What is Resource Guarding?
Friends and Neighbors,
Resource guarding is a behavior where pets become reactive over an item that they deem as high value. Pets can resource guard pretty much anything including food, toys, beds and even us! Signs of resource guarding are usually easy to detect, however the reactive behavior can happen in the blink of an eye. Check out our resource guarding article below for more tips.
What is resource guarding?
Resource guarding is a natural behavior that occurs in a pet when they become protective over something that they value. This reactive behavior is an attempt to keep others away from their high value item. Even the most loving and social pets can experience resource guarding. While pets with a rough history are more likely to protect their high value items, even the most spoon fed pets can exhibit resource guarding behaviors!
Where does it come from?
The science behind resource guarding varies, but it typically stems from anxiety. If a pet has lived through a situation where they had to fight for their basic needs, they may exhibit resource guarding. Additionally, improper training can also cause resource guarding. A method of removing food to assert dominance can actually train your pet to become protective. This is why we always recommend positive reinforcement training instead of training that encourages asserting dominance. We want our pets to feel comfortable with humans touching their food - not anxious that they are going to take it away.
What are resource guarding behaviors?
Standing rigid or stiff
Growling or baring teeth
Heckles up
Hyperfixation on high value item
Hissing and swatting
Body positioning over high value item
Hiding the item
What are ways to prevent resource guarding?
Positive reinforcement training at home. Reward the behaviors you want to see. For example, while your pet is eating, drop a few high value treats in their bowl so they associate a human near their food as a positive thing.
Remove the problem items. If your pet is resource guarding a particular item and you are able to, remove it from the home.
Separate your pet into a different room during feeding time.
Stay vigilant in any place your pet might be. If you bring your dog to the dog park, don’t bring toys with you. Keep your pup away from barriers (like the entrance gate,) that can trigger reactivity.
For our feline friends, contact us so we can learn more about what exact behaviors your cat is displaying.
Consider training. We recommend Anything is Pawzable for the pups. They are hosting a Resource Guarding Seminar on Tuesday, October 22nd, 2024 at 3358 N. Pulaski Rd. 60641 from 6:30-8pm. Register here.
Be patient with your pet as you work through resource guarding. It will take time to build up their confidence to no longer exhibit the behavior. Keep us in the loop of any resource guarding behaviors and we can incorporate that into their treatment plan or refer you out to a trusted behaviorist.
We hope you find these tips useful and that they help keep your pets happy and healthy. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have. We’re always here for you and your pets!
Sincerely,
The BLVD Team