Resource Guarding

What is Resource Guarding?

“Resource guarding” is a term used to describe a dog’s behaviour when they become defensive around items, food, places, or even people that they value.

It’s important to understand that this is a natural behaviour that has historically had a function; dog’s ancestors that guarded their possessions would have been much more likely to survive in the wild.

However, it can cause conflict in the home environment between dogs, or between people and their pets. Resource guarding can become dangerous for both you and your dog if not dealt with correctly. Always seek help from a professional if your dog is displaying aggression around items.

Body Language

Often, we don’t notice guarding behaviours until this becomes more overt aggression such as growling, snapping, or even biting. In the vast majority of cases, your dog will have indicated to you that they are not happy with your presence around the item or place well before this point.

This might look like:

• Taking an object and hiding under the table.
• Turning away from you as you approach.
• Watching you very carefully whilst they are eating.
• Stiffening up as you approach.

Quickly consuming items as you approach (so that the object is gone and won’t be taken away) is a more dangerous form of resource guarding that can be harmful to your beagle.

It’s important that you become aware of these early warning signals so that you can respond to them appropriately.

Guarding from Other Dogs

Guarding from other dogs is a natural behaviour that would have benefited dogs’ ancestors, as protecting their food and possessions helped ensure survival. However, this behaviour can cause serious issues in multi-dog households.

Tips to manage guarding between dogs:

• Always feed and give your dogs chews separately. Use separate rooms if necessary, with pens or crates.
• If guests bring their dogs, introduce the dogs on neutral territory (e.g., during a walk) and remove any valued items like toys or food.
• If resource guarding persists, seek help from a qualified professional.

Guarding Furniture

Some dogs show aggression when owners try to move them off furniture. This often stems from a misunderstanding of the dog’s perception of the situation.

Prevention and management:

• Block access to furniture by using gates or pens if your dog shows aggression when asked to get down.
• Provide a comfortable dog bed in a quiet but family-accessible location. Reward your dog for using their bed.
• Avoid touching a dog when they are tired, sleeping, or have reacted negatively in the past. Instead, drop treats nearby to build positive associations.

Guarding Items and Food

Beagles often “steal” food items or other objects they find valuable. This isn’t about dominance but rather about seizing an opportunity.

Managing item guarding:

• Prevent access to tempting items by keeping them out of reach.
• If your dog takes an inappropriate item, avoid confrontation, as this can escalate guarding behaviour.
• Distract your dog by engaging with their toys or rewarding them for letting go of the item.

If the item is dangerous or a choking hazard:

• Avoid immediately grabbing it from their mouth. Instead, use “treat bombing” by throwing a handful of tasty treats across the floor to encourage them to drop the item.