Resource Guarding in Dogs
Understanding and Managing Resource Guarding in Dogs: Tips from an Ayr-Based Dog Trainer
Resource guarding in dogs is a common concern for many dog owners across Ayr and throughout Scotland. This behaviour happens when a dog feels threatened about losing something valuable—whether it’s their food, favourite toy, or even a comfortable resting spot.
Signs of resource guarding can vary from subtle body stiffening to more obvious growling, baring teeth, or snapping when someone gets close to their treasured item. While this behaviour is natural and linked to a dog’s survival instincts, it’s important for pet owners to address it early to prevent escalation.
As an experienced dog trainer in Ayr, I use a gentle and effective approach called “Add Value on Approach” to help change your dog’s mindset. This method gradually teaches your dog to associate your approach with something positive, reducing anxiety and guarding behaviours over time.
The Core Concept: Adding Value on Approach
The essence of this method is simple: instead of your dog seeing your approach as a threat to take something away, they learn that your presence brings additional value. This approach involves setting aside specific training sessions where you help your dog associate your approach with positive experiences, using a careful, step-by-step process.
Setting Up for Success: Start Low and Go Slow
The key to making this method effective is to start with the lowest-value item your dog guards. For example, if your dog tends to guard their water bowl, high-value chews, and fluffy toys, the water bowl might be the least guarded resource. The idea is to work with something that doesn’t trigger intense guarding behaviours straight away. This keeps the process manageable and successful from the start.
For this example, let’s use the water bowl as the resource your dog guards. Once you’ve identified the item, it’s time to prepare.
What You’ll Need:
A good amount of high-value treats — think soft, smelly, and small (like cheese, cooked chicken, or a favourite treat).
A calm environment with minimal distractions.
The Training Process: Step-by-Step
1. Distance is Key:
Begin at a distance where your dog is aware of the water bowl but isn’t exhibiting any guarding behaviour. It’s important that your dog remains calm and stress-free throughout the entire process.
2. Toss a Treat Towards Your Dog:
From that comfortable distance, toss a high-value treat towards your dog. That’s it! This initial step introduces the idea that your approach results in something positive.
3. Toss a Treat Away from the Bowl:
After your dog eats the first treat, toss a second treat away from the bowl. This encourages your dog to move away from the guarded resource. Once they eat the treat, they’ll likely return to the bowl. (If they don’t, toss a treat towards the bowl so you can repeat — see step 4).
4. Repeat and Gradually Approach:
Once your dog returns to the bowl, toss another treat towards them. If it’s safe and your dog remains relaxed, take one small step closer to the bowl while tossing another treat. Crucially, after tossing the treat, take a step back. This reinforces the idea that your approach doesn’t signal loss, but adds value and then retreats.
5. Step Forward, Toss, and Retreat:
Continue this process, slowly decreasing the distance between you and the resource. Always observe your dog’s body language — if they show signs of discomfort (such as stiffening, freezing, or a hard stare), back off and increase the distance.
6. Gradually Build Up to Closer Proximity:
Over time, as your dog becomes more comfortable, you can approach more closely. The aim is to help your dog feel positive — even excited — when you come near their guarded resource, because they now anticipate something good.
Why This Method Works
Dogs guard resources because they fear losing something valuable. By using this “Add Value on Approach” method, you’re shifting their mindset. Instead of seeing you as a potential threat, they begin to associate your presence with something positive. You’re giving, rather than taking away. This gradual process builds trust and helps them feel safer when you approach. It’s a fantastic way to address resource guarding behaviours.
Safety First: Use Caution
Resource guarding can sometimes be a serious behavioural issue, so it’s important to proceed with caution. Always be mindful of your dog’s comfort level, and never push them too quickly. If your dog’s resource guarding is severe or you’re unsure how to proceed safely, consider working with a professional trainer or behaviourist. Muzzle training is also a helpful way to allow safe practise while protecting both you and your dog.
Enhancing the Training
Once your dog shows significant improvement, you can increase the challenge by incorporating other guarded items, such as a favourite toy or chew. Start each new session the same way — at a safe distance with high-value treats — and gradually work closer.
The "Add Value on Approach" method is a safe, humane, and effective way to help your dog overcome resource guarding tendencies. By changing the way your dog views your approach, you’ll create a more positive, trusting relationship with them.
Got questions or need more guidance? Feel free to ask!
📍Based in Ayr, Scotland
📬 Get in touch for support with dog behaviour, introductions, and positive training.
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