Introduction

Toy possession might not seem like a big deal—until your dog starts growling at you when you try to pick up a ball, or snarling at another dog for walking too close to their chew. Resource guarding around toys is surprisingly common, even in otherwise relaxed dogs. While it’s not quite as widespread as food guarding (because food is a survival need), for some dogs, toys are nearly as important—and they’ll guard them with just as much intensity.

At Lola’s House, we believe every behaviour tells a story. A dog guarding their toy isn’t being naughty or dominant. They’re simply trying to communicate a feeling: “I don’t feel safe letting this go.” Our job is to help them feel secure enough that they don’t feel the need to guard at all.

Why Some Dogs Guard Toys

To understand toy guarding, we need to step into our dog’s paws. Toys serve different purposes for dogs. They’re not just playthings. They’re tools for:

• Relieving stress
• Burning mental energy
• Comfort and security (some dogs suck or cuddle soft toys like comfort blankets)
• Enjoyment and stimulation

If a dog feels uncertain about when (or if) they’ll get access to those toys again—or if people or other dogs have removed toys from them unpredictably in the past—they may begin to protect those toys, especially high-value ones like chews or squeaky favourites.

The Core of the Problem: Unpredictability

Resource guarding often stems from a dog feeling like they have to protect what’s theirs because they don’t know when they’ll get it again. If someone takes a toy from them abruptly—even with good intentions — this reinforces the belief that they need to protect their stuff.

So if you’ve ever taken a toy from your dog because playtime was over, or because they were too excitable, or even just to tidy up—you may have unknowingly contributed to the guarding behaviour.

We’re not blaming you. It’s incredibly common. But now we can start changing things.

Step 1: Choose the Right Toy

Start with a toy that your dog likes, but doesn’t feel especially intense about. Avoid chews or ultra-favourites at this stage. The goal is to practice with low stakes so your dog can learn, not feel the need to defend.

Step 2: Set the Scene

Remove all other toys from view and bring out just one. Sit at a distance where your dog is comfortable with your presence (no hard stares, growling, or stiff posture). Let them play while you calmly observe.

Don’t interact. Just be quietly present.

Step 3: Watch for the Drop

Eventually, your dog may drop the toy on their own. The moment they do, softly say your drop cue (we like “Drop it” or “Leave it”), then calmly toss a treat towards them away from the toy. This teaches them that releasing the toy brings rewards—not punishment or loss.

Step 4: Pick Up the Toy (If You Can)

After the treat is given and your dog has moved away, pick up the toy casually and put it away.

If your dog doesn’t allow this, repeat Steps 2–3 several times. You’re not in a rush. Building trust is more important than speed.

Step 5: Repeat and Build Gradually

Over time, you can:

• Repeat this process multiple times in a session.
• Slowly move closer as your dog plays with the toy.
• Occasionally say “Drop it” while they still have the toy (only if you’re confident they’re ready).
• Introduce slightly higher-value toys once they’re consistently relaxed.

Remember: this is a process that should be repeated daily at first, then a few times per week as the behaviour improves.

Step 6: Reinforce Calm, Not Boisterous Play

If your dog starts getting intense with their toy—becoming overstimulated or not letting go—you can gently hold the toy (no tugging or snatching) and softly repeat your “drop” cue. The moment they release, reward and give the toy back. This reinforces letting go gets me what I want.

Remain calm, slow, and confident. If you’re stressed, your dog will feel it and may resort to guarding out of uncertainty.

Puppies and Toy Guarding

If you’ve got a puppy, great news — now is the perfect time to prevent guarding before it starts.

Here’s how to shape healthy toy behaviour in your pup:

• Let them have regular short play sessions, just like with adults.
• When they voluntarily drop a toy, say “Good boy/girl” and reward.
• Gently practice holding one end of the toy, then rewarding a release.
• Never grab or yank something from their mouth.
• Teach them that people near toys = positive attention, not competition.

This helps your puppy grow up with the understanding that toys are part of the fun—not something to hide or protect.

What to Avoid

Some common mistakes can make toy guarding worse:

❌ Taking toys away without offering a swap or reward
❌ Punishing your dog for growling or guarding
❌ Leaving toys out all day for the dog to “own”
❌ Making playtime unpredictable or chaotic
❌ Getting frustrated, anxious, or angry during training

Always respond with calm leadership. Your dog is looking to you for guidance, not control.

A Note on Multi-Dog Households

If your dog guards toys around other dogs, you’ll need to be extra careful with management. We recommend:

• No shared toys in communal areas
• Individual play sessions with supervision
• Feeding and chewing in separate rooms/crates
• One-on-one training first, then slow introduction of toys with both dogs (once safe)

Never punish one dog for guarding. Instead, focus on boundaries, management, and positive experiences around toy-sharing situations.

Final Thoughts: Building Trust Through Play

Toy guarding can be stressful for owners and confusing for dogs—but with a consistent, compassionate approach, it can be resolved. It all comes down to trust.

Your dog needs to learn:
🧠 You won’t take things without warning.
🧠 Toys come and go, but they always come back.
🧠 Sharing time with humans is more fun than guarding alone.

And remember, every moment of calm play, every voluntary drop, every peaceful transition from toy time to rest time — it all adds up.

If you’re struggling with toy guarding and want personalised guidance, feel free to reach out at lola@lolashouse.co.uk. We’re always happy to help guide you and your dog toward a more trusting, joyful relationship.

To learn more about what we do at Lola's House, visit our homepage.