The Truth About Resource Guarding in Dogs

Is resource guarding a crisis—or a misunderstood behaviour? 👉CHECK OUT my Dog Training and Behaviour Modification Principles online course! https://www.udemy.com/course/dog-training-and-behaviour-modification-principles/?referralCode=08986FDD9828949ACBBC If you want to [SUPPORT] the work that I do here, an easy way to do so is to buy me a coffee (or a few coffees) using this link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/trainmeplease You can contact me using the following email: [email protected] Resource guarding in dogs often triggers strong reactions—from pet guardians, trainers, and especially shelter staff. It's a behaviour that raises safety concerns and can deeply affect a dog's future, particularly in high-stakes environments like rescues and shelters. In this video, we explore how our understanding of resource guarding has evolved over time and why a more informed, compassionate approach is changing outcomes for dogs everywhere. Whether you live with a dog who guards or simply want to understand the behaviour better, this is essential viewing for anyone invested in dog welfare and training. 0:00 – Brief Intro to Resource Guarding in Dogs 1:07 – Body Language of a Resource Guarding Dog 1:36 – History of Resource Guarding Dog 2:57 – Resource Guarding Behaviour Today 3:31 – How to Manage Resource Guarding 4:45 – 4 Key Considerations for Resource Guarding Dogs References Dogs Trust. (n.d.). How to stop your dog resource guarding food and toys. https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice/training/unwanted-behaviours/resource-guarding-food-and-toys Miller, P. (2015, July 15). Resource-guarding and what to do about it. Whole Dog Journal. https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/behavior/resource-guarding/resource-guarding-and-what-to-do-about-it/ Sternberg, S. (2023, March 29). [Photograph of Sue Sternberg]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=593942509425212&set=a.409393654546766 Weiss, E. (2025, January 2). Are you kidding me? The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement. https://theaawa.org/are-you-kidding-me Video used Call of the Wild School for Dogs. (2014, February 12). Video 1 – Clarke resource guarding. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=678557532202524 Book recommendation: Beware of the Dog: Positive Solutions for Aggressive Behavior in Dogs by Pat Miller (Affiliate): https://amzn.to/4gCJFw8 For a fantastic collection of all of the best dog training books go here (Affiliate) https://www.dogwise.com/?aff=477 Some of my favourite dog training gear (Affiliate) Baby gate: https://amzn.to/3y1iCHC Dog exercise pen: https://amzn.to/37Tt612 Kong Extreme: https://amzn.to/3LKjWCw Kong for small dogs or puppies: https://amzn.to/3F0mxG9 Kong wobbler: https://amzn.to/38EptfB Dog training treat bag (traditional): https://amzn.to/3vsttsq Dog training treat bag (for wet treats): https://thetrainerspouch.com/?ref=TRAIN Harness: https://amzn.to/3MFm6Dz Dual ended lead (perfect for the above harness): https://amzn.to/39tRDu6 Long leash: https://amzn.to/3FaBPrR Premium dog food: https://amzn.to/3vstIUm Training treats: https://amzn.to/3KqLYBT My filming and editing gear (Affiliate) Camera 1: https://amzn.to/3KqEuPa My favourite lens (the one used for A roll): https://amzn.to/3yapDpL My other favourite lens (the one used for B roll): https://amzn.to/3vwl2fN My favourite gimbal: https://amzn.to/3kp3XOx Camera 2: https://amzn.to/38FYEaz Lavalier microphone: https://amzn.to/372T2a9 USB microphone: https://amzn.to/3s5iWBs Lights: https://amzn.to/3KC0kz7 Editing laptop: https://amzn.to/3y4wSzb Tripod: https://amzn.to/3ONxD5P My online presence: Website: http://www.trainmeplease.com.au/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrainMePlease Twitter: https://twitter.com/sealtrainer Linkedin: au.linkedin.com/in/josegomestmp Music by CreatorMix.com This video is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute advice that is tailored to you and your dog. I highly recommend that you get in contact with a progressive behaviour consultant to help you and your dog directly.