Resource-guarding in dogs – that is, protecting valuable possessions – is a natural, normal behavior. Yet at some point we humans developed the arrogant and misguided belief that we should have the right to take anything away from our dogs, any time we darn well please, and our dogs should have no right to object. Dogs who attempt to protect their valuable resources in their humans’ home tend to be punished, sometimes severely.
Until very recently, shelter dogs who exhibit resource guarding were almost always met with a more permanent outcome: euthanasia.
Should dogs really be met with cruelty or death because they’d prefer not to share their food, toys, or bed?
I’m a passionate advocate for families who want to adopt from a shelter and want a dog who won’t hurt other members of their family. But I also believe that many dogs who exhibit resource-guarding in the highly stressful environment of a shelter can be safely incorporated into many family homes.
ASSESSING RESOURCE GUARDING IN A SHELTER
Most shelters use some sort of behavior assessment, formal and structured or informal and ad hoc, to determine which unclaimed or relinquished dogs should advance to the shelter’s adoption program or be designated for behavior modification, and which should be deemed “unadoptable.” In recent years, the behavior assessments that are most widely employed by shelters have come under fire due to studies that suggest that they are not predictive and not replicable.
“Not predictive” refers to the studies’ findings that behaviors presented by dogs during a shelter assessment are very often never seen in the adoptive home – and, conversely, behaviors not seen in the shelter assessment often do occur after dogs are placed in homes.
“Not replicable” means that results of one shelter staff person’s assessment of a dog may be entirely different if the same dog is assessed by a different person, or on a different day. Both of these flaws put the validity of the assessment tools into question.
In our view, given that aggression is caused by stress, and even the best shelter in the world is a stressful place for almost any dog, it’s not surprising that a stressed shelter dog might be more likely to snap and snarl when pressured in the presence of a high-value resource – or in response to some of the other provocative procedures in an assessment.
The findings of recent studies about assessments put responsible shelters in a difficult position. How do they best ensure they are not putting dangerous dogs into the hands of the public if they cannot trust the results of their assessment protocols? There are no easy answers – but there are things that shelters can do to keep from killing dogs who are unlikely to cause harm after being adopted into a family environment:
- Realize that resource-guarding is, indeed, a natural and normal canine behavior, especially for a dog who is living in a stressful environment.
- Be more forgiving when a dog exhibits some tension over a valuable resource during the assessment process. Rather than an immediate “You failed!” response when a dog tenses or growls, gently pursue the process (assuming a fake hand is being used). During my long career working with shelters and doing assessments, I have seen a significant number of dogs de-escalate their level of tension when the assessor remained calm and continued the process with gentle persistence.
- Recognize that a dog who stiffens and growls during the procedure is communicating, not attacking. She is saying, “This is mine and I don’t want to share.” If you proceed (inappropriately, in her estimation) after giving you a polite warning, she may escalate to a more intense, “I really mean it; this is mine and you can’t have it.” Though her behavior may seem aggressive to inexperienced dog owners, the dog is actually showing admirable restraint and still may be a good adoption candidate for an appropriate home, without further intervention needed.
- If the shelter is uncomfortable placing dogs who exhibit the kind of behavior described above, its management could establish a behavioral foster program. Staff and/or volunteers who are knowledgeable and capable of working with behaviorally challenging dogs can assess and work to modify their guarding behavior in the shelter. Alternatively, the dog could be placed in a foster home (with one of those experienced dog-savvy volunteers or staff members) to see if this is one of those behaviors that ceases when the dog is no longer dealing with the stress of the shelter environment.
- Continue to consider dogs who show an extreme response to a reasonably mild threat to their resources as not-adoptable, unless the shelter has the expertise and resources to do significant behavior modification.
The shelter that I worked with a few years ago created a continuum that spelled out how dogs who offered varying degrees of resource-guarding behavior would be handled (see the table below). Each possible response corresponded with a specific recommendation. As a result, they began safely and successfully placing many dogs who, previously, would have been euthanized.
This table is an assessment form for a resource-guarding evaluation.
The left column describes possible responses that a dog might exhibit to a test in which the dog is given a valuable resource, such as canned food or a favorite toy, and then a handler attempts (with an artificial hand on a stick) to take the resource from the dog.
Dogs who display behaviors marked on the “Shares easily” end of the spectrum could be placed in any home. If their responses were marked somewhere in the middle of the spectrum, they were placed for adoption with restrictions (such as “no small children” or “experienced home only”), moved to the shelter’s behavioral foster program, or sent to a known rescue with behavior modification resources. If, however, their behavior was judged to match the most extreme descriptions at the “Guards Resource” end of the spectrum, they would be judged a candidate for euthanasia.
