Why does resource guarding happen, what NOT to do, and of course, some steps you can take to help overcome resource guarding.

Has your dog started resource guarding? Maybe they growl when you try and take a toy or bone... or maybe they get defensive of their treats around other dogs. No matter what type of resource guarding your dog may be doing, it's important to understand the behavior and help stop it early on!

Simply put, a dog guard resources out of a natural fear that the resource may go away. Resource guarding can happen with toys, bones, treats, food, or even their own body (a resource).

Jocelyn has been training and consulting with dogs for over 10 years. She has her CTC and CPDT. She spent the majority of her career working with the rehab of rescue dogs, often in very dire or difficult situations. Since 2018, she’s been running her own dog training company called Muttineer and is based out of Los Angeles.

Jocelyn's Website: http://www.muttineer.com/

Jocelyn's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFt4sAiMx5WdFfU6V2tFnXg

Jocelyn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/muttineerla/

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FIRST OFF, WHY DO DOGS RESOURCE GUARD? WHAT ARE THEY TRYING TO TELL US? (Starts around 3:30) 

Normal, biological behavior where a dog is coveting toys, food, body, etc.

Fear-based behavior where you see an outburst where a dog feels their resources are being threatened

IF MY DOG STARTS TO GUARD RESOURCES AROUND ME, WHAT SHOULD I NOT DO? (Starts around 5:40) 

Never go head-to-head with a dog to create more competition over that item

If your dog is displaying warning signs, stay back, don’t go towards your dog

Don’t put more pressure / mirror your dog’s aggressive body posturing

AND OF COURSE, WHAT SHOULD I DO? (Starts around 9:00) 

Create an environment where your dog feels safe with their resources

Flood the economy with more resources - more toys, etc.

Diffuse the situation when your dog is uncomfortable and immediately back off

Present a high-value trade to replace the item they have 

Consult a Positive Reinforcement Dog Trainer to get to the root of your dog’s resource guarding

WHAT IF MY DOG IS GUARDING RESOURCES FROM OTHER ANIMALS? (Starts around 14:00)  

If your dog is resource guarding, a dog park may not be the best place to be

Protect them from feeling the need to guard their items

Do things that are in line with your dog’s capabilities

AT WHAT POINT SHOULD I GET A PROFESSIONAL TRAINER INVOLVED? (Starts around 17:05) 

Call in the trainer at the first warning signs

Don’t sweep it under the rug, get the issue addressed as soon as possible

WHAT CAN I DO AS A PET PARENT TO HELP AVOID RESOURCE GUARDING FROM STARTING? (Starts around 20:20) 

Hand feeding your puppy right out of their bowl

Teaching them that hands are a great holder for their high-value chews

Practicing trades back and forth to teach your dog that dropping is okay because they will get another treat in exchange

Note: with more than one animal, management is SO important. Be aware of your dog’s limitations and understand your dog’s body language. If you are having troubles with this, get a professional in your home and take care of this before it escalates into something. 


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Resource Guarding Basics with Jocelyn Walls CPDT & CTC | Pupford