Key Takeaways
- Resource guarding is natural but risky – It stems from a dog’s survival instincts but can escalate into dangerous behaviour if not managed correctly.
- Prevention is better than cure – Training and positive reinforcement from puppyhood can reduce the likelihood of resource guarding developing.
- Warning signs are subtle – Early cues such as stiff body posture, hard stares, or low growls must be recognised before they turn into bites.
- Punishment makes things worse – Correcting a guarding dog with force or scolding increases fear, stress, and aggression.
- Safe training techniques work best – Strategies like trade-up games, counter-conditioning, and supervised feeding routines encourage trust and cooperation.
- Professional help is sometimes necessary – Australian pet owners can seek certified trainers or veterinary behaviourists for severe cases.
- Tailored to the Aussie lifestyle – Multi-pet households, BBQ gatherings, and outdoor feeding are common in Australia and require unique safety strategies.
Introduction
Resource guarding in dogs is one of the most common behavioural challenges faced by pet owners, yet it is often misunderstood. At its core, resource guarding occurs when a dog feels the need to protect something it values—whether that is food, a toy, a resting spot, or even a favourite person. The behaviour may range from subtle signs such as stiffening and staring, to more obvious warnings like growling, snapping, or even biting.
For Australian pet owners, this issue can feel particularly concerning. Dogs are central to family life, often included in backyard BBQs, camping trips, and gatherings where children and other pets are present. A dog displaying resource guarding behaviours in these settings can pose safety risks if not managed appropriately.
It is important to remember that resource guarding is a natural behaviour rooted in survival instincts. In the wild, guarding food or a safe resting place was essential for survival. However, in the context of a family home, these behaviours can become problematic, leading to stress for both the dog and its owners.
The good news is that resource guarding is not a hopeless condition. With early recognition, prevention, and safe training techniques, pet owners can create an environment where their dogs feel secure and do not feel the need to guard their resources. This requires patience, consistency, and often the guidance of professional trainers or veterinary behaviourists who specialise in positive reinforcement methods.
In this article, we will explore the causes, early signs, prevention strategies, and training techniques for resource guarding in dogs, with a strong focus on practical and safe approaches tailored to Australian households. By understanding the roots of this behaviour and adopting evidence-based strategies, you can ensure a safer and more harmonious relationship with your canine companion.
Understanding Resource Guarding in Dogs
Resource guarding is often described as a dog’s attempt to control access to something they value. While the behaviour can seem aggressive or unpredictable to owners, it is actually rooted in deeply ingrained survival instincts. By breaking down what resource guarding is, and how it appears in everyday life, we can better understand why dogs do it and how to respond safely.
What Is Resource Guarding?
Resource guarding occurs when a dog behaves in a way intended to keep others—humans, dogs, or other animals—away from a prized possession. These possessions can vary widely, including:
- Food-related items – food bowls, treats, bones, rawhides, or even dropped scraps.
- Toys and objects – chew toys, balls, sticks, or even clothing items.
- Resting spots – dog beds, couches, or shaded backyard areas.
- People – some dogs guard their favourite family member from others.
When guarding, a dog may display behaviours ranging from mild to severe, such as:
- Stiffening body posture.
- Hovering over the object.
- Giving a hard stare or “whale eye” (showing the whites of their eyes).
- Growling, snarling, snapping, or biting.
Why Is It Natural?
In the wild, guarding resources was necessary for survival. Dogs’ ancestors had to protect food, shelter, and territory to ensure they lived long enough to reproduce. Even though today’s domestic dogs are far removed from their wild relatives, the instinct to protect what is valuable remains.
Normal vs. Problematic Guarding
It is important to distinguish between mild possessiveness and problematic guarding behaviour. For instance:
- Mild possessiveness might include a dog carrying a toy away when another dog approaches. This is relatively harmless.
- Problematic guarding arises when the dog escalates to growling, lunging, or biting, especially towards humans or children.
Understanding this distinction helps owners know when to manage the situation calmly, and when to seek professional help.
How It Impacts the Household
For Australian families, resource guarding can complicate daily life:
- Mealtimes may become stressful if the dog guards its food bowl.
- Outdoor play in multi-dog homes may lead to fights over toys.
