Resource Guarding and What Lies Beneath
Resource guarding is a common behavior concern, yet can be difficult to manage due to many influencing factors, prompting many dog owners and guardians to seek professional support. In this article, we’ll discuss what resource guarding is, the underlying factors that influence it, how resource guarding can escalate to more concerning aggressive behavior, and when to seek help from a certified dog behavior professional.
What is Resource Guarding?
Resource guarding refers to behaviors–or a “suite” of behaviors–a dog may exhibit to protect access to valuable resources, such as food, toys, people, other animals, objects, physical space, and locations. Perhaps more fundamentally, to both acquire and maintain (control) access to them. This is entirely necessary for animals in order to adapt and survive in nature. Humans guard resources too! We protect our fellow humans and relationships (a spouse or romantic partner, friends, family members, coworkers, etc.), as well as homes, property, cars, money, food, and other valuables. Resource guarding in dogs may be directed at other dogs, animals, and/or humans, and is often highly contextual.
Resource guarding may become maladaptive or unhealthy for an individual dog when it escalates to aggressive behaviors that are disproportionate to — or in — a given context. This coincides with greater potential for impeding their survival. One such definition for aggressive behavior is: a threatening behavior or action directed at another individual with the intent to inflict injury or harm. This may include behaviors such as growling, snarling, lunging, snapping, biting and various emotional states— involving the body’s complex physiological systems. These behaviors are communication, an expression, of that individual dog’s unmet needs and indicates how THEY are perceiving the world around them. They are effectively strategies for survival and adaptation— hence, there is no “cure” or “fix”. Most aggressive behavior is “ritualized”, in which a dog is displaying the ‘least costly’ behavior or warning signals. In some cases, aggressive behavior can escalate or occur with more serious physical engagement and intense emotional influence, which indicates higher risk for severe injury, and even more rarely, a fatality.
Body Language and Resource Guarding
There can be specific “aggressive” precursors associated with resource guarding, such as positioning or hovering over [a resource], a stiff body with a quick ‘freeze’, growling, teeth-baring, whale eye, and lip curling. Although these precursors are specific to canines, they often vary from dog to dog and depend on various internal and external conditions. Recognizing a dog’s typical precursors and giving them increased distance from a threat can help them de-escalate their behavior, reduce likelihood for a bite.
There can be specific “aggressive” precursors associated with resource guarding
What Influences Resource Guarding
Dogs may guard resources for a myriad of reasons, and in varying contexts. I don’t find much in the scientific literature, pertaining to the influences of resource guarding in dogs, although a recent study published in 2018 sheds some light on factors related to human involvement. In my experience, underlying anxiety and social conflict with the current family and/or in previous homes are often at the roots of resource guarding. Various influences, or factors, for resource guarding may be:
Lack of ‘quality’ socialization experiences during the Sensitive Period for Socialization (3-12 weeks of age) – a crucial period of development, when a puppy is learning all about the world and everything in it, absorbing information ‘like a sponge’. Overly stressful events or lack of “positive” experiences during this time, or the ‘fear period’ from 8-10 weeks of age (though this range varies greatly in dogs), may have lasting adverse effects on a dog’s learning and well-being.
A dog’s emotional state- which may include fear, anxiety, anger, frustration, jealousy, and other emotions - heavily influences their behavior and learning. Anxiety signs, or ‘generalized anxiety’, are commonly associated with resource guarding behaviors.
Value of resources - higher value and/or longer lasting resources, as experienced by the dog, tend to have a greater potential for guarding.
