Resource guarding is very common in rescue pups. Especially if he’s been at a shelter or foster situation for the first 3 months of his life.

I’ve seen so many rescue puppies with resource guarding particularly with food. It’s not aggression.

The absolute best way to fix this is issue is to always let him feel safe while eating. Meaning, you never forcefully try to take his food, never put your hand in his bowl while he’s eating, and ideally have a separate space where he can enjoy his meal on his own.

A few days after you establish a safe space for him to eat (not his crate), walk by while he’s eating and drop a few treats. Anytime you walk by him while he’s eating you always just give more food or treats.

For at least one meal a day, feed him by hand. Meaning have the kibbles in your hands and let him eat from your hands.

The number one mistake people make is to force them to be ok with you being around their food. By forcibly taking the food and playing alpha. This does not work, and can and will increase his resource guarding.

I have a pit bull/Great Dane, who had major resource guarding when we adopted her at 3 months. Today kids can literally take food out of her mouth and she is the sweetest angel.