Resource guarding is a natural but often misunderstood behaviour in pets, particularly dogs and, less commonly, cats. It can present as growling, snapping, or even biting when a pet feels threatened over something they value such as food, toys, space, or even a person. Although it can be alarming, it’s important to understand that resource guarding is based in instinct and fear, not aggression for aggression’s sake.
Why do pets guard resources?
Resource guarding is an evolutionarily adaptive behaviour, rooted in survival. In the wild, access to food, territory, and mates can determine whether an animal thrives or perishes. This instinct still persists in domesticated animals, especially if they have had to compete for resources in the past (Case, 2014).
In dogs, it may manifest due to:
- A history of inconsistent access to resources (e.g., in shelter environments or neglect cases).
- Early life stress or poor socialisation, especially during the critical period between 3–14 weeks of age (Howell et al., 2015).
- Punitive training methods, which can increase anxiety and fear, leading to defensive behaviours like guarding (Ziv, 2017).
Cats can also guard resources, often more subtly. They may swat, hiss, or block access to food or litter trays, particularly in multi-cat households where resources are limited or improperly distributed (Rochlitz, 2005).
What does resource guarding look like?
Signs may include:
- Stiffening, growling, or snapping when someone approaches the food bowl or a toy.
- Hiding with an item and becoming defensive if approached.
- Giving a “whale eye” (showing the whites of their eyes) when a valued item is nearby.
- For cats: blocking another cat’s access to food, litter boxes, or resting places.
What should you do about it?
1. Don’t punish — Understand the fear
Punishment increases stress and fear, and can make guarding worse. Instead, try to understand what the pet is afraid of losing and reduce the emotional need to guard (Ziv, 2017).
2. Manage the environment
Avoid triggering the behaviour:
- Feed pets in separate areas if guarding occurs around food.
- Provide multiple, accessible resources (toys, beds, water bowls, etc.) in multi-pet households (Ellis et al., 2013).
- Avoid removing items from the pet suddenly—this creates anxiety.
3. Work on desensitisation and counter-conditioning
This involves gradually teaching the pet that approaching people near their valued item is a good thing:
- Start by approaching while the pet eats, then toss a high-value treat and walk away.
- Progressively get closer, always associating your presence with something better.
- This must be done slowly, ideally with the help of a certified behaviourist (McConnell & London, 2003).
4. Teach a reliable “Drop It” or “Leave It” cue
Using reward-based methods, teach your pet to trade an item for something of higher value. Over time, this builds trust and cooperation rather than fear of loss.
When to seek help
If your pet’s resource guarding involves biting or escalated aggression, consult a qualified behaviour professional. Behaviour modification for guarding requires experience, patience, and an understanding of body language and triggers.
Resource guarding is not a sign of a “bad” pet—it’s a form of communication rooted in fear and survival. With compassion, positive reinforcement, and a bit of expert guidance, most pets can overcome guarding behaviours and feel safe in their homes again.
References
- Case, L. P. (2014). The Dog: Its Behavior, Nutrition, and Health. Wiley-Blackwell.
- Ellis, S. L., Rodan, I., Carney, H., Heath, S., Rochlitz, I., Shearburn, L., Sundahl, E., & Westropp, J. L. (2013). AAFP and ISFM feline environmental needs guidelines. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 15(3), 219–230. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X13477537
- Howell, T. J., King, T., & Bennett, P. C. (2015). Puppy parties and beyond: the role of early age socialization practices on adult dog behavior. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports, 6, 143–153. https://doi.org/10.2147/VMRR.S62077
- McConnell, P., & London, K. (2003). Feisty Fido: Help for the Leash-Reactive Dog. Dog’s Best Friend Ltd.
- Rochlitz, I. (2005). A review of the housing requirements of domestic cats (Felis silvestris catus) kept in the home. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 93(1–2), 97–109.
- Ziv, G. (2017). The effects of using aversive training methods in dogs—A review. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 19, 50–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2017.02.004
