Resource Guarding

Does your dog stiffen when you walk near the food bowl, curl a lip over a favoured toy, or refuse to budge from the sofa? Resource guarding is one of the most common and misunderstood behaviours dog owners face. This book cuts through the myths, including the outdated alpha‑dominance model that mainstream veterinary behaviour has long rejected. You will learn what truly drives guarding — often anxiety, not aggression — and how to respond with kindness and clarity. Step by step, you will build management routines that keep everyone safe, apply force‑free counterconditioning exercises that change how your dog feels about your approach, and prevent problems before they start in multi‑dog homes or with new family members. Every technique is practical, tested, and rooted in reward‑based training. Whether your dog guards high‑value treats, stolen socks, or the entire living room, you will find a tailored strategy here. With patience and the right toolkit, most guarding can be substantially reduced or managed. Part of The Dog Owner's Library.

About the author

Niall Inverbeg Nisbet writes for The Dog Owner's Library.