Aversive or “punishment” training methods (physical and verbal corrections, pinch/choke/electronic collars, “Alpha rolls”, etc.) - When I say “aversive” I mean something unpleasant that decreases an “undesirable” behavior. More technically, we could look through the scientific discipline of applied behavior analysis (the study and application of the principles of behavior) and use the term aversive stimulus, to be defined as “In general, an unpleasant or noxious stimulus; more technically, a stimulus change or condition that functions (a) to evoke a behavior that has terminated it in the past, (b) as a punisher when presented following behavior, and/or (c) as a reinforcer when withdrawn following behavior.” (Applied Behavior Analysis 3rd Edition; Cooper, Heron, Heward 2020)
Either way, it’s how the individual learner’s behavior changes over time based on internal and external conditions (“their lived experience”) which determines whether something is aversive or unpleasant. Aversives work through avoidance/escape, and tend to complicate resource guarding, learning, and emotions— and what lies beneath— which may have detrimental effects on animal welfare.
Prior experiences - resources being deliberately or accidentally taken away influences whether a dog is more likely to guard in the future. This may seem self-evident. However, owners/caregivers may mistakenly attempt to take away a dog’s resources out of concern, to “get them used to it”, or show the dog they are “alpha” or “dominant”. (Note: attempting to assert a “dominant” role with your dog through the use of “alpha rolls” and physical/verbal punishment is not recommended — largely the result of a misunderstanding and misinterpretation of dominance and social hierarchies.) What the dog often learns instead is that human approach or interactions = conflict (and ”my stuff gets taken away”), and that resources thus MUST be protected at all costs. Life experiences may also involve trauma - that is, significant negative impacts on an individual’s well-being and their ability to cope.
Environmental conditions ‘set the stage’ - This may include the scarcity of resources in the home, spatial constraints and home layout, inadequate mental and physical enrichment, as well as the lack of management/separation and predictable patterns.
Age/development - has very specific implications for learning and emotional regulation. For example, adolescent dogs (~ 1-3 years of age) are more likely to engage in “risky” behaviors, tend to lack [capacity for] impulse control, and have BIG feelings, which may lead to exacerbation of specific behaviors or patterns.
Stress and health conditions - an imbalance of brain chemicals and stress hormones, pain/discomfort, and various health conditions can heavily influence a dog’s emotions, behavior, and mood. The peer-reviewed Daniel Mills study in 2020, reported that 28% to 82% of problem behaviors involve some form of painful condition, even further stating, “We conclude that, in general, it is better for veterinarians to treat suspected pain first rather than consider its significance only when the animal does not respond to behavior therapy.”
28% to 82% of problem behaviors involve some form of painful condition, Daniel Mills Study 2020
Genetics and breed traits - can influence when, and if, resource guarding occurs. As an example, guardian breeds were bred over many generations for the purposes of protecting and warding off intruders or threats. There’s strong selection for increased guarding - of valuable resources, such as their “flock”, or social group, and specific territory. Note: Genetics is NOT deterministic, rather, we could say there are intended selections for specific behavioral and physical traits. Genetics is only part of the picture. It’s both Nature AND Nurture.
“Clark Kent” Case Study:
One of our more recent “resource guarding” cases involved a ‘super-power’ of a senior hunting terrier mix named Clark Kent. The family contacted us initially for support with the following concerns: Clark was displaying resource guarding (squeaker toys, food, bones, etc,) and aggressive behavior to Louie, their other resident dog, and often appeared anxious. Through our assessment of Clark’s L.E.G.S. ® (Learning, Environment, Genetics, Self) and his behavior, we discovered more about his specific needs. He had escalated to biting Louie over Thanksgiving Dinner, when Louie approached him while he had his ‘FAV’ squeaker under the table. Clark had history of guarding various resources, but lately it was only with squeaky toys that had NOT been de-squeaked, so to speak.
A deep dive into his L.E.G.S. revealed the elements underneath the aggressive behaviors. His anxiety and BIG feelings complicated his learning (L & S) - exacerbated by a lack of enrichment outdoors, and thus more pressure on him indoors, including, when he had his ‘most prized’ squeaker without any barrier to prevent Louie from approaching him (L & E). Clark’s breed traits (G) also provided much fuel for conflict and BIG feelings (S)— terriers are selected for a low arousal threshold, higher excitability, and more physical engagement in altercations (vermin hunting!). All this was further complicated by a lingering leg injury (S) which again really limited the ability to provide mental/physical enrichment (E).
