Good idea or Bad idea?

[kclinch]

Originally Posted by AngelBunny

The issue is one dog gets upset when another dog comes near his food.

The OP said nothing about any of his or her dogs being aggressive when people come near the dogs and their food.

Give it time. If it is not nipped in the bud, it will likely become an issue with people/children at some point in time in the future.

I would not manage this behavior, and think that "management" is next to stupidity.

[s1960]

Originally Posted by kclinch

Give it time. If it is not nipped in the bud, it will likely become an issue with people/children at some point in time in the future.

I would not manage this behavior, and think that "management" is next to stupidity.

Boy, 3 kids and 5 dogs over the last 15 years and I never had a clue that I was just stupidly managing things. Leaving the dog alone when he's eating isnt enough, I should have turned they're meals into a training issue. Wow I can't thank you enough for the brilliant bits of knowledge you pass on to us in the ignorant masses. No wonder your website say's your one of the top trainers in the country! Rally, CGC's, breeding!! You are the greatest!!

[lengel]

IMO, all of your dogs should be kept in their crates until feeding time is over. No one should be allowed to hunt out leftovers. When everyone is finished leftovers should be removed before anyone is released from their crates.

Dogs need to know that they can eat without the constant threat of having that meal taken away. There is a huge difference between a dog who can't eat in his/her own crate (respected territory) without having other dogs challenge that and a dog who respects the authority of the people of the household and edible items in other parts of the house. Crates are really a different story from the rest of the house. The dogs are simply setting the rules when it comes to their private space. Isn't that the point of a crate? We are giving them space that is theirs and protected from other dogs and their challenges. Even the most submissive dog should be allowed the time to eat in peace.

[SABELLESMOM]

Originally Posted by kclinch

Give it time. If it is not nipped in the bud, it will likely become an issue with people/children at some point in time in the future.

I would not manage this behavior, and think that "management" is next to stupidity.

Honestly! You ARE a might condescending aren't you? Blind to boot for that matter.

A perfectly workable solution has been offerred, quite particular to your "concern." But of course, Mr. seek-professional-help, don't just manage the situation, threat of future issues...refuses to acknowlege.

Obviously, when faced with a "solution" proven to have worked in a number of similar cases, you "select" to see what is placed before you. You seem to place dubious facts not in evidence into the equasion. Read the original post again. Then open your mind and realise you are amoung MANY knowlegable people, deserving of respect.

You don't like my solution? Fine. I promise I won't be hurt. It matters little, for I believe JS, the OP will read it, with an open mind. JS is also deserving of respect, as are you, once you begin to see it goes both ways, here. Your words have stung me to say what I have. If I have insulted you, I apologise. It was done in response to your disrespectful, high and mighty attitude over other quite knowlegable members.

I note, as well, that other than seeking professional help, you offer no actual solutions yourself? How odd. I read somewhere you are a professional. If you can do it with respect, I'd be willing to open mindedly read your response. I await the enlightenment.

JS, bear with us. We'll get there eventually for you.

[kclinch]

Lucy,

I will not offer solutions on an internet forum. Simply put, with a potential of aggression, it is a dangerous thing to do.

I did suggest that she read the "Nothing in Life is Free" in the article sections of this forum. I also suggested that she invest in the book "Leader of the Pack" by Nancy Baer(SP).

Leader of the Pack is very non-invasive way of training, and working on pack leadership, which is what the issue is here(If this were an older dog, who had been a stray, I might say differently, however, it is a puppy who is testing his boundries.)

I feed dogs in crates...I feed dogs in my living room floor. Everyone lined up in a row. I frequently have clients dogs here who have issues, such as what she has stated. They all go on Nothing in life is free and pack leadership lessons.

I also suggested that she contact the International Association of Canine Professionals. This organization is full of balanced, intelligent trainers who know what they are doing.

I would also suggest some structured, balanced obedience classes. Classes where there are rewards and corrections.

Again, to offer instruction via the internet is stupid, at best, and is an invite to a lawsuit in the future.

[AngelBunny]

Originally Posted by kclinch

Give it time. If it is not nipped in the bud, it will likely become an issue with people/children at some point in time in the future.

I would not manage this behavior, and think that "management" is next to stupidity.

Phooey. Dog aggression doesn't equal human aggression. I'm surprised that you as dog trainer don't know this.

Our youngest bitch is intolerant of dogs coming near her food. At 65 lbs, she has no hesitation taking on adult male fosters who weigh far more than she does if they get near her food.

A human, however, can take ANYTHING from her--including food out of her mouth.

Mox has been this way her entire life. She's 8 yo now give her or take (she's a rescue so we're not 100% sure of how exactly how old she is) and she's been our dog since she was about 6 mo old.

Gotta say I've very happy with the results of "managing" Mox's aggressive/possessive food behavior relative to other dogs. If it's been next to stupidity, I, and all people with whom Mox comes into contact, happily--and safely!--sit next to stupid.

[JemarsSerena]

Whoa Kids! I come back two days later and look what I started.

A couple of notes: Loki is a rottie.

Loki is not food agressive. I can feed the two outside the crate side by side and have with no issues. They eat marrow bones side by side on the porch. When I feed, Loki is in the crate with the door closed. The rest of the dogs are allowed to leave their crates when done. Calvin (the beagle) has approached Loki's crate a couple of times and after eating and Loki growled as he approached. I did give an immediate correction to both dogs which ended any semblance of a confrontation.

We live and breathe NILIF. With 4 dogs, one being a pup and another being a foster, we have no choice. I must maintain control and be a leader all the time. My dogs are well trained and compete in obedience. (bunches of titles coming this summer!)

