How do I handle my dog’s resource guarding... advice?

My dogs, Olivia (7.5 years, F) and Oliver (8 years, M), have been together since they were pups. Lately, Olivia has started resource guarding me—like, she gets protective of being near me or even objects she thinks are high value. Oliver doesn’t fight back; he just moves away. It’s happening more often now, and I’m not sure where to start. It’s honestly breaking my heart. Any tips on how to deal with this?

I’ve dealt with this too. Have you heard of the NILIF program? It stands for ‘Nothing in Life is Free,’ and it’s super effective.

WisdomWendy said:
I’ve dealt with this too. Have you heard of the NILIF program? It stands for ‘Nothing in Life is Free,’ and it’s super effective.

Kind of… does it mean she only gets food, toys, or attention when I allow it?

WisdomWendy said:
I’ve dealt with this too. Have you heard of the NILIF program? It stands for ‘Nothing in Life is Free,’ and it’s super effective.

Exactly! You control everything she wants. It’s all about showing her you’re the one in charge, not her.

Could it be a health issue? I read that things like thyroid problems can cause sudden aggression in dogs.

Mary said:
Could it be a health issue? I read that things like thyroid problems can cause sudden aggression in dogs.

Hmm, I didn’t think of that. Maybe I should have her checked by the vet. Thanks for pointing that out!

Mary said:
Could it be a health issue? I read that things like thyroid problems can cause sudden aggression in dogs.

Yeah, definitely rule out medical issues first. It’s always a good starting point.

You might want to try tethering her in the room but away from you. It helps with controlling proximity.

Happy said:
You might want to try tethering her in the room but away from you. It helps with controlling proximity.

Wouldn’t that make her more jealous if she sees Oliver near me while she’s tethered?

Happy said:
You might want to try tethering her in the room but away from you. It helps with controlling proximity.

She’ll learn that her actions have consequences. Just stick with the training—it’s tough, but it works over time.

Does she behave differently with anyone else? Like, is this just with you or with others too?

Shraddha said:
Does she behave differently with anyone else? Like, is this just with you or with others too?

Weirdly, she’s fine with my husband. It’s just me she gets possessive about.

Shraddha said:
Does she behave differently with anyone else? Like, is this just with you or with others too?

Interesting. Maybe focus on separate training sessions for her and keep them consistent. That might help balance things out.

What about when she goes off on her own to sleep? Should that be allowed or not?

Channel said:
What about when she goes off on her own to sleep? Should that be allowed or not?

Good question! I was wondering that too. She sometimes goes upstairs alone to nap.

Channel said:
What about when she goes off on her own to sleep? Should that be allowed or not?

Totally fine. If she’s not being possessive or guarding, it’s actually good she’s finding her own space.