- Children reaching for a dog’s toy or bed may unknowingly trigger a defensive response.
By recognising resource guarding as a natural yet modifiable behaviour, owners can begin to approach it with empathy rather than fear. Dogs are not “bad” for guarding—they are communicating discomfort or insecurity in the only way they know how.
Early Signs of Resource Guarding
Recognising the early signs of resource guarding is one of the most important steps in preventing the behaviour from escalating into something dangerous. Many owners only notice when their dog growls or snaps, but long before this stage, dogs often display more subtle signals that they are uncomfortable.
Subtle Body Language Cues
Dogs communicate primarily through body language, and paying attention to these signals can help you intervene early:
- Stiffening of the body – the dog suddenly goes rigid when someone approaches their food or toy.
- Hovering – standing directly over the item, sometimes with their head lowered.
- Hard staring – giving a fixed stare at the approaching person or animal.
- Whale eye – showing the whites of their eyes, often paired with a frozen posture.
- Lip lifting – a slight curl of the lip or baring of teeth before any growl is heard.
Vocal Warnings
Growling is often the first clear vocal sign of guarding, but it should not be seen as “bad behaviour.” Instead, it is a dog’s way of saying, “I am uncomfortable; please back off.” Respecting this communication prevents escalation. Ignoring or punishing a growl teaches dogs to skip the warning and go straight to biting.
Situational Patterns
Early signs often appear in specific situations:
- Feeding time – the dog freezes when you approach the food bowl.
- Treats and chews – guarding bones, rawhides, or high-value snacks.
- Toys – taking toys away from another dog or retreating with them when a human approaches.
- Resting spots – stiffening or growling when someone tries to move them from a bed, couch, or shaded spot in the yard.
Why Early Recognition Matters
Catching these behaviours early allows for safe and effective intervention. A dog that only stiffens or glares can often be helped with simple training exercises, while a dog that has progressed to snapping or biting will require professional assistance.
Key Insight: Dogs rarely “snap without warning.” They almost always communicate discomfort in advance; it is up to us to notice and respond appropriately.
Risks of Ignoring Resource Guarding
When left unaddressed, resource guarding can shift from a minor nuisance to a serious behavioural problem with potentially dangerous consequences. Understanding the risks highlights why it is important to take early signs seriously.
Safety Hazards for Families
Resource guarding poses particular risks in households with children. Kids often move quickly, grab toys, or approach a dog while it is eating without realising the danger. Even a mild warning growl can escalate into a snap or bite if the dog feels cornered. According to the Australian Veterinary Association, most dog bites occur in the home and involve familiar dogs—often in situations where resources are involved.
Escalation of Behaviour
Guarding rarely stays at the same intensity. A dog that once only stiffened may progress to growling, and later to snapping or biting. This happens because the behaviour is reinforced: if the dog’s warnings consistently make people back away, they learn to use more forceful tactics over time.
Emotional Toll on the Dog
Dogs that guard frequently live in a state of heightened anxiety and stress. They may feel constantly on alert, which reduces their overall wellbeing. Prolonged stress can contribute to other health and behavioural problems, including digestive issues, destructive chewing, and separation anxiety.
Strained Human-Dog Relationship
Owners who do not understand guarding often feel frustrated, fearful, or even betrayed by their dog’s behaviour. This can weaken the bond of trust and make training more difficult. In some cases, unresolved guarding issues sadly lead to dogs being surrendered to shelters.
Legal and Liability Considerations in Australia
Under Australian state laws, owners are legally responsible for their dog’s actions. If a dog bites someone while guarding food or toys, the owner could face fines, mandatory behavioural orders, or, in extreme cases, euthanasia of the dog. Pet insurance providers may also deny coverage if there is a documented history of aggression.
Key Insight: Ignoring resource guarding not only risks safety but also damages your relationship with your dog and may carry legal consequences. Taking action early ensures a safer, happier home for both pets and people.
Preventing Resource Guarding in Puppies
The best way to deal with resource guarding is to prevent it before it starts. Puppies are naturally curious, adaptable, and open to learning new associations. By introducing positive experiences around food, toys, and handling early on, owners can significantly reduce the likelihood of resource guarding developing later in life.
