You shouldn’t bother the dog’s food while he’s eating, traditional piece of dog advice that is based on the assumption that dogs protect or guard those things (“resources”) that they value and don’t want to lose. And food certainly fits that description. But is that advice valid?
Resource guarding behavior is a demonstration of possessiveness around any thing or place the dog considers valuable and is afraid to lose: toys, food, bones, sleeping spots, garbage, even the TV remote control. It’s a common and natural response, but in a modern human environment it’s unpleasant—and can be unsafe.
Resource guarding is normal dog behavior. Dogs have evolved as opportunistic feeders, and it’s natural for them to protect what they consider to be “theirs” from potential takers. The displays of growling and related body language are the dog’s way of saying, “Back off! This is mine, and I don’t intend to give it up.” In most cases, the dogs are simply communicating, and one dog will back down.
Whether you have a puppy, a new dog that doesn’t yet resource guard, or an occasional, but not dangerous, resource guarder, you would want your dog to learn not to guard his food and to willingly give up an item. These exercises can be done frequently before you really need them.
TRADE UP
Find an object your dog is comfortable with you picking up, for example a toy she isn’t interested in or her food bowl when it’s empty, and practice trade-ups. A trade-up shows your dog that whenever you take something of hers, she gets something even better in exchange. Pick up the toy, give your dog an extra-yummy treat from the other hand, and then immediately return the toy to her. Do frequent trade-ups with anything your dog is comfortable with you taking and returning.
Be Patient, Practice Avoidance
Building a trusting relationship with your dog is important and takes time. While you do this, it’s crucial for everyone’s safety to avoid conflict. In addition to training and supervision, try to set up your home environment so your dog won’t
have access to things that may cause her to feel possessive. If she finds something to guard from you, avoid conflict by tossing a few treats and then taking the object when she moves away from the item.
Until you’re completely sure your dog is comfortable with people near all her toys, food, and treats, monitor her behavior closely for signs of nervousness.
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