Uploaded December 2020 | Updated September 2026, 21 hours ago
Resource guarding is when your dog becomes defensive in order to keep you away from an item or resource that they find particularly valuable. While it's a natural behaviour in dogs, there are some things that we can do to offer reassurance and let them know that they don't have to become defensive.
Learn about managing this behaviour in this video.
00:12 What is resource guarding
00:47 Stop resource guarding before it starts
01:54 Resource guarding with toys
02:33 Stop resource guarding once it has started
03:35 Teach the "leave it" cue
For more advice on caring for your dog visit our website: battersea.org.uk/pet-advice
Resource guarding is when your dog becomes defensive in order to keep you away from an item or resource that they find particularly valuable. While it's a natural behaviour in dogs, there are some things that we can do to offer reassurance and let them know that they don't have to become defensive.
Learn about managing this behaviour in this video.
00:12 What is resource guarding
00:47 Stop resource guarding before it starts
01:54 Resource guarding with toys
02:33 Stop resource guarding once it has started
03:35 Teach the "leave it" cue
For more advice on caring for your dog visit our website: battersea.org.uk/pet-advice