WORKING WITH A DOG WHO RESOURCE-GUARDS
Today, progressive trainers and shelter managers are aware that resource-guarding behavior can be managed, modified, and/or minimized. It requires understanding that this is a natural, normal canine behavior; a willingness to modify the dog’s environment in order to set him up for success; and, depending on the degree of drama that the dog brings to his guarding, a bit of work.
From the outset, adopters of all dogs (not just those with a history of guarding) need to be educated that the concept “I should be able to take anything away from my dog” is false and dangerous.
Then, whether the dog is living in a shelter or in a home, the first critical task is to make sure that no one (purposely or unwittingly) antagonizes the dog into aggressive behavior. All staff and volunteers or family members need to be thoroughly trained on procedures for working with the dog and minimizing guarding behavior; obviously, only staff or family members who are capable of and committed to staying cognizant and alert to these procedures should be allowed in the dog’s proximity.
When handling any item that has any value for the dog, people need to learn how to safely trade with the dog for anything he might covet, including bowls, toys, or anything he might have randomly grabbed, such as a dropped cell phone or keys (see “Protocol for a Safe Trade”).
When circumstances prevent a trade from taking place, the dog’s handlers should manage the environment to prevent the dog from having an opportunity to guard. For example, in a shelter, the staff might be instructed to move the dog to the other side of a double-sided kennel (and closing the door between them) before picking up items in the kennel; in a home, Mom would be instructed to put the dog outside before she picked up his empty food bowl.
YOU CAN MANAGE
Most resource-guarding behavior is much more easily managed or modified than once thought. In an appropriate adoption home, with family members mature and committed enough to adhere to management protocols, resource-guarding doesn’t have to be an issue at all.
The same is true in a shelter with adequate understanding and resources. Complications arise with young or careless handlers, those who resist the new understanding of guarding behavior, and/or those who may deliberately undermine management protocols.
Nevertheless, the time is long past for resource-guarding to be a capital offense for our canine companions. Dogs have a right to want to keep their good stuff. Manage the home or shelter environment so stress and conflicts over resources don’t have to occur. Implement “Trade” and guarding behavior modification protocols as needed to keep everyone safe and happy. And let them live.
I’ve had many rescue dogs share my life for over 45 years – including 3 who were described as non-adoptable. Each adoption has been a 100% success from my viewpoint and I believe, from each dog’s viewpoint too.
I’ve always believed that a dog has an absolute right to have his/her meal undisturbed by anyone. I’m a reasonably domesticated human being yet I would definitely snarl if someone prodded my dinner with a plastic hand and I believe that every dog has an absolute right to resist anyone interrupting his/her meal in that way! That reputable rescue societies ever had a policy of ‘testing’ an animal in that way is quite extraordinary – I feel really angry every time I even think of that – and I’m very happy to learn that it’s now being seen as old-fashioned, inhumane and barbaric.
Dogs deserve our respect and basic ‘good manners’ and when treated that way, they always respond.
I agree with Lorna Lake 100%! I also want to add that many dogs that end up in shelters have faced disturbing circumstances. Many of these dogs came from neglectful and abusive backgrounds where they, perhaps, did not get enough to eat or were not fed regularly as they should have been. These dogs, and cats too, will be, naturally, protective of their food. They should not be punished for this. As Lorna said, “Dogs deserve our respect and basic ‘good manners’ and when treated that way, they always respond.” We learned this first hand when we adopted a dog from an abusive home. As we were leaving, the woman said, “Don’t leave him alone in your living room or he’ll eat your couch.” She showed us the arm of one of her chairs–gone. As we were leaving with the dog, both she and her ignorant husband said, “Good riddance you son of a b**ch.” We brought that dog home and loved him for 17 years. He never destroyed a thing in our house and he got over growling when on of our other pets looked at his food. It’s all in how much compassion and love you give to the dog.
