Resource guarding is when a dog feels the need to protect their food, toys, or other resources from other dogs or people.
Some signs of resource guarding include:Growling, barking, or lunging at other dogs or people who approach the resource Taking the resource and hiding it.
There are many reasons why dogs resource guard, including:Fear,Anxiety,Lack of confidence,Past experiences of being attacked or having their resources taken away.
There are a few things you can do to stop resource guarding, including:Positive reinforcement training,Desensitization and counterconditioning,Management.
Desensitization involves exposing your dog to the things they guard in a controlled environment and rewarding them for not reacting.
Management involves taking steps to prevent your dog from having the opportunity to resource guard, such as feeding them in a separate room or crate.
If you are having trouble stopping your dog from resource guarding, it is important to get help from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.