In dogs showing resource guarding behavior, symptoms
can rapidly increase, possibly with other behavior problems. Behavior can be eliminated or curved and should
be treated immediately to avoid further complications or serious injury.
Resource Guarding Scale
Food Toys
People
1 2
3 4
5 6
7 8
9 10
Low
High
1. Dog seems relaxed and eager for attention. Will forget
about resource to engage people in a friendly and happy manner.
2. Dog
remains relaxed but does not disengage from resource as person approaches. When given an item, they will
commonly lay down with it where given.
3. Dog’s awareness seems
heightened or tense as person approaches and will eat or chew faster or show additional signs of discomfort.
4. Dog is quite tense at approach and will try to finish resource before it is
removed. The dog may move away with the item or put it under its body.
5. Dog stiffens on approach and displays one or more signs: freezing, low growl, piloerection
(hair on back), and/or stiff guarding posture.
6. Dog shows criteria of level 5 in addition to aggressive tooth display, which may be directed at intruder.
Dog may snap and/or bite then return to resource. No punctures but slight contact. Often
at this level dogs will attempt to bite with object in their mouth.
7. Dog
shows criteria of level 6 and disengages from resource to bite. Contact is made, punctures likely.
Dog does not care if food is spilled; will sometimes spread food all over purposely.
8. Dog disengages from resource quickly (fast trigger, unexpectedly) and may not show precursor signals
but goes immediately for the bite, holds, and shakes their head. Bites may be seconds apart rather than
instant.
9. Possible multiple dog bites simultaneously.
Dog may guard resource regardless of condition of it or resource.
10. At this level, serious, life threatening damage can occur if not restrained. Dog
will continue to make direct and threatening eye contact or gestures.
