13weeks and posession/agression?

[Rudgeman]

I would just like to hear some of your guys thoughts on this subject. I have a 13 week old male who likes to get a little nasty with us when it is time for him to be finished with a certain few very well liked chew items/bones. Especially raw stuff. He will bite if you let him have it all to himself and really get into it. I'm not talking about him nipping your feet or hands, I'm talking about curled lip temper tantrum with a good bite if we need to remove the item from his posession(too small,time to go to bed etc.) I think I have 2 options, 1-never give him those things, or 2- I have been holding it in my hand and allowing him to have it only as long as he remains calm and until I feel he's had enough. Then I try to distract him with something else before completely removing the item from his sight with tons of positive re-enforcement. The first hint of an attitude I swiftly remove it in plain sight and he is done with it. This has been starting to work as long as I keep hold of it. The problem with option 1, I worry, that someday somewhere he will get ahold of something he does not want to- but has to, give up to me for any number of valid reasons. His "drop it" command is not yet 100%, but he's just a pup. He does not act this way with anything else except chew items(not kibble,nor treats, nor puppy toys). Am I just worrying too much at too young of an age? I don't think so. This will be my 3rd Rott. I just don't remember this issue with the other 2.

[damp]

Please read the stickies in the puppy forum!

[brunie's mom]

I agree with Damp...read all of the "stickies" in the Puppy Development forum..your questions will all be answered.

You should be using the trade technique with your puppy. Offer him something even better when you want him to let go of a bone and drop it. Offer him a piece of cheese or a tiny bit of chicken, slice of hotdog or something else good.

Show him the goodie....then call him over....give him the treat and praise...while you swiftly pick up whatever you want, then give it back to him and do it again.

What happens when you start taking things away without a trade is that the dog learns to get even more defensive as soon as someone is around...they think you are going to take it away from them.

Learning "Trade" takes time.....and with a puppy that has already shown signs of protecting his bone...it may take even more time.

Is puppy in Puppy Kindergarten classes yet? This is something a good instructor would have helped you with.

Gina

[Rudgeman]

I have already read all 6. They have very good information, much of which I use daily, I was just looking for some opinions on this specific behavior. Thanks.