was taken (2005), the owner was still learning about dog behavior and training. Cricket displayed several indicators: she clutched the chew with both paws and her mouth, her body was tense, her ears were slightly back, and she exhibited “whale eye” (showing the whites of her eyes) as she watched her owner. These subtle cues, though not overtly aggressive, signaled discomfort and a desire to protect her item. Observing her body language in different situations reveals a stark contrast between her relaxed, playful demeanor and her guarded stance. [cite:0, cite:1, cite:2]
Summer’s Playful Guarding
The photo of Summer, a sable/brown dog with a large plastic bone, illustrated a different scenario. Summer was engaged in a game with her owner, a playful interaction involving pretending to take the bone. Her mouth was open in a “playful” growl, and her whiskers were relaxed. Unlike Cricket’s tense posture, Summer’s body language was not hunched over the bone. Her bottom teeth were visible, and her vocalization was a high-pitched hooting whine, typical of her play behavior. Comparing this to a photo where Summer is genuinely snarling (also in play), the differences become more apparent.
The Overlap Between Play and Guarding
Even for experienced dog owners, distinguishing between genuine resource guarding and playful guarding can be challenging. As one reader noted, “This is a wonderful exercise. I certainly would not risk my own flesh, or the comfort of either of those dogs to test my hypothesis, since really both pictures could be resource guarding.” Many canine games involve elements of guarding territory or objects, and play can escalate if not managed correctly.
My Dogs at Home: Proactive Management
Currently, the owner has three dogs, none of whom exhibit resource guarding towards her. This is due to a combination of the dogs’ inherent temperaments and consistent, proactive training. By classically conditioning positive associations with approaching, reaching for, or even looking at the dogs when they possess something, a “bank account” of trust has been built. This means that if something is taken away, the dogs anticipate receiving something even better in return.
Resources for Resource Guarding
If your dog displays any signs of resource guarding, it’s essential to seek professional help. Here are some valuable resources:
- Dr. Patricia McConnell’s blog: Offers insights into resource guarding, including prevention and treatment steps.
- Whole Dog Journal: Provides an article on “Unwanted Dog Food Guarding Behavior.”
- “Mine! A Practical Guide to Resource Guarding in Dogs” by Jean Donaldson: This book offers detailed protocols for addressing resource guarding.
- YouTube Video: A video demonstrating a professional trainer addressing resource guarding and food aggression can offer insights into general methodologies.
Conclusion
While resource guarding is a natural behavior, it requires careful attention and management, especially when it involves interactions with humans. Understanding the subtle cues and differentiating between genuine guarding and playful behavior is crucial. If you observe any signs of resource guarding in your dog, seeking guidance from reputable resources and qualified professionals is the most effective way to ensure safety and maintain a harmonious relationship with your canine companion.
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