Episode
Resource Guarding in Dogs: Sonia Fetherling on Trust Over Control
- Podcast
- Soul Touched by Dogs
- Published
- Mar 24, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 2161
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Summary
What do you do when your dog turns into a tiny (or not-so-tiny) dragon over… a sock? This conversation with Sonia Fetherling goes far beyond “how to fix it.” Because what looks like stubbornness, dominance, or “bad behavior” is often something much more vulnerable underneath. We talk about resource guarding in a way that feels… human. The fear. The tension. The pressure it creates in a home. And what becomes possible when we stop trying to control the behavior, and start understanding what’s driving it. Sonia shares not just her professional experience, but the journey with her own dog, who pushed her to question everything she thought she knew. This isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about trust, patience… and seeing your dog (and yourself) differently. 🐾 Key Takeaways 👉 The one mistake even experienced dog guardians make with resource guarding Trying to stop the behavior instead of understanding what’s underneath it. 👉 Why the “quick fix” approach to dog behavior will get you stuck Because lasting change doesn’t come from control, it comes from shifting emotions, trust, and safety. 👉 The truth behind resource guarding It’s not about your dog being difficult. It’s often about insecurity, unpredictability, and a need to feel safe. 👉 How to avoid the biggest mistake when your dog guards objects Taking things away without building trust first… which can make the behavior worse. 👉 Why it’s actually more simple (and more powerful) to think in terms of “recovery” Not fixing your dog, but supporting them in an ongoing process of feeling safer. 👉 How a simple shift - from conflict to collaboration - can change everything A dog bringing you a stolen shoe to trade? That’s not failure. That’s communication. 👉 The often-overlooked factor that changes behavior faster than training tech…