How to STOP Resource Guarding

It’s Not About the Territory — It’s About Control.

Does your dog growl when you approach their food? Snap when someone walks near their bone or toy? Freeze when you get too close to “their” space?

That’s resource guarding — and it’s not just rude. It’s dangerous.

At Elite K9 Service, we don’t bribe or “counter-condition” resource guarding away. We fix it by restoring leadership, respect, and clear consequences.

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What Resource Guarding Really Means

Resource guarding is usually a dominance issue, not an insecurity one.

Your dog isn’t “afraid” you’ll take their food. They’re telling you:

“This is mine. Stay back.”

That attitude doesn’t stop with food. It often shows up in:

• Toys

• Beds

• Crates

• Spaces on the couch

• Even people

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What NOT to Do

❌ Don’t trade food for better treats

❌ Don’t pull the bowl away to show you “own” it

❌ Don’t praise your dog for allowing you near

These tactics teach negotiation, not leadership.

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The Elite K9 Service Way to Stop Resource Guarding

✅ Step 1: Claim All Resources

Nothing your dog has is theirs. It’s yours first.

Start with:

• Structured Hand Feeding times (no free-feeding)

• Waiting calmly in a Sit/Down before being released to a "Ok Command"

• Removal of high-value toys when not earned

• No couch or bed privileges without perfect obedience (Mainly for your safety)

• Build a structure of Essential Obedience (Like a Focus Command)

The message is clear:

“You don’t own anything — you access it through me.”

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✅ Step 2: Use Spatial Pressure and Leash Control

If your dog stiffens when you approach a item:

• Walk up calmly and confidently

• Use leash pressure or body movement to back them off and go into a "Focus Command"

• Once they yield, mark “Yes” or “Good” and release

If they resist:

• Correct with leash pop, prong collar, or e-collar tap (if conditioned)

• Do not yell, panic, or back away

This teaches:

“You must respect my space — especially around resources.”

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✅ Step 3: Feed with Rules

• Crate Hand-Feeding if the dog escalates in closed spaces

• Place in a command with situation they usually react in and reward the calm behavior

• “Break” or “Okay” used for release — not when the dog decides

• Practice drills where they would usually react (Reward the good behavior and correct the bad behavior)

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✅ Step 4: Redirect Any Signs of Guarding Early

Don’t wait for the growl.

Correct at the first sign of:

• Freezing

• Whale-eye

• Low growl

• Hunched posture

• Quick head turn when approached

Learn more about "How to Properly Correct a Dog": https://www.elitek9service.com/post/how-to-properly-correct-a-dog

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Final Word

Resource guarding isn’t a Territory Issue — it’s a respect issue.

✔️ You control everything the dog wants

✔️ You set the rules for access

✔️ You correct attempts to claim or defend

✔️ You lead, they follow — period.

📞 If your dog is showing any Resource Guarding Behavior, don’t wait for it to escalate. Contact Elite K9 Service. We help turn possessiveness into peace, through clear structure and confident leadership.