08/01/2026
I always say context is everything when it comes to dogs. Dog behaviour is never cookie-cutter.
At first glance, this looks adorable, right? Brooklyn is lying on the bath mat while my husband takes a shower.
But if you look at the whole picture, it’s a different story.
Right now, I have three other dogs in the house. I’m boarding two of them, and the bathroom door is closed with those dogs on the other side.
In this context, Brooklyn is resource guarding the bath mat and the space around my husband. If the door were open and the other dogs were walking past, I wouldn’t allow this behaviour because it has the potential to create conflict.
This is one of the realities of living in a multi-dog household. Small moments like this can build tension and eventually lead to fights if we ignore them.
Instead of waiting for a problem, I choose prevention and management.
With the door closed, Brooklyn can relax in this space without competing with the other dogs. When everyone is together, however, all shared spaces—the couch, beds, hallways, and rooms—belong to the humans. The only spaces that belong exclusively to the dogs are their crates, which they can always choose if they want a quiet, safe place.
The dogs also wait for permission before getting on the couch. That simple rule removes competition over valuable spaces and helps everyone coexist peacefully.
Good dog training isn’t just about teaching behaviours. It’s about setting up the environment so dogs don’t feel they need to guard resources in the first place.
