How to Stop Your Dog From Resource Guarding Toys

Your dog growls when you approach their toy. They stiffen or snap when someone reaches for their favorite plush. This is resource guarding — common, manageable, but requiring the right approach.

Understanding Resource Guarding

It's natural behavior where dogs protect valued items. It develops because dogs learn good things get taken away. Warning signs escalate: moving away → freezing/growling → snapping/biting. Severe cases need professional help.

The "Trade" Method

Approach calmly, drop a high-value treat near your dog (don't reach for the toy), walk away. Repeat for days/weeks. Your dog learns: human approaching = good things happen. Gradually progress to picking up the toy while offering treats, then immediately returning it.

What NOT to Do

Don't punish growling (removes the warning, not the behavior). Don't forcefully take toys. Don't use dominance techniques. Don't remove all toys — guarding shifts to other items.

Prevention and Abundance

Multiple attractive toys reduce guarding. When your dog has a Golden Goose, a Coffee Cup Plush Dog Toy, and a Steak toy, any individual toy feels less scarce. Practice approach-and-add from puppyhood with engaging toys like our Avocado toy.

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