Early Socialisation Around Food and Toys
Puppies should learn that people approaching their food or toys is not a threat but rather something positive. Practical strategies include:
- Hand-feeding meals – occasionally feeding a puppy directly from your hand helps them associate humans with good things.
- Adding food to bowls – rather than taking food away, drop tasty extras (like small pieces of cooked chicken) into the bowl while they eat.
- Playing food-swapping games – offer a high-value treat in exchange for what they have, teaching them that giving something up often means getting something better.
Gentle Handling Exercises
Handling is a vital part of raising a confident puppy:
- Stroke their back, paws, ears, and tail gently while rewarding calm behaviour.
- Practice approaching them while they are eating and gently placing your hand near the bowl before adding a reward.
- Involve multiple family members so the puppy generalises the idea that all humans approaching bring good things.
Teaching Puppies to Share
Sharing can be encouraged through structured activities:
- Trade-up game – swap a toy for another toy of equal or greater value, ensuring the puppy never feels cheated.
- Multiple toys and chews – provide enough resources so there is less need to compete.
- Supervised playdates – allow puppies to interact with other well-socialised dogs to learn healthy play and sharing habits.
Positive Reinforcement as a Lifelong Habit
Reward-based training methods teach puppies that cooperation and calmness pay off. Puppies raised with punishment or harsh corrections are more likely to develop guarding behaviours because they learn to fear losing resources. Using praise, treats, and gentle redirection instead builds trust and prevents future problems.
Australian Perspective on Puppy Training
In Australia, early puppy schools run by vets and professional trainers often include resource-guarding prevention exercises. These programs not only socialise puppies with other dogs but also coach owners in safe and positive handling techniques. Enrolling in a puppy school can be an excellent investment in long-term behaviour.
Key Insight: Preventing resource guarding is far easier than fixing it later. By creating positive associations during a puppy’s critical learning stages, you build the foundation for a well-adjusted adult dog that feels safe and secure.
Safe Training Techniques for Resource Guarding
When resource guarding appears in adolescent or adult dogs, it requires a careful, patient, and structured approach. The goal is not to punish the behaviour but to help the dog feel safe and secure so they no longer feel the need to guard. Effective training techniques are built on positive reinforcement, management, and consistency.
Management Strategies
Before diving into training, it is important to put safety measures in place:
- Separate feeding spaces – feed dogs in different rooms or crates to prevent competition.
- Remove high-value triggers – keep prized chews or bones out of reach until training progress has been made.
- Supervised interactions – always monitor children and visitors around the dog’s food, toys, or resting spaces.
- Safe zones – provide a crate, pen, or mat where the dog can relax undisturbed.
Management is not a cure, but it prevents accidents while training is underway.
Desensitisation and Counter-Conditioning
These techniques gradually change how a dog feels about people approaching their resources:
- Start at a distance where the dog shows no signs of guarding.
- Approach slowly and toss a treat (higher value than the resource) towards the dog.
- Retreat calmly.
- Repeat until the dog begins to look forward to your approach.
- Gradually decrease distance over time while ensuring the dog remains relaxed.
This method rewires the dog’s association: instead of “someone is taking my food,” the dog learns “someone approaching means something even better is coming.”
The Trade-Up Game
The trade-up technique teaches dogs that giving up an item results in a reward:
- Offer the dog a high-value treat (e.g., cooked chicken) in exchange for the item.
- Say a cue such as “drop it” or “give.”
- When the dog drops the item, praise and reward immediately.
- Return the original item if safe to do so, reinforcing that surrendering does not mean permanent loss.
This builds trust and prevents the dog from feeling the need to guard.
Teaching Impulse Control
Impulse control exercises strengthen a dog’s ability to wait calmly:
- Leave it – teaching the dog to move away from an item when cued.
- Wait/stay – reinforcing calm behaviour before being released to eat.
- Place command – teaching the dog to go to a designated mat or bed on cue.
Avoiding Punishment
Punishing a dog for growling or guarding may stop the outward signal but does not address the underlying insecurity. In fact, punishment increases fear and often escalates aggression. Instead, focus on creating positive, predictable experiences that build trust.
