How To Stop Your Dog Resource Guarding

Resource guarding is a fairly common issue for all dog breeds. When it gets really severe, it can make you worry for your own safety every time you get close to something that might be theirs. As someone who has been on the receiving end of resource-related aggression, it is not a pleasant experience. 

This is why it’s so important to address it early and nip it in the bud before it gets too severe. So many dogs end up in shelters because people don’t know how to address resource guarding without making the situation worse. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There are positive ways for you to address your dog’s behavior at any age. 

If you want to know how to stop resource guarding in your dog, I have everything you need.

Key Takeaways

• Resource guarding is a fear of losing valuable items
• It can be made worse by taking away items or punishing your dog
• Teaching your dog to swap and drop valuable items can help 
• Desenistization can also help prevent resource guarding 
• Patience is key, as is avoiding punishing your dog

Why Do Dogs Guard Resources? 

Just like with people, dogs are afraid of losing valuable items. It’s the most common issue in dogs, and while many dogs usually guard food as a resource, we already have a comprehensive guide on how to handle that. The fear of losing something valuable is what leads to them growling or snapping over items they deem to be theirs. 

Dogs can guard any resources. It could be toys, furniture, food, or even people. It’s quite easy to trigger, especially in puppies, if they feel their possessions are being snatched from them too often and they don’t get to keep anything they enjoy. This is part of why it’s important to teach children in the home not to take your dog’s toys. 

What Are The Signs Of Resource Guarding? 

If you’re unsure what guarding behavior looks like, it usually takes the form of one or more of the following: 

• Standing over the item they’re guarding with a stiff, still posture
• Lowering their bodies when someone approaches 
• Running away with the item when you approach
• Hiding the item they value 
• Growling or snarling to protect the item (or any aggressive behavior)
• Eating food or treats very quickly (food aggression)

How To Prevent Resource Guarding

The steps for preventing resource guarding are actually fairly simple. However, they do take a lot of time and patience for you to see results. I once worked with a malamute who had very serious resource guarding issues. If these techniques can work with her (she drew a lot of blood), they can work with any dog. 

The most important thing is that you remain calm so they understand that it’s safe for you to be in their space. You want them to feel relaxed as tension and stress can make them feel more frightened and put them on edge. Try talking softly to them when you’re in their space. This will help put their minds at ease and keep them as calm as possible. 

Try Swap & Drop

Out of all the methods, the swap and drop technique works best. This is where you offer them a treat or a toy that is better and more exciting than what they currently have. Offer it a short distance away from where they have the current item. Then, when they come to get it, you will be able to pick up the original item without a problem. 

After a little while, they will be able to come back to the original item and you can work on swapping between items with them. Once they have learned to reliably swap the items, teach them the command ‘drop’ for every time they swap. This way, they’ll learn to drop what they have for you on command. It takes a while, but it’s the most effective method.

Work On Desensitization

Desensitization also works well. Once you know what’s triggering the resource guarding, you can work on slowly exposing them to the situation to help them overcome the behavior. Make sure you start with encounters that are low-intensity so that you don’t overwhelm them. Very slowly build it up so that they can get used to things. 

Does Punishment Work For Resource Guarding? 

Punishment never works for resource guarding, and it can actually end up making it worse. This behavior is born from fear, and fear is made worse when your dog feels threatened or unsafe. They are afraid of losing valuable resources, and this fear is what fuels their guarding behavior. Punishment will only lead to more fear and aggression that will get out of control. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Are Corgis Known For Resource Guarding? 

Yes, Corgis can be prone to resource guarding. They are more likely to guard food than possessions. However, it can still be a problem if you don’t nip it in the bud. This is why it’s so important to learn how to stop your Corgi from resource guarding before it becomes a problem. 

Are Corgis Difficult Dogs? 

Corgis can be difficult because they are stubborn, which means they don’t always want to listen, and they like to do things their way. It just means you need a strong training regimen in place and to ensure you remain patient and consistent with them. Even the most stubborn Corgi will come around with a little time. 

Are Corgis Ill-Tempered? 

No, Corgis are not ill-tempered dogs. They are actually very friendly and full of love. They are also highly intelligent, which can lead to bad behavior and potential aggression if they are left to get bored or don’t receive enough stimulation. Of course, all dogs have their own personalities, but Corgis tend to be quite happy and bubbly dogs. 

Final Thoughts 

As with any behavioral issue, understanding the cause of resource guarding is the only way you’re going to know how to address it properly. It’s important to try to understand how your Corgi feels so that you can work with them to help them learn they are safe and there is no need for them to be possessive over their toys or other objects in the home. 

Of course, if you find yourself struggling to overcome resource guarding with your Corgi, there are professionals who can help. There is no shame in going to a trainer to help you and your dog communicate better, and it teaches you how to work with them. It might feel like a long journey, but you and your stumpy friend will get through this together.