Canine behaviour specialist Will Atherton has issued a stark warning to dog owners about resource guarding, a behaviour he says can ultimately result in dogs being put down. In a TikTok video, the founder of his own dog training academy described the issue as a 'bite waiting to happen'.
What Is Resource Guarding?
Resource guarding occurs when a dog learns to protect items such as food, toys, or its bed. According to Atherton, this behaviour often leads to bites, especially when children are involved. 'The one behaviour I have seen with dogs that leads to them being put down is resource guarding,' he explained. 'This is a dog in the home that has learned to guard... and then somebody, often a child in the house, ends up getting bitten.'
Prevention Through Leadership
Atherton emphasises that preventing resource guarding starts with the owner. 'First, we have to make sure we begin with ourselves. We have to become high-level canine leaders who build a relationship with our dogs where they see us as their leader and look up to us for guidance and direction,' he said. He claims that once this leadership is established, 98% of resource guarding is never a concern.
The next step is developing impulse control in dogs, teaching them to manage their desires and follow their owner's direction before obtaining what they want. Atherton also stresses the importance of 'rules, boundaries and expectations that we enforce with militant-like consistency.'
Creating the Perfect Companion
Combining these principles with basic obedience, good manners, and socialisation, Atherton believes owners can create the 'perfect canine companion.' He advises that if any sign of resource guarding appears, owners should 'nip it in the bud immediately' to prevent bites and potential euthanasia.
RSPCA Advice
The RSPCA supports Atherton's guidance with its own tips for managing resource guarding. The charity recommends varying feeding times and bowls to reduce tension, and changing feeding locations to prevent a specific area from becoming too high-value.
Additionally, the RSPCA advises ensuring a dog's basic needs are met, including sufficient exercise, food, sleep, play, and enrichment. Owners should consult a vet to rule out health issues or pain as a cause of guarding behaviour. 'Remember not to tell your dog off for guarding anything, as you’ll only add to their anxiety. Your dog is not being 'naughty', this is a fear and anxiety response,' the charity states.