What I wanted to know was: If I feed the two side by side outside the crate, will that help Loki from RESOURCE GUARDING not food aggression(two different issues). I will keep Calvin away from him and let him eat in peace, but I'd still like to know if my possible solution would work.

[SABELLESMOM]

Originally Posted by kclinch

I will not offer solutions on an internet forum.

BLAH...BLAH...BLAH... <snore> You don't HAVE any, DO you! Thought so.

Loki is not food agressive. ...They eat raw marrow bones side by side on the porch.

Told you not to over think this just yet.

We live and breathe NILF.

Told you that too.

My dogs are well trained and compete in obedience.

See? Others of us have knowlege too! Isn't that amazing? WOW! Brains and experience that rest on shoulders other than your own. Your burden will be lighter now.

A potential lawsuit? Whatever for? You'd merely be offering a solution on the forum, like the rest of us. Oh, you mean because you're a professional? In which state did you take the exam for that? Do you have a card or lisence, like an RN or MD would have?

JS, gee wiz! Where were you? How the heck could you let this get so "out of hand?" Hey, congratulations on your new Rottie pup! I'm certain he'll be a delight for all who meet him, as are the rest of your dogs. Have you posted pics. yet?

Hey, I shot my inexperienced wad with the clicker for silence advice. If it doesn't fit the bill, we'll have to rely on those who aren't risking monetary damages.

[Canula2000]

Just a thought, but wouldn't the solution be to keep the beagle up. I feel like the puppy is feeling threatened that his food will be eaten by the beagle. So he has started to growl...this will become a habit of food guarding if left, but isn't the real offender the beagle?

I have never had any food aggression issues but I would think that when a puppy feels threatened enough times and growling is the answer that it will become a problem.

[JemarsSerena]

Originally Posted by Canula2000

Just a thought, but wouldn't the solution be to keep the beagle up. I feel like the puppy is feeling threatened that his food will be eaten by the beagle. So he has started to growl...this will become a habit of food guarding if left, but isn't the real offender the beagle?

I have never had any food aggression issues but I would think that when a puppy feels threatened enough times and growling is the answer that it will become a problem.

Yes, the beagle is guilty! Darn mutt gets away with murder! I agree, the plan for now is to keep the beagle away from the pup so he can eat in peace. I'll keep an eye on things though. It is just in the crate where this is a problem. I guess crate training works, Loki owns his crate and loves to be in it.

[JemarsSerena]

Originally Posted by SABELLESMOM

:JS, gee wiz! Where were you? How the heck could you let this get so "out of hand?" Hey, congratulations on your new Rottie pup! I'm certain he'll be a delight for all who meet him, as are the rest of your dogs. Have you posted pics. yet?

Sorry, Easter weekend kept me away. There should be recent pics of all my rotties in the gallery. Although I may have to put new ones since Loki grows 10lbs a day! (more like 2 1/2 a week)

[SABELLESMOM]

Just viewed HANDSOME Loki...and, whoa(!) some gorgeous kids! Lucky YOU! Glad to have you back! I understand the hectic Easter weekend, thing, so you're forgiven.

[poohbearsmom]

Originally Posted by kclinch

I, too, feed in crates. However, I also believe in feeding in pecking order while others maintain sit or down stays.

I do allow my dogs in the kitchen. No place in my home is off limits to my dogs. However, if I am cooking(which is, like, never) my dogs are expected to "beg" politely, IE, from a down stay.

My dogs are taught, since I am in a wheelchair part time, to fetch out of the fridge for me, should I need it.

And, in regards to kids....s**t happens. Isn't it better to teach your dogs, rather than managing them?

I hate the people who say "Hey, if you have a dog that counter surfs, just don't leave anything on the counter." Or "If your dog is a trash dog, then put the trash in a cupboard"

Why not just fix the problem? I don't understand why this forum is against solutions, rather than management.

... I dare you to put my 3 bitches in a kitchen and try to feed them. They wouldn't care about the food, and someone would end up in the hospital!

My dogs are fed their meals in their respective crates. They stay there until all are done eating. I also feed them scraps off the cutting board, and they will sit in M/F pairs and take turns for the goodies usually with a cat in between them yelling for his fair share. If a scrap falls on the floor, no fights occur, and so far the cat has 8 lives left.

And no, this is not a training issue. It's a management issue.

A dog with a high value item should NEVER be loose with a toddler, are you high? S**T should NEVER happen. When kids are involved, all bets are off. While dogs should be trained to deal with children, children should be taught age appropriate rules. Dogs don't make rational decisions and neither do toddlers.

While I "respect" that you are a "certified" trainer, I can assure you that there is a big difference between dogs resource guarding with each other, and resource guarding with humans, just as angelbunny stated. Your arguments are rather weak, Karla, and your suggestions could be considered quite dangerous, IMHO.

Jemarsarena, please just crate the dogs until all are finished dining.

[spidey]

Sometimes management IS the solution. Some things cannot be reliably trained away (and even when they can, like with everything else in life, you should pick your battles). And I have never heard a knowledgeable and experienced dog trainer suggest otherwise.

Crating is absolutely the best way to go here, IMO.

[poohbearsmom]

Originally Posted by kclinch

Give it time. If it is not nipped in the bud, it will likely become an issue with people/children at some point in time in the future.

I would not manage this behavior, and think that "management" is next to stupidity.

Tell me, Karla, when a dog displays aggression from behind a fence, or on leash, or from the inside of a crate, what is the term for this?