Our first step was to collaborate with his veterinary team for a comprehensive exam and pain trial for his leg injury, and behavior medication for urgent emotional relief and increased learning. This helped supplement our plan, which involved layers of gates in the home for prevention, positively conditioning a basket muzzle, shred toys for much needed enrichment, and increasing narration with the Mr. Roger’s Hack to provide more predictability/trust. By our fifth session, there was over 80% reduction in aggressive incidents with Louie, and he was much less anxious. With pain management on-board (thanks to his wonderful family and vet team!), we’ve been considering ‘barn hunt’ and Sniffspots to meet more of those natural terrier instincts.
Clark’s family is just “over the moon” as of late— acknowledging that although consistent prevention has been “a difficult pull for us”, it’s crucial for safety and new predictable patterns. Safety was especially critical in their case, as intra household aggression (between dogs in the home) generally has a 50% or lower success rate for cohabitation. And progress doesn’t always happen overnight. However, when we support ALL the dog’s needs and their well-being, the “behavior problems” tend to reduce or dissipate.
Effective Management Strategies for Resource Guarding
If you believe your dog may be displaying resource guarding and/or aggressive behaviors, the first step is to find a certified dog behavior professional who specializes with these behaviors, and seek an exam with your dog’s veterinarian to assess health. Resource guarding can be difficult to “tease out”, in terms of the context/conditions for it, and can often be mislabeled. Having a qualified team of professionals supporting is critical.
Here are some initial safety and management guidelines to prevent escalation, while you seek further support:
What TO DO:
Contact your dog’s veterinary team to schedule a comprehensive veterinary exam.
Manage access to resources, and provide two layers of safety (i.e.. sturdy walk-through style gates, door, or crate, etc.) - to prevent others, animals and people, from approaching the dog while they’re in possession of their food or a valuable resource.
Study your dog’s body language and signals - to effectively understand and respect their communication— a body language webinar to start your journey!
Talk to your dog with the Mr. Roger’s Hack - narrate all their daily events and interactions in the home, to build predictability and social currency (trust) with your dog. Narration needs to occur when a dog is in the “Think & Learn” zone and NOT over their stress threshold.
Manage access to resources and “hot spots” - this may be specific high value items such as chews, bones, or toys they’ve previously guarded; and locations where guarding has occurred, or flared up
Consult a certified dog behavior professional to understand the context in which your dog exhibits these behaviors, and for specific recommendations.
Always remember: create the safety first! This helps your dog be able to feel safe and trust. If your dog is displaying increased fear/anxiety/stress signs, aggressive behavior, give them further distance from the trigger or whatever it is they’re reacting to (ideally prior to escalation). Then immediately consult a certified dog behavior professional for specific guidance and support.
Create the safety first!
What NOT TO DO:
Do not use aversive methods to punish or correct your dog (physically or verbally) for resource guarding or aggressive behaviors. There is well documented research that aversive methods can have significant adverse effects and fall-out.
Avoid stealing or taking away items your dog is in possession of, especially food. Sticking your hand in your dog’s food bowl is just about the surest way to get bit and increase guarding.
Do not chase your dog if they run away with a resource, as tempting as it may be!
Avoid encouraging or antagonizing your dog for guarding a resource.
Do not reach towards or approach your dog when they’re guarding (or likely to guard) a resource or prized possession.
Seeking support from a certified dog behavior professional
Resource guarding can involve various complex factors and conditions that will vary depending on the individual dog, family, and circumstances. Success can vary based on many factors. However, in most cases, it can be effectively addressed with the guidance of a certified dog behavior professional who will help the family implement prevention/safety, behavior-change, enrichment, and other strategies to reduce the frequency of the behaviors and meet underlying needs. This needs to occur along with support from the veterinary team.