Role of Professional Help
In moderate to severe cases, working with a force-free professional trainer or veterinary behaviourist is essential. These professionals use evidence-based methods to tailor a training plan to the individual dog. In Australia, organisations such as the Pet Professional Guild Australia (PPGA) maintain directories of trainers committed to humane, science-backed methods.
Key Insight: Safe training for resource guarding is built on patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. By making resource sharing a rewarding experience, dogs learn to relax and trust rather than defend and react.
Expert Insights and Case Studies
Hearing from professionals and reviewing real-world cases helps highlight how effective prevention and training strategies can be when applied with patience and consistency. Resource guarding is a common issue, but with expert guidance, it is manageable.
Expert Opinions
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Dr. Kersti Seksel, Australian Veterinary Behaviourist
Dr. Seksel, one of Australia’s leading veterinary behaviourists, emphasises that resource guarding should be viewed as a communication problem, not a dominance issue. She explains, “When a dog guards food or toys, it is telling us that it feels unsafe. Our job is not to punish the warning but to change the dog’s emotional response to people approaching.” -
Pet Professional Guild Australia (PPGA)
The PPGA advocates for positive reinforcement training and warns against punishment-based approaches. According to their published guidelines, “Dogs learn to guard when resources are unpredictable. Creating a secure environment where resources are abundant and access is predictable helps prevent and reduce guarding behaviours.” -
Australian Veterinary Association (AVA)
The AVA reminds owners that biting incidents linked to resource guarding are legally the responsibility of the owner. They advise early intervention and professional guidance to avoid escalation.
Case Study 1: The Rescue Dog with Food Insecurity
“Max,” a two-year-old Kelpie cross adopted from a regional shelter in New South Wales, displayed intense food guarding. He would growl and snap if anyone came near his bowl. With the help of a veterinary behaviourist, his new owners implemented:
- Strict management (feeding in a crate).
- Desensitisation exercises using food drop-ins.
- Trade-up training with high-value treats.
After six months, Max could eat calmly with people walking by, and his growling had decreased dramatically.
Case Study 2: The Family Dog Guarding Toys
“Bella,” a Labrador in Melbourne, began guarding tennis balls during backyard play with children. Instead of punishing her, the family worked with a positive reinforcement trainer who introduced the trade-up game and taught Bella the cue “give.” Over time, Bella happily released her toys in exchange for praise or a treat. Now, playtime is safe and enjoyable for the whole family.
Case Study 3: Multi-Dog Household Conflict
In a Brisbane home with three dogs, resource guarding led to frequent fights over bones. The solution included:
- Feeding dogs separately.
- Rotating high-value chews to prevent competition.
- Teaching “place” commands for structured calm time.
Within weeks, conflicts decreased, and the dogs began to coexist peacefully.
Key Insight: These examples show that resource guarding is not a sign of a “bad dog.” With structured training, management, and professional guidance, even severe cases can improve significantly.
Tools and Products That Can Help
While training and management are at the heart of addressing resource guarding, certain tools and products can make the process smoother and safer. These aids support both prevention and behaviour modification, creating a more controlled environment for learning.
Feeding Tools
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Slow Feeder Bowls
Designed with ridges or patterns, slow feeders prevent dogs from gulping food too quickly. They not only reduce the risk of bloating but also make mealtimes less intense, lowering anxiety that can fuel guarding. -
Puzzle Feeders and Food-Dispensing Toys
Interactive feeders encourage dogs to work for their meals in a fun, stimulating way. This keeps them mentally engaged while reducing the fixation on a single resource. -
Separate Feeding Stations
Using crates, pens, or designated feeding mats can help multi-dog households avoid conflict by giving each dog their own space.
Training and Management Equipment
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Leashes and Harnesses
A well-fitted harness allows for safe management during training exercises. Unlike collars, harnesses reduce pressure on the neck and give owners better control. -
Crates and Pens
Creating a secure “safe zone” where a dog can eat, rest, or chew without interruption can significantly reduce guarding triggers. Dogs quickly learn that their crate or pen is a personal sanctuary. -
Baby Gates
Simple yet effective, baby gates allow for separation between pets or between a dog and children during high-risk moments such as feeding.
Toys and Chews
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Durable Chew Toys
Rotating a set of safe, high-quality chew toys helps prevent fixation on a single resource. This reduces the likelihood of dogs becoming overly possessive of one item. -
Interactive Toys
Toys that can be tugged, tossed, or shared during playtime reduce the emphasis on ownership. When games are structured around human involvement, dogs learn cooperation rather than competition.
