Just in case...

information for adopters

Possessive Behavior
(Resource Guarding)
Congratulations on adopting your new family member!

As your adoption counselor has explained, your new dog has displayed possessive behavior
while in the care of the shelter or previously in their former home. Resource guarding is a
common behavior in dogs and one seen in the shelter setting fairly frequently. When a dog
resource guards, he may show teeth, growl, snap or even bite when things that are important
to him are touched, taken or approached. Common things that dogs become possessive over
include (but are not limited to) food, chew treats, sleeping areas, toys and favorite people.
Many times a dog who displays resource guarding in the shelter situation does not continue the
behavior in a home environment but there is a about an equal chance that you will see this
behavior in the home. Either way, if you follow the recommendations below, it will help you
manage the issue and have a safe, happy, long-lasting relationship with your pet.

 Don’t touch, pet or disturb your pet when they are eating from a food bowl or chewing
on an item such as bone or toy.
 When your dog’s food bowl is empty, offer them a treat in a separate area and then pick
up the food bowl and put it away. Feed your pet scheduled meals; do not free-feed.
 For possessiveness over sleeping areas, don’t physically pick up, push or pull your dog
off or away from areas. Instead wake the dog up with your voice and call them to you. If
this doesn’t work, toss a yummy treat away from the dog and the resting area. When
your dog follows the treat, praise him. An alternative to this is to have the dog wear a
light weight leash when you are home. If you need to move the dog, simply pick up the
leash and guide the dog away.
 If you notice your dog is possessive of resting areas, do not allow them on
the bed or other furniture. Instead of dog beds spread around that are
for them. Praise and treat anytime the dog chooses to lay on their bed.
 Do not attempt to take an item away from your dog. Instead, offer a trade by showing a
delicious, yummy treat and waiting for the dog to drop the item. Toss the treat away
from the dog (and the item) and then pick up the item while praising the dog.
 Practice a drop it cue by playing the trade game above with a low value toy. Start asking
the dog to ‘drop it’ and then present the yummy treat.
  Advise all household members to follow the same rules. Do not leave high value items
(including food and chews) lying around when visitors are present.

If you are having issues managing/treating your dog’s possessive behavior, please contact our
trainer at JGibson@adltexas.org for more tips and information!

*Special thanks to the center for shelter dogs for this resource.