Resource Guarding in Dogs: Sonia Fetherling on Trust Over Control

What do you do when your dog turns into a tiny (or not-so-tiny) dragon over… a sock?This conversation with Sonia Fetherling goes far beyond “how to fix it.”Because what looks like stubbornness, dominance, or “bad behavior” is often something much more vulnerable underneath.We talk about resource guarding in a way that feels… human.The fear.The tension.The pressure it creates in a home.And what becomes possible when we stop trying to control the behavior, and start understanding what’s driving it.Sonia shares not just her professional experience, but the journey with her own dog, who pushed her to question everything she thought she knew.This isn’t about quick fixes.It’s about trust, patience… and seeing your dog (and yourself) differently.🐾 Key Takeaways👉 The one mistake even experienced dog guardians make with resource guardingTrying to stop the behavior instead of understanding what’s underneath it.👉 Why the “quick fix” approach to dog behavior will get you stuckBecause lasting change doesn’t come from control, it comes from shifting emotions, trust, and safety.👉 The truth behind resource guardingIt’s not about your dog being difficult.It’s often about insecurity, unpredictability, and a need to feel safe.👉 How to avoid the biggest mistake when your dog guards objectsTaking things away without building trust first… which can make the behavior worse.👉 Why it’s actually more simple (and more powerful) to think in terms of “recovery”Not fixing your dog, but supporting them in an ongoing process of feeling safer.👉 How a simple shift - from conflict to collaboration - can change everythingA dog bringing you a stolen shoe to trade?That’s not failure. That’s communication.👉 The often-overlooked factor that changes behavior faster than training techniquesThe relationship. The trust. The predictability.💬 A Favorite Moment“It’s a marathon, not a sprint…Sometimes you’re running, sometimes you’re hobbling.But you just keep putting one foot in front of the other.”00:00 Podcast Welcome00:38 Meet Sonya Best of Behavior02:16 Training Without Owning03:56 Mentors and Dolphin Lessons05:09 Marathon Not Sprint10:38 Patience and Family Dynamics12:30 In Person and Virtual Work13:55 Cats and Referrals14:50 Finding Her Niche14:58 Adopting Kismet After Loss17:59 Shelter Surprise Resource Guarding18:39 Living With A Thief19:20 Dogs As Teachers20:29 Beyond Counterconditioning21:28 Socks Shoes And Swallows22:26 Root Causes Of Guarding23:04 When Trading Backfires24:05 Decompression And Deprivation27:15 Board And Train Reset29:27 Recovery Not Cure31:31 Reward The Swap33:41 Where To Find Sonia35:27 Closing Thanks And OutroFind out more and connect with SoniaSonia is the owner of Best of Behavior, a dog training and behavior consulting business based near Chicago, Illinois.With over 25 years of experience, she works with dogs and their humans on everything from reactivity and aggression to everyday training—with a deeply compassionate, relationship-focused approach.What makes Sonia’s work stand out is her willingness to go beyond surface-level solutions and explore the emotional roots of behavior—both in dogs and their humans.She also works professionally with cats (yes, really 😉), helping with complex household dynamics and behavior challenges.🔗 Connect with Sonia🌐 Website: https://www.bestofbehavior.com📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bobdogtraining📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bestofbehavior/?hl=enAs always, to find out all about Soul Touched by Dogs, go to https://soultouchedbydogs.com