Episode 13: Resource Guarding in Real Life

Resource guarding isn’t just about a food bowl — it can be toys, bones, couches, people, even whole corners of the house. In this episode, Cory and Melaney dive deep into why dogs guard, what it looks like in real life (hello, Benny the bernedoodle), and why the old “bait and switch” trick can actually make the problem worse. You’ll hear stories from camp, including the cocker spaniel who guarded his person like treasure and the Labrador who couldn’t relax enough to eat. We’ll unpack common myths, explain why putting your hand in the food bowl won’t “fix” anything, and share safer, smarter ways to manage guarding before it turns dangerous. If your dog guards food, toys, or even family members, this episode will help you understand what’s really going on — and how to set up the leadership, structure, and environment your dog needs to feel secure without going on the defensive.