Resource guarding is one of the most misunderstood dog behaviors. Many guardians see growling or guarding as dominance or defiance, but in reality, it’s a deeply rooted survival instinct. In this episode, we explore what resource guarding really means, why dogs display it, and how you can respond in ways that build trust rather than conflict.
You’ll learn the difference between normal protective behaviors and true guarding issues, common myths that lead to frustration, and simple strategies to prevent and manage guarding in daily life. From trade games to safe spaces, we’ll cover practical approaches that respect your dog’s needs while keeping your home peaceful.
We’ll also dive into the emotional side for guardians—how to move past fear or frustration and reframe guarding as communication instead of aggression. By the end of this episode, you’ll walk away with a new perspective: resource guarding isn’t about power, it’s about protection. And when you learn to listen, you can strengthen the bond with your dog.
Mentioned in this episode:
Decoding Your Dog: A Live Behavior Support Session
Join me for a live virtual Q&A designed to help you make sense of your dog’s behavior and get clear, actionable guidance you can apply immediately. Whether you’re navigating reactivity, fear, stress-related behaviors, or everyday challenges, this session gives you the opportunity to ask direct questions and receive expert support in real time. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of what drives your dog’s behavior and practical steps you can start using the same day. Open to all dog guardians—bring your questions. January 8th, 2026 https://dogspeakgeek.thinkific.com/products/live_events/dog-behavior-live-event
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