Resource guarding is founded in something dog trainers like calling FOMO (Fear of Missing Out). It is not a bad behavior to say to a human, ‘please, this is mine.’ But what we want is to teach them how to say ‘no please’ in a safe and appropriate manner.
It reduces the chances of a spat between dogs at the daycare, and it makes life safer at home for children, or unsuspecting adults.
Keeping Peace Over Treats, Toys, and Attention
Resource guarding is when a dog becomes possessive over things they value—like food, toys, beds, or even people. It can show up as growling, stiffening, snapping, or hiding prized items. While it’s a natural instinct, it’s one that pet parents should gently guide and prevent early on to avoid conflict and stress in multi-dog environments like doggie daycare—or even at home.
Here’s what you can do to support that process at home:
1. Start Young: Teach That Sharing is Safe
If you have a puppy or a newly adopted dog, now is the time to teach that people and other dogs around their stuff is no threat. Use positive reinforcement to reward calm behavior while they eat, play, or rest.
✅ Try this: Occasionally drop an extra treat into their bowl while they eat or offer a higher-value toy in exchange for one they already have. This helps them learn that people approaching = good things happen!
2. Use Positive Associations
Never punish a dog for growling or guarding—it can suppress the warning signs without resolving the issue. Instead, build a positive association around people being near valuable items.
✅ Example: If your dog guards toys, teach a cue like “drop it,” then immediately reward them with praise and a treat. They learn giving something up can result in something better.
3. Feed Separately in Multi-Dog Homes
If you live with multiple dogs, feed them in separate rooms or crates. Even if they seem okay together, preventing tension around meals helps avoid future conflicts and builds trust.
4. Practice Consent and Space
Let dogs enjoy their high-value chews or naps in peace. Just like people, they need space to feel safe. Teach children and guests not to disturb dogs while they’re eating or sleeping.
5. Offer Abundant Resources
In a group setting—like daycare or a multi-dog household—resource guarding is less likely when there’s no competition. Provide multiple toys, resting areas, and enrichment options to minimize scarcity.
6. Work with a Professional Trainer
If your dog is already showing signs of guarding, early intervention is key. Positive reinforcement trainers (like ours at Stay N Play) can create a step-by-step plan to reduce stress and increase cooperation—without fear or force.
Our Enrichment-Based Approach
We take resource guarding seriously. At Stay N Play Doggie Daycare, we use small, curated playgroups and guided enrichment sessions to work on resource guarding as part of our minds and manners training. With plenty of space, no free-for-all feeding, and highly trained staff, our dogs learn how to coexist peacefully without competition or guarding behaviors.