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Hi Zane! I moved this discussion to the HMWTC channel since it’s a practical client-based training scenario. Thanks for bringing it.

I respect that you want to see the behavior – I used to feel the same way. However, I’ve changed my approach since discerning that resource guarding is most often a fear-based behavior. I don’t want to establish a fearful relationship with the dog from the get-go.

Instead, I ask the owners if they’ve captured video of the behavior or if they are able to safely do so. I am specific about not wanting to set up a dangerous situation and coach them not to get close enough to suffer a bite. Personally, I never bother with an assess-a-hand any more.

Usually, from a LONG way off, we can see the dog tense. And that’s our starting point for working together, not up close in the dog’s space/bowl.

In a 12wk old puppy, especially a golden, it’s not unusual to see this behavior and it often has its source in the fact that they constantly pick things up and constantly have things grabbed out of their mouth. So, be sure they practice “trade up” and teaching a positive retrieve. One tip I give is to always praise and pet the puppy all over their body before taking away the item they bring. That keeps the puppy from playing keep away (as much).

I once trained a golden retriever pup about the same age that was resource guarding WATER. … In that case, the family was restrictively limiting water because of a house training issue.

The moral of this story is – ask a LOT of questions, get video and ask more questions. There’s a ton to unpack here, before jumping to conclusions. Feel free to keep us updated on this case!