My dog thinks Im a resource?

Question
We adopted a shelter dog.  She had resource guarding issues with her food/bones etc and my other dog.  So we started feeding them separate and the problem seemed resolved. Now she is guarding me from my other dog.  If my dog runs up to me, or if I'm playing with my other dog she attacks him.   It seems to be getting worse.  She was laying next to me, and all he did was come up and lick my leg and she started snarling at him.  I don't know how to curb this behavior.  Help!

Answer
Hi Mika. Yes, she's seeing you as another resource to guard.  It will be important for this dog to get some basic obedience training so that she can respond to your cues to sit, stay, go to a place (mat, bed or rug).  Don't allow her to settle at your feet.  Instead, use the mat or rug to designate as her "place".  Here's a video that might be able to help:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fCo_k0Ki8Y.  It shows the use of a clicker to train the behavior, you can condition the word "yes" to replace the clicker. To do this, simply say "yes", then feed a small treat immediately afterward.  Repeat until the dog looks for the treat right after you say the word.  Be sure the dog is hungry and use a treat that the dog really likes and the pieces are no bigger than a pea.

Invite the dogs so that one is on each side of you.  Pet each briefly at the same time, then alternate between one and the other.  Any growling makes the session end.  Simply turn and walk away.  No conversation, no scolding, just the removal of your attention.  Keep these sessions short so tensions don't have a chance to rise.

Institute a program of 'work to earn' in the home.  In order for a dog to have good things happen for her (food, attention, petting), she must do something for you first - sit, lie down, make eye contact, any simple skill that you have already trained.  If a dog is pushy about demanding attention, it makes you leave the area.

Here's a good article that deals with a variety of resource guarding issues.  I hope that you'll be able to glean some other tips that will be helpful:  
http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/14_10/features/Resource-Guarding-Behavio

Please let me know if you have any questions or need clarification on anything I've recommended.  Good luck!