Free Tips to Stop Dog Resource Guarding Problems

For this Omaha dog training session we taught 3 year-old Golden Retriever Walter to respect personal space and stop dog resource guarding habits. Especially when it comes to bones, food and toys.

Walter started things off by showing me several unwanted behaviors before we even got a chance to sit down. He was all in my business, literally nosing into my crotch, butt and bag as he bounced around us.

Since the family will welcome their first baby in a few months, I spent time showing the parents how to claim their space. I also taught them to stop petting their pet when he climbed on them or nudged them for attention.

Next, I made several suggestions regarding exercise and structure. Walter saw himself as equal to the humans, and it’s clear why.

How to Stop Dog Resource Guarding with Positive Reinforcement

Walter had no rules. People petted him so much that he never had to ask for it. When he did ask, he got attention right away.

By petting Walter with a purpose the guardians can start to transition him into more of a followers mindset. This is one of my favorite dog training methods. It is easy and very effective if people make it a habit.

This will also help Walter practice not getting attention on demand which will help once baby comes.

I promised the guardians to include a link to a dog behavior column I did on welcoming a new baby into a home with dogs as well as how to teach a dog to stay until released.

The guardians may also want to check out this free dog training video on how to teach a dog to stop invading personal space.

Next, I handed my camera over to the guardians so I could show them how to stop resource guarding in dogs.

Resource guarding isn’t about aggression—it’s just a natural instinct for dogs to protect their stuff. The goal is to teach them that when a person comes near, it’s actually a good thing, not a threat.

One way to do this is by tossing high-value treats from a comfortable distance and slowly getting closer over time.

Teaching a solid “drop” command also helps, so they learn that giving something up leads to something even better. For food guarding, adding extra goodies to their bowl while they eat or even feeding by hand can build trust.

To stop dog resource guarding habits, use positive reinforcement. Practice at a distance where the dog feels safe. Keep repeating this until the dog is comfortable with you being closer.

If the guardians practice this technique a few times a day, they can stop Walter’s resource guarding. They should see results in about a month.

With the right training, dogs can learn to feel safe instead of defensive about their favorite things. It takes patience and consistency.

Tips for Adding Structure to Dog’s Routine

Later, we talked about how important structure is when petting and feeding. We discussed the need for consistency. We also shared creative ways to increase his exercise. Finally, we talked about the value of keeping an exercise journal for a month.

Keeping an exercise journal for your dog allows you to track their activity levels, recognize patterns in their behavior, and make more informed decisions about their health and well-being.

By keeping a record of their daily walks, playtime, and training sessions, you can identify trends, adjust their routine as needed, and catch any potential health concerns early.

To help the guardians remember all the positive dog training tips we covered in this in-home dog training session, we shot a roadmap to success video that you can check out below.