Product Recommendations for Australian Homes
For pet owners in Australia, these products are widely available through local pet supply retailers, including PetCareShed. Products such as puzzle feeders, harnesses, and chew toys can be easily integrated into training routines. Owners should focus on durable, safe, and size-appropriate products tailored to their dog’s breed and behaviour.
Key Insight: The right tools don’t “fix” resource guarding on their own, but they create a safer environment that supports consistent training. Combining them with positive reinforcement builds trust and reduces conflict.
When to Seek Professional Help
While many mild cases of resource guarding can be managed at home with consistent training and management, some situations require the expertise of a professional. Recognising when to seek help can prevent accidents and ensure both the dog’s wellbeing and family safety.
Signs That Home Training May Not Be Enough
- Escalating aggression – growling has progressed to snapping or biting.
- Guarding multiple items – the behaviour extends beyond food to toys, beds, or even people.
- Unpredictable reactions – the dog guards without clear triggers, making it difficult to manage.
- Household risk factors – presence of young children, elderly family members, or frequent visitors increases the danger of accidents.
- Lack of progress – despite consistent positive reinforcement training, the behaviour does not improve or worsens.
Role of Veterinary Behaviourists
A veterinary behaviourist is a veterinarian with specialist training in animal behaviour. They can:
- Rule out underlying medical issues (such as pain or illness) contributing to guarding.
- Prescribe medication if anxiety is severe and interfering with training.
- Develop a structured, evidence-based behaviour modification plan.
In Australia, veterinary behaviourists are accredited by the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (ANZCVS).
Choosing the Right Trainer
If a veterinary behaviourist is not required, a force-free, positive reinforcement trainer can provide effective support. Look for:
- Membership with the Pet Professional Guild Australia (PPGA).
- Certifications in evidence-based training methods.
- A commitment to avoiding punishment, aversive tools, or dominance-based methods.
Costs and Expectations
- Training sessions – private consultations in Australia typically range from AUD $120–$200 per hour.
- Behavioural programs – long-term packages may cost AUD $500–$1,000 depending on severity.
- Veterinary behaviourists – initial consultations may cost AUD $500+ but provide in-depth assessment and treatment plans.
Why Professional Guidance Matters
Attempting to “go it alone” with severe cases can be risky. A poorly timed intervention or the use of punishment can make behaviours worse. Professionals not only bring expertise but also ensure that safety and welfare remain the top priorities.
Key Insight: If resource guarding puts your family or your dog at risk, seeking professional help is not a sign of failure—it is a responsible and compassionate step toward creating a safer, calmer home.
Australian Context of Resource Guarding
Resource guarding doesn’t happen in a vacuum—it often reflects the lifestyle and environment in which dogs live. In Australia, dogs are part of diverse households, from city apartments to rural properties, and the way resources are managed in these settings can influence guarding behaviours.
Common Situations in Australian Homes
- Multi-pet households – Many Australians own more than one dog or keep cats and dogs together. Competition over food bowls or toys is a frequent trigger for guarding.
- Outdoor living – With Australia’s climate, dogs often spend time in backyards where toys, bones, or resting spots may become contested.
- Family gatherings and BBQs – Dogs may guard dropped food or scraps at social events, increasing risks when children and guests are around.
- Beach and park outings – Shared spaces, such as off-leash dog parks, can heighten guarding behaviours over balls, sticks, or treats.
Cultural Attitudes Towards Dogs
Australians generally see dogs as family members, and they are often given access to couches, beds, and dining areas. While this strengthens bonds, it can sometimes blur boundaries, making resource guarding incidents more likely if dogs are not trained to share or wait calmly.
Access to Professional Help
Australia has a growing network of trainers and veterinary behaviourists, but availability varies by region:
- Urban centres (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane) – higher access to positive reinforcement trainers and behaviourists.
- Regional and rural areas – fewer specialised professionals, meaning online consultations or travel may be required.
Legal and Insurance Considerations
Australian states and territories impose strict liability on dog owners for bite incidents. For example:
- New South Wales – owners can face fines of up to AUD $11,000 for dog attacks, even if the incident occurs on private property.