What makes me angry is that those tests have been shown to have absolutely no reliability and validity whatsoever. These tests are no better than playing eenie-meenie-miney-moe with dogs’ lives. We’ve taken any many dogs that failed the resource guarding portion of the test and have found that either they weren’t resource guarders at all or that they could be worked with and overcome their resource guarding issues. And humans are resource guarders–do you lock your home and your car? Then you’re a resource guarder. Why is it that we expect dogs to NOT guard their valuable resources?
a shelter in NH where I used to volunteer dog walk used a wooden (or plastic) “hand” on the end of a stick to test the resource guarding of intake dogs. Ridiculous, foolish & cruel. I hope it has learned better. Your letter is knowledgeable & humane. Thanks
Our first dog when we retired and could be home with a dog, was Jeffrey. He was a beautiful 1 1/2 yr old Parti-colored Cocker from a local animal shelter. Our children are grown and live in another state. We were told that we were at least the 3rd family that had “parented” him. The first night ” the dog chewed on his adoption papers” . He won over going on the couch to sit, and was content to stay behind a baby gate in a small room when we went to bed. He had many good qualities and stayed with my husband on a walk in the woods, didn’t excessively bark at people and seemed very willing to meet strangers. Everyone wanted to pet him when we went on walks. I insisted that they ask me first.
He was however a thief and a resource guarder. If you dropped something, it was his immediately. He even stole food out of peoples’ backpacks and his fellow hikers learned not to reach out with their sandwiches. He wasn’t good at “trading” but you could divert his attention to the other side of the room and maybe get your possession. I had to remind myself that I was smarter than him and could use guile and trickery ( or techniques) to have him release something. I found the best treatment was to avoid the bad behavior at all costs . We managed because we loved him and he was a great companion on hikes and camping, but the danger was always there. He lived with us until he was 10 years old and developed a large tumor in his lung. At that point we had him put to sleep. We were very sad to lose him. Always said he had “issues” and I thought I wouldn’t adopt for a long time. My husband teases me that I almost immediately was on the internet again looking at rescues. Jeffie was the anchor of my day and I was kind of lost without him.
We ended up with a Cocker/Border collie mix. Charlie is a very barkey dog, but good natured with a soft mouth. He’s always willing to trade, but people are put off by his loud greetings. Each one is an individual and we live with them and love them.
Interesting article. As I do not have grandchildren, I have never been very concerned about these issues. I have had rescues that had different patterns of self protection, which may not have been suitable for a home with small children. And re: predictability, shelters are very stressful environments and do provoke atypical behaviors. Decades ago I adopted a wonderful mix, maybe lab/pointer, who barked and yelped nonstop CONTINUOUSLY in the shelter, however, she was the only short haired, female, non pitbull young dog available. Her constant barking was only due to her extreme discomfort there, and she turned out to be not a barker, at all. That I might not have adopted her at all is a sobering thought, because she was a delightful personality.
2 of my dogs are resource guarders (food and resting space), and 1 is not. I feed them in separate rooms, as well as have beds in several rooms. And they really like each other, except when resting and eating:( They do not seem to guard resources from me, only each other. Although I would probably have to trade if one killed a squirrel…….
We have a resource-guarder at the extreme end of the spectrum unfortunately. We adopted Carson, a Great Pyr mix at 3 months old and he displayed guarding even at that age. We thought we nipped it in the bud early but within the last few weeks (he’ll be 2 in Sept) the resource guarding has returned with a vengeance. It’s so bad that he doesn’t even want to be touched if his raw butcher bone is in the same room. My husband wants to euthanize but I have talked him into meeting with a trainer. Desperately trying to save him. Wish you were on the East coast for a training option.
There are a lot of great trainers all over the US who are doing training sessions over Zoom and similar platforms right now due to COVID. I have had a very positive experience with Glenn and Judy at Pet Dog Training (Boston area) for my dog who was neglected as a pup and has resulting resource guarding issues with other dogs. Good luck to you with Carson!
Many great R+ trainers in the NE, and many do on-line training. Just make sure that you pick someone who does not use aversive methods. My first advice would be to manage the situation might not giving him such a high value item so that he does not practice bad behavior. Remember that practice makes perfect.
Paw-Z-Tivly Trained
As you know Great Pyranese were bred to be guarders of seep herds. I ave had experience retraining by using ;low m value object and carefully trading up. I knew of a Great Pyr about 6 months old who would steal paper from a waste basket and use it to “practice” guarding.
I feel that NO rescue dog should go to a family without experience.
Except in rare cases, rescue dogs NEED retraining and socialisation.
I have also . sadly, seen by video, some assessments that I trhough were grossly wrong. In two cases a well behaved dog was led away to be destroyed, whuile what looked to me like dogs that were iffy, were judged safe
We have a rescue TWC mix that is food-obcessed. When we first got her, she guarded all food and growled at us and her fellow adoptee Great Dane if we got near her when she had a resource. This lasted about 6 months, gradually decreasing until today she can eat food out of my hand with her big sister also eating next to her – no growling, just trying to hog the food by eating fast.
