It's Not About the Sock

This Week's Pawsome Human: It’s Not About the Sock: Understanding Resource Guarding with Sonia Fetherling

Anke Herrmann

Mar 24, 2026

Leo taught me to put away my shoes and socks.

Like a gentle but firm parent.

The rules were clear and the consequences of “misbehavior” predictable and inevitable 😛.

He preferred shoes made from leather but couldn’t resist a used sock either …

I lost a few favorites before I learned my lesson … in my sewing business days, he even ran off with (and ate) a client’s sock once 🤣 We laughed at that for years.

I was lucky though.

Because if I managed to catch on before he’d destroy his latest treasure, he’d let out a little grumble if I reached for it … but would always trade it for a treat.

I had no idea how lucky I was until I met this week’s podcast guest …

This Week's Pawsome Human: It’s Not About the Sock: Understanding Resource Guarding with Sonia Fetherling

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 techniques
The relationship. The trust. The predictability.

💬 A Favorite Moment

“It’s a marathon, not a sprint…
Sometimes you’re running, sometimes you’re hobbling.
But you just keep putting one foot in front of the other.”

Grab a cuppa and enjoy!

About Sonia Fetherling

Sonia is the owner of Best of Behavior, a dog training and behavior consulting business based near Chicago, Illinois.

With over 25 years of experience, she works with dogs and their humans on everything from reactivity and aggression to everyday training—with a deeply compassionate, relationship-focused approach.

What makes Sonia’s work stand out is her willingness to go beyond surface-level solutions and explore the emotional roots of behavior—both in dogs and their humans.

She also works professionally with cats (yes, really 😉), helping with complex household dynamics and behavior challenges.

Connect with Sonia

Website: https://www.bestofbehavior.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bobdogtraining
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bestofbehavior/?hl=en

If you prefer to listen ...Subscribe to the PODCAST

It’s on Apple podcasts and everywhere else, so you can access it from your favourite podcast app.

If you enjoy listening, please consider leaving a rating and review so other dog lovers can find the show and join the doggie fun.

If you’re not using Apple podcasts, GoodPods is a great app that makes that easy.

If you have an anxious or reactive dog …

… you’ll love the FetchHappyStore - Holistic Calming Chews and Wellness Support for Anxious Dogs, run by my friend and “partner in crime” Stephanie Frank and her husband Guy.

I’ll tell you more about the “partner in crime” piece very shortly :-) but for now, check out the Calming Treats and other offers available to help you and your dog relax:

Check out the FetchHappyStore

Got a Window Barker?

There is help …

I met Marilyn Mele, Founder of the Dog Wisdom Workshop Mentorship & Restful Rover 30-Day Intensive for the caregivers of sensitive, traumatized, and reactive dogs, when she was a guest on the Soul Touched by Dogs podcast.

She’s super kind and extremely knowledgeable.

And now she’s offering …

What Caregivers of Sensitive Dogs Need to Know about “Window Barking”