Lessons From Diesel - "That’s Mine!" — What My Rottweiler Taught Me About Resource Guarding

Diesel at 9 weeks old

When Diesel came home, he was a chubby, nine-week-old Rottweiler with oversized paws, an oversized personality, and a spark of confidence that filled the room. I remember his first night home—he trotted around as if he’d always lived there, exploring every corner with the self-assurance of a dog who knew exactly who he was.

That confidence, though, came with something else. Within a few days, I noticed subtle signs of resource guarding. Diesel would freeze slightly when I reached for a toy. His eyes would fix just a little too intently on a bone if I got too close. Until the dramatic happened—just one, important, teeth moment that said, “This is MINE!”

At only nine weeks old, Diesel was already telling me who he was, and that lesson shaped our training journey for years to come.

What Is Resource Guarding?

Resource guarding is a dog’s natural instinct to protect things they find valuable—food, toys, chews, resting spots, or even people. It’s a behavior rooted in survival: dogs (and their ancestors) who protected their resources were more likely to survive and reproduce.

While it’s a normal canine behavior, in our homes it can become problematic or even dangerous if misunderstood or mishandled. Guarding can range from subtle signals like stiffening, side-eye glances, or hovering over items, to more overt behaviors such as growling, snapping, or biting.

What many people don’t realize is that resource guarding is often made worse—or even created—by human behavior.

Diesel as an adolescent

How Humans Accidentally Create or Worsen Guarding

It’s easy to see guarding as a “dominance” problem, and unfortunately, that’s where many well-meaning owners go wrong. Common advice like “mess with your puppy’s food while they eat” or “take things away to show them who’s boss” can actually teach dogs that people approaching means something bad is about to happen.

Imagine if every time you sat down to eat, someone hovered over your plate, took food away, or stuck their hands in your meal. You’d start to feel tense about protecting it too—and that’s exactly what happens to many dogs.

Instead of learning that people near their food are safe, they learn that people are unpredictable, and that triggers guarding behavior.

Diesel didn’t learn his guarding from people—it was part of his genetic temperament. But many of the dogs I’ve worked with over the years developed guarding behaviors because humans unintentionally taught them that resources weren’t safe around people.

Diesel’s Rule: Communication Over Confrontation

Because Diesel’s guarding was genetic, I knew I couldn’t erase it—but I could manage and train around it through communication, predictability, and respect.

We built a rule that became the foundation of our relationship: I won't steal your stuff

If Diesel had something I needed, I’d say, “That’s mine.” Then I’d pause. He learned that this phrase meant I’d like him to give the item up. When he backed away, I’d calmly remove the object and reward him for cooperating—sometimes with a treat, sometimes with another toy, and sometimes just with calm praise.

This simple routine taught Diesel that my approach wasn’t a threat—it was a conversation. Over time, the tension around resources disappeared because he trusted that I would respect his needs.

That’s the key with guarding dogs: build trust, not tension.

Diesel enjoyed time out in public with friends and family

Understanding the Causes of Resource Guarding

Resource guarding can arise from a combination of factors:

1. Genetics:

Some dogs are simply born more predisposed to guarding, just like Diesel. Breeds developed for guarding or protection work may have stronger resource retention instincts.

2. Early Learning:

Puppies who learn that humans take things away without offering a trade may start guarding to keep what they have.

3. Competition:

Growing up in a litter where food or toys are limited can teach a puppy to protect what’s theirs. I see this in large litter that are weaned with only one bowl during weaning.

4. Lack of Safety or Predictability:

Dogs who don’t feel secure around their food or possessions—whether due to household chaos, unpredictable routines, or rough handling—are more likely to guard.

5. Past Experiences:

Rescued or rehomed dogs who were punished for guarding, or who had things constantly taken from them, may learn to guard more intensely as a defensive behavior.

Management Tips for Resource Guarding

While every dog is different, the foundation of managing resource guarding is always the same: create safety, predictability, and trust.

Here are some general management and training strategies that apply to most dogs showing guarding behavior:

1. Avoid Confrontation:

Never try to “prove a point” or take items by force. Confronting a guarding dog can escalate fear and damage trust. Instead, focus on communication—teach a cue like “that’s mine” or “drop it” and reward cooperation.

2. Trade, Don’t Take:

Use the “trade-up” method—offer something of equal or higher value in exchange for the item you want. This teaches your dog that giving things up leads to good outcomes, not loss.

3. Create Safe Eating Zones:

Feed your dog in a calm, low-traffic area. Don’t reach into bowls or move food while they eat. Respect their space and teach children to do the same.

4. Manage High-Value Items:

If your dog guards certain items (like chews or bones), give them those items only when they’re in a safe, quiet place where they won’t feel threatened or interrupted.

5. Build Positive Associations:

Pair your approach with good things—toss a treat as you walk by when your dog is eating or playing with a toy. Over time, your dog will learn that your presence predicts better things, not loss.

6. Watch Body Language:

Guarding behaviors usually start small. Learn to spot early warning signs like freezing, side-eye, or lowered posture, and calmly give space before the behavior escalates.

7. Seek Professional Support:

If your dog’s guarding behavior is intense or unsafe, reach out to a qualified positive reinforcement trainer or behavior consultant. Guarding is a natural instinct, but managing it safely requires skill and guidance.

Diesel at 9 years old

The Lasting Lesson from Diesel

Diesel lived a full, joyful life. He loved his people fiercely, made us laugh daily, and remained the picture of confidence until his last day. But I never forgot the lessons he taught me: that management is not failure—it’s responsible ownership. And that respect and trust build stronger relationships than control ever will.

At All Ears Training, we believe in training through understanding, not intimidation. Every behavior—whether guarding, barking, or pulling—has a reason. When we learn to listen, we can teach with empathy and communicate with clarity.

Diesel’s legacy lives on in every dog I work with. Whenever I see a client pause, use a calm voice, and say, “That’s mine,” instead of grabbing or scolding, I can’t help but smile. That’s Diesel’s lesson at work—turning conflict into communication, one dog at a time.