Resource guarding can be one of the most confusing and stressful behaviors dog guardians face—especially when it comes from a Golden Retriever, a breed we often associate with calmness and gentleness. But just like humans, every dog is an individual. And sometimes, even a loving, goofy Golden can feel the need to guard what they value most.
From toys to food bowls, favorite nap spots, or even you—dogs can show guarding behavior for many reasons. But before we jump to conclusions, let’s clear something up
Dogs don’t react to the action. They respond to the trigger.
This means your dog isn’t being “bad” because you walked past their toy—they’re responding to what they perceive as a threat to their prized possession. It’s about emotion and perception, not logic or obedience.
Signs to Watch For
Guarding can show up subtly before escalating. Keep an eye out for:
•Stiffened body posture while over or near an item
•Intense, hard stare (often without blinking)
•Whale eye (when you can see the whites of their eyes)
•Lowered head with direct focus
•Low, sustained growling
•Lifting lips or baring teeth
These are early communication signals. Your dog is saying, “Please don’t come closer.” And believe it or not, these signals are a good thing—they show your dog is trying to communicate before reacting more intensely.
Why Early Relationships Matter
It’s much easier to guide a young Golden Retriever through these early lessons than to help an adult dog who has practiced this behavior over and over again. If you’re lucky enough to be starting with a puppy or young dog—lean into this opportunity. Build trust. Create positive associations. And don’t wait until a problem appears—start the training early.
The Many Faces of Resource Guarding
Resource guarding isn’t just about food. It can show up in subtle or clear ways:
Toy guarding: growling when you reach for a toy
Food guarding: stiff posture or snapping near their bowl
Location guarding: reluctance to move from beds or furniture
It’s a deeply personal behavior, and not every rescue dog will have this issue. Just like not every puppy raised from 8 weeks will avoid it. Avoid generalizing—observe your dog, not the stereotype.
What To Do (and Not Do)
DO:
1. Start early with gentle, reward-based training
2. Use treats to build positive associations around shared spaces and objects
3. Observe your dog’s body language carefully
4. Respect their boundaries and comfort zone
5. Ask for help if you feel unsafe or unsure
DON’T:
1. Punish the guarding behavior (this often makes it worse)
2. Try to “show dominance” or forcefully take things away
3. Ignore the early signs (like stiff posture or a hard stare)
4. Compare your dog’s behavior to someone else’s situation If You’re Just Starting Out…
If your Golden is still young or new to your home, this is your golden (pun intended) window. Build routines. Train daily, even if it’s just for a few minutes. And remember—treats can be your best friend in this process.
But if your dog is showing signs of guarding and especially if they’re willing to bite—get professional help immediately. This isn’t about control—it’s about safety and trust, for both of you.
