i need suggestions

[Judi W]

This is not a slam because I am certain this messing with the dog was recommended to you by someone. The following is to give you something to reflect upon

I have never understood why people have the time to make their dog's life a torment when that same time might be spent teaching the dog great things that create a positive relationship built on mutual trust. This business of messing with the dog while it tries to eat its dinner or giving and taking away is a fairly recent invention. Take the time to teach your dog to fetch and to enjoy training. I have never owned a dog that wouldn't leave a meat covered bone at the sight of a leash and an opportunity to for for a walk or training session.

[debbiej]

how true! reading this another light bulb goes off in the head, another level of understanding achieved. food and special things aren't an issue for us, but this covers other things, thank you.

[kevin2811]

I did not read all the posts on here but I have seen some threads similar to this before. I do not believe your dog should ever growl at you no matter what you are doing. (not excessive) Any treat, bone, or toy that my rott's are given are taught to be mine at command. No abuse, harsh treatment, or aggression from me towards them. Simply demand there respect and attention through your actions and you shouldn't have any problems. I also show my babies the utmost respect as I teach them that I am in charge and I only I am in charge.

[Rocky's_mom]

I do want to add that you should be able to take something from a dogs mouth. Like a cooked chicken bone. I agree with Sophies-Mom about when you walk by them, add something good to there bowl. If your going to take something away, give them something better. I also played a game with Rocky (my rott) to get him to learn "drop it". I'd throw something (like a chew rope) he'd go get it and bring it back to me. Before he would just hold it and you had to get it away from him. THen, I started to say drop it while he was letting go of the item. I'd praise and throw it again..He loved the game and in turn, taught him drop it! No matter what he has, I tell him to drop it and he does.

Also, someone told me once (please correct me if I'm wrong) but if for some reason, your dog is 'growling' at you change the position the dog is in. Like a sit. That way, the dog isn't protecting whatever he has.

[moondog]

Originally Posted by Rocky's_mom

Also, someone told me once (please correct me if I'm wrong) but if for some reason, your dog is 'growling' at you change the position the dog is in. Like a sit. That way, the dog isn't protecting whatever he has.

That's right. If a dog is laying down with an item and hovering over it, chin lowered and giving you "the eye", the dog has taken possession and is guarding it. The safest way to separate the dog from the item is to move the dog so he is no longer in a position to guard it. You can call him into another room for a treat (if he brings the item, trade for a treat), or you can take the back of the collar, bring the dog up into a sit position and swing him a quarter turn away from the item with your leg against their shoulder so they are no longer over the item. Then you can remove the item.

[HerculesMomma]

Originally Posted by Judi W

This business of messing with the dog while it tries to eat its dinner or giving and taking away is a fairly recent invention.

Maybe it's an old idea making the rounds again? My Mom told me that my grandfather used to train their dog by taking away his food bowl while he was eating, and if the dog growled at my grandfather, he would smack him . He repeated this until the dog learned not to growl at him for taking away his food. This was supposedly done to make sure the dog was "safe" around children or grandchildren! This was done like 30 or more years ago. I wonder how those poor dogs never wound up biting anyone!

[Judi W]

That business of moving the dog or pulling it into a sit is one of my devices for working with a pup.

My point is that if one works with the dog, this growling, posessing business never comes up to be solved in the first place. I have never indicated in anything I've ever written that it is acceptable for a dog to threaten but the relationship with a dog is gestalt, not each and every thing in a separate box. The dog must have a leader, but it should be leadership with mutual respect and understanding. If there is a problem behavior, step back and evaluate the entire relationship rather than thinking you are going to hammer that one behavior away.

Constant teasing and tormenting of a dog can simply teach a dog that it had better be looking over its shoulder all the time and a strong dog can very likely decide "when I get bigger I won't have to take this crap any more". Rather like the alpha roll.

[groupieindenial]

I also think plentifull of the bones and such will just make them think "hey, I got TONS of bones to chew on" so its not something rare to guard. Mines still too young to have any though.

[Burnsway]

The very best advice and information I have found to work in food aggression is to let the dog feel un threatened around food. Throw goodies in their dish while walking by. Brush gently past them as if it was a mistake. It takes a while but it does work......TRUST ME...........

With Raw hides, bones, etc.....sometimes they will never get over protecting them but you can do some switch exercises. Try to exchange the item with something better.

Some dogs may never get over these issues and fighting on a daily basis with them is going to make it worst. Work to make it better and safer and just manage the issues to make everyone safe.


Edited to say groupieindenial had a question there but it is now gone.........Didn't want too look like I was talking to myself..........