First things first: Do not touch your dog’s food while it is eating. This is one of the biggest myths among the masses related to dog training and if your dog has already shown resource guarding tendencies, DEFINITELY don’t do it. There are other ways to work towards a better relationship with your dog. Let’s talk about the theory that myth is routed in, given that it’s one of the most common I hear clients tell me.
Dogs are pack animals and in the wild they develop pack order where the leader exhibits certain behaviors and the pack show other favorable behaviors towards the “leaders”. This myth of touching your dog’s food acknowledges that as humans in the house, we need to show some dominance towards our dog so they understand WE are the pack leaders. While I do not disagree with that mindset, I disagree with the approach. All you will do is add fuel to that fire and continue to instigate poor habits in your dog.
What is resource guarding?
I like this definition on the “Preventative Vet” website: “When a dog reacts unfavorably when they perceive a threat to a valuable resource in their possession.” The nonsensical thing to humans is often that there is NO threat or the object isn’t valuable to us. For example, I just had a client tell me their dog was going after a tissue when the owner grabbed it and the dog lashed out. But we aren’t talking about OUR perspective – we are talking about the dog’s.
The reasons I see dog’s resource guard the most:
- They lack confidence
- They are anxious
- They do not have boundaries and rules in the house
- They are in a multi-dog household with no rules and boundaries
The best thing you can do for your dog is work with a professional trainer who has experience with resource guarding, as every dog is different and diagnosing a fix requires eyes on the dog and the behavior. I think of resource guarding on a spectrum and just because I see certain behaviors coming from a dog that seem not ideal, I do not automatically label them a resource guarder. Just because my dog doesn’t like our toddler near his food (which we do not allow anyway) and he makes a low growl, doesn’t mean that is unreasonable. In my mind that is a boundary that is fair to the dog and the household respects that. Dogs eat in their own room in our house so there is no drama. Rules and boundaries go both ways.
In the interim. here are a couple things you can do to try and limit the behavior.
- Hand feed your dog. Food is valuable and we want the dog to see that value comes from us. Taking their breakfast and dinner and slowing feeding it a couple pieces at a time from your hand helps strengthen your relationship.
- No furniture. Dogs see furniture as something valuable and will demonstrate resource guarding behavior on your couch and definitely on your bed.
- Keep a short leash on your dog at all times. This way you can manage them without getting close to their face and it will help keep you safe.
- Toys and bones should not be left unattended in the house. They can be given to the dog at certain times from the owner, also establishing that you are the ticket to valuable items in the house. Consider picking up that basket of toys off of the floor and putting it in a closet. When you are ready to engage the dog, bring the toy out and play with your dog together!
- Establish clear rules and boundaries. YOU are the pack leader in the house and as such you cannot let your dog do whatever it wants, whenever it wants.