- Victoria – severe cases may result in dogs being declared “dangerous,” requiring muzzling and containment.
- Pet insurance – while many policies cover third-party liability, they may exclude incidents if the dog has a recorded history of aggression.
Practical Takeaways for Aussie Pet Owners
- Always supervise dogs during BBQs, picnics, or gatherings where food is present.
- Feed dogs separately in multi-pet homes to reduce competition.
- Consider local climate—hot summers mean dogs may guard shaded areas, while in winter they may compete for warm beds indoors.
- Take advantage of Australia-based resources such as the Pet Professional Guild Australia or the Australian Veterinary Association for finding qualified help.
Key Insight: The Australian lifestyle—social, outdoorsy, and often multi-pet—creates unique scenarios where resource guarding can arise. Awareness and proactive management tailored to this context make all the difference in keeping dogs and families safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can resource guarding be cured completely?
In most cases, resource guarding can be managed and reduced, but it may not disappear entirely. With consistent training, management, and positive reinforcement, many dogs learn to relax around people and pets when resources are present. However, owners should remain mindful that the instinct may resurface under stress.
Is resource guarding more common in certain breeds?
While any dog breed can develop guarding behaviours, some working and guarding breeds may show stronger tendencies. For example, livestock guardian breeds or dogs historically bred for protection may be more prone. That said, environment, early socialisation, and training play a larger role than breed alone.
Should I punish my dog if it growls over food?
No. Punishment often makes guarding worse by increasing fear and anxiety. Instead, growling should be viewed as a valuable communication tool—a warning that the dog is uncomfortable. Training should focus on building trust and positive associations, not suppressing signals.
How can I keep my kids safe around a resource-guarding dog?
- Teach children never to approach a dog while it is eating or chewing.
- Supervise all interactions between kids and dogs.
- Use management tools such as crates, gates, or feeding dogs in separate rooms.
- Educate children to respect the dog’s space and possessions.
Do rescue dogs guard resources more often?
Yes, resource guarding is more common in rescue dogs, especially those with histories of neglect, starvation, or trauma. These dogs may have learned that resources are scarce and must be protected. With patient training and a predictable environment, many rescue dogs can overcome this insecurity.
What should I do if my dog bites because of guarding?
- Ensure safety first—separate the dog from the person or pet involved.
- Do not punish the dog in the moment.
- Seek advice from a veterinary behaviourist or certified positive reinforcement trainer as soon as possible.
- Consider contacting your local vet for medical checks to rule out pain-related aggression.
Key Insight: Resource guarding can feel overwhelming, but with clear communication, management, and the right training approach, both dogs and humans can live together peacefully.
Conclusion
Resource guarding in dogs is a behaviour rooted in instinct, but when it enters the family home, it can create challenges and risks. For Australian pet owners, where dogs are often part of an active and social lifestyle, recognising and addressing guarding behaviours is especially important.
The most important lesson is that resource guarding is not about dominance or defiance—it is about insecurity and survival instincts. Dogs guard because they feel unsafe about losing something valuable. By shifting the dog’s emotional response through prevention, positive reinforcement, and safe training techniques, owners can help their pets feel secure and relaxed.
Prevention in puppyhood—through socialisation, handling, and positive food-sharing exercises—lays the strongest foundation for a guarding-free future. For adult dogs already showing signs, strategies such as desensitisation, the trade-up game, and structured management can make everyday life calmer and safer. Punishment, however, only worsens the problem by increasing fear and suppressing valuable warning signals.
When challenges exceed what can be safely managed at home, seeking professional help from force-free trainers or veterinary behaviourists in Australia is the most responsible step. Not only does this protect family safety, but it also safeguards the dog’s welfare and long-term wellbeing.
Ultimately, by approaching resource guarding with patience, empathy, and evidence-based strategies, owners can transform tense situations into opportunities for building trust. A dog that once guarded its food or toys can learn to share, cooperate, and live in harmony with the family.
Final Thought: Every dog deserves to feel safe, and every owner deserves peace of mind. With the right guidance, resource guarding doesn’t have to define your dog—it can become just one more challenge you overcame together, strengthening your bond in the process.
