Resource guarding isn’t about dominance or aggression—it’s rooted in fear. It happens when a dog tries to control access to something they find valuable, like food, toys, resting spots, or even a favorite person. You might see growling, snapping, stiffening, or the dog hiding with the item. This behavior is especially common in rescue dogs who’ve experienced scarcity, competition, or instability in the past.

Dogs may guard all kinds of things: food or treats, toys and chews, beds or crates, people, “found” items like socks or trash, and even spaces like couches or doorways. It’s their way of saying, “This matters to me—please don’t take it.”

Common signs of resource guarding include freezing or hovering over the item, placing a paw on it, hard stares, low growls, or snapping when approached. Some dogs will even take the item and retreat or hide. These signals are communication—your dog is asking for space.

So what should you do? First, manage the environment. Feed dogs separately and supervise high-value items. Teach cues like “drop it” or “leave it” using positive reinforcement. Trade for better items instead of taking things by force. Watch your dog’s body language, and give them space if they seem tense. When in doubt, consult a positive reinforcement trainer to help you work through it safely.

What shouldn’t you do? Don’t punish, yell, or try to take things just to “prove a point”—this only increases fear and escalates the behavior. Never force confrontation. And don’t assume it’ll go away on its own. Most resource guarding needs thoughtful, ongoing management and support.

Why does it happen? For many dogs, it’s a survival instinct—especially if they’ve known hunger or competition. Insecurity in a new home can also trigger guarding. And sometimes, it’s simply natural dog behavior. Even beloved family pets may guard on occasion.

Managing resource guarding means preventing situations where it might happen. Training builds trust over time and helps your dog learn that giving something up doesn’t mean losing it forever. Both are important—and progress takes patience.

Your dog isn’t being “bad.” They’re expressing fear or uncertainty in the only way they know how. With structure, understanding, and trust, many dogs can learn that their people are safe—and that they don’t have to guard the things they love.