How did we get her to de-escalate? First, we understood that she was probably not fed regularly in her early life and thus felt she had to gobble her food as quick as possible and warn away any competition. We carefully fed her separate from her sister and kept her sister away from her when she was chewing a treat. I would approach her when she had a resource, stopping when she started to growl. But I stayed at that distance, not backing down and calmly waiting for her to understand I wasn’t going to take her food, talking calmly to her, and praising her when she relaxed and stopped growling. I also worked with her on trading one resource (a treat) for an unacceptable resource (food wrapper she pulled off the counter). I’m very patient and she’s very smart, which helps. She used to steal shoes and chew them. Now she picks them up and carries them to one of us for a treat, wagging her tail like crazy and acting like she’s pleased she figured out this trick.
Also, since she is so smart, she gets bored easily. We try to give her plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. I work with her on new “tricks” and obedience often. And, fortunately, she will chew on raw hides and frozen beef bones without digestive issues, so we can occasionally use these to help keep her busy.
Note, however, that I am not an official dog trainer. I have had over 50 years of experience with dogs and read extensively about training. I also have the time and patience to work with them on issues. If you don’t have experience, time, and/or patience, get help from a trainer and learn to be patient.
Realize that the dog you have adopted is stressed. Give the dog time to get used to their new environment and its new rules, which you will have to patiently teach them. It took over six months for our two latest rescues to destress from their foster’s toxic environment, to fully relax and feel safe and loved. But now we wouldn’t trade them for the world; they make us laugh every day with their antics and tricks.
I have a beagle who resource guards trash, She came to me at 11 weeks with this behavior and it makes me question what her short liitle life was like before I got her.
I would not care one bit if she resource guarded her food or her toys to the degree that she will a plastic bag or a piece of tape. If you try to take it from her she will deliver a draw-blood-bite quicker than a rattlesnake! So things being what they are, we have worked diligently for a 98% solid “Drop It” and “Leave It” command and the other 2% where she is just not willing to part with her treasure, a chunk of chicken or a couple pieces of hotdog do the work for me.
Yes, it can be managed. hSe’s almost a year now and she is beginning to understand that I’m always willing to give her something better for that junk she finds so valuable. Sometimes I think she picks up trash now just so she can get a treat. Maybe the next step is teaching her how to throw trash in the trashcan for yummy treats? Now that’s an idea!
Can you please provide a reference for the studies you mentioned that show unreliable outcomes from the commonly-used shelter behavior assessments? Also, what are the current recommendations for what shelters SHOULD do in terms of behavior assessments? Thank you!
While I never had a resource guarder where humans were involved, occasionally there is one who will fight with other dogs in the house. Feeding is not a problem as it’s easy to feed them separately but there are always priced toys and chews that are accessible to everyone. Being constantly on the look out is certainly no fun and not even possible 24/7. The only way those types of guarders are tolerable is as a singly pet. In a multi pet household it wouldn’t be fair for the other to be constantly vigilant.
My little 8.lbs Chihuahua / Russell Terrier mix, rescue dog who was 17 months old when I adopted him. He initially exhibited resource guarding over his food. I discovered this when trying to add something to his food bowl! (I had ever taken any food away from him.) Anyway, I just pretty much ignored the food guarding behavior, figuring it was a response to his former time spent in shelters, or being a stray, and perhaps not having enough food. After about a year he completely dropped the resource guarding behavior, he just needed to become sure of always being fed, and that if my hand was anywhere near his food bowl it was going to give him something, not take it away!
We got a rescue Siberian husky puppy who was found wandering the streets She was in the shelter for a week before a rescue placed her in a foster At four months she was up for adoption and we adopted her She was initially the first month a resource guarder but if she wanted to guard it we let be By the time she was 5 months old she realized she didn’t have to guard there was plenty to go around and we always gave more than we took She’s 4 now and has never felt the need to guard again Can even take food out of her mouth
Reads like propaganda, and to what end? How about those arrogant, misguided humans who get bitten because they dare to remove a dangerous object from a dog? And (in the commendts) the Great Pyr guarding a kleenex is exhibiting behavior desirable in a guarding breed? Common sense is all too uncommon. This is a genetically driven trait that can be managed, but the way in which this piece posits its thesis seems dramatic and political.