9. When Dogs Don't Want to Share with Kids: Managing Resource Guarding

Welcome to Parenting Kids and Dogs 101, a limited series podcast for parents who live with kids and dogs, or plan to. I'm your host, Michelle Stern, the founder of Pooch Parenting. I'm not just a certified professional dog trainer and former teacher, I'm a mom too. In each episode of this series, I hope you'll feel like I'm chatting with you, one parent to another, about life with kids and dogs, answering common questions my clients ask me, and giving you simple solutions to make your life easier and safer.

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What is Resource Guarding?

• Resource guarding happens when a dog is worried that we are going to take away something they care about. 
• Resource guarding can happen over a food, toy, treat, chew, spaces (like a dog bed, your bed or the sofa) or with people
• Imagine eating at a restaurant and having your server try to take your unfinished meal over and over again. You'd get upset, right? This is likely how your dog feels - and they can begin to dread the approach of the person who often tries to take their belongings.
• Imagine instead your server keeps bringing you goodies or unexpected treats. Now, you will look forward to their approach. 
• You want your dog to feel this way about you and your kids, if possible - you are the bearer of good things instead of the taker of good things.

Is Resource Guarding in Dogs Normal?

• Yes, resource guarding in dogs IS normal. 
• It's scary and can be dangerous, especially if the dog leaves their treasure to chase away or bite a child to prevent them from getting closer.

Is Resource Guarding a Deal Breaker in Families with Kids?

• Resource guarding is often treatable and is quite manageable with reliable management
• Unfortunately, kids often forget to shut gates, doors or pens, so we can't rely on our kids to use management 100% effectively
• If your dog guards ONE item, such as food, it's easier to treat.
• If your dog guards spaces or items that become unpredictable, it's more difficult and you should reach out to a positive reinforcement dog professional.
• If your dog leaves their item to chase or bite people, the stakes are much higher in families with kids. I'd recommend a consultation with me or another professional you trust to make a deeper assessment of the circumstances.

Michelle of Pooch Parenting is now retired. Thank you for the support over the past decade. Many of her resources are now available on YouTube for FREE.