Am I expecting too much when giving bones

[alessadry]

My 5 month old Rotties are pretty good when they have bones, they growl only if a cat or other dog approaches them. Never growl if we pass by. I can let them leave the bone on request and take it away from them. However, yesterday I thought to try to bother them while eating the bone by petting them vigourously in a bothersome way just to test their tolerence level and imitate a child bothering them. Female was fine, however I did get a growl from my male dog. Should I discipline him for this or am I just exagerating in expecting too much tolerant behavior from him? I just want to grow him into a tolerant dog. I let them sit and stay before giving the bone. However, they are so crazy about bones I am thinking if I should stop giving them altogether.

[Nishasmom]

My dog is the same...she doesn't care if we take the bone from her, walk by her, or gently pet her. But she gets a little angry when I (before RDN) tried to "vigorously" pet her.

I wanted to "prepare" my dog for the future when kids might bother her while eating. Growing up we had Pointers, they were so good around food. I could do anything to them. Rotties are a tad bit different but still wonderful!!!

I have taken the advice given to others....NEVER leave your child and dog (of any breed) together unattended. Especially with a bone.

[moondog]

Originally Posted by alessadry

My 5 month old Rotties are pretty good when they have bones, they growl only if a cat or other dog approaches them. Never growl if we pass by. I can let them leave the bone on request and take it away from them.

However, yesterday I thought to try to bother them while eating the bone by petting them vigourously in a bothersome way just to test their tolerence level and imitate a child bothering them.

I am thinking if I should stop giving them altogether.

Antagonizing a dog chewing on a bone is a foolish thing to do. All you are doing is setting them up to fail, and you run the risk of actually TEACHING them they need to resource guard. VERY UNFAIR to the dog and potentially dangerous for any future children!

If you want to ensure your dog is safe with a high value item in the presence of children, I would suggest that you "test" the dog by ALWAYS crating them when a bone or other high value item is given. There will be no risk to dog or human if you do so.

[Zumie05]

From day #1 that I brought my pup home I worked once or twice a week on preventing him from learning how to resource guard by teaching him that he never has to worry about his high value items being taken away.

I did this by walking by and feeding him yummy treats. He soon figured out that when people or dogs or cats are nearby he doesn't have to worry because all that has happened to him so far is that he has gotten more stuff, and never anything taken away.

Now he is extremely tolerant. When I give Gary a bone or something he will sometimes come smush up against my leg and seems like he wants to share it with me. I have never tried to vigorously or pet him to "test" him, but I am sure he wouldn't mind if I tried it lol.

I also want to add that if new people or children are over that all toys and bones are put away. It is better just not to risk anything. If Gary gets a bone while company is over, he is in his crate happily chewing it.

[Shelby427]

I would NEVER, EVER tease the dog like you have. Like Moondog said, it's only reinforcing them to think that they HAVE to guard their stuff. Whenever my dogs have bones, I leave them be. I don't pet them, try to take it etc. If I want the bone, I trade with them.

[alessadry]

I have thought about that, and started thinking I was probably pushing it too much. If this is not a good approach then perhaps it is better if I just drop a treat every now and then while he chews on a bone? I just want him to be trustable and trust me and just be nice to others.

[harleychik66]

You already can walk by them without them growling. I will say the same as everyone else. If it is this much of a concern put them in their crates when they get a bone. Then there is no issue on how they will react. Remember it is a high value item to your pups. Unless you plan on giving them bones while loose and then having a house full of people and children you have nothing to worry about.

I've had dogs that have no problem with bones and some that guard them. Rest assured if I want/need to take it away I will! The dogs know who is boss. But really after you give them the treat why make them think they are going to lose it. If someone took away my favorite food after a few bites or messed with me while eating I'd probably growl too.

Crate them, then all will be well.

[GypsysMom]

My dogs dont growl at ay of us when they hae "high value" items, now Gypsy will growl if cash gets to close but not at me or the kids, if people get close to Gypsy at times she will just go to the corner where she can be alone and out of the way .. I would never bother them in such a manner as you stated

[Shelby427]

Originally Posted by alessadry

I have thought about that, and started thinking I was probably pushing it too much. If this is not a good approach then perhaps it is better if I just drop a treat every now and then while he chews on a bone? I just want him to be trustable and trust me and just be nice to others.

What I did, so that they wouldn't get growly with ME (they don't get bones if we have people over unless they are separated from the rest of the people IE: crated or shut behind a door) is to trade with them. I would say their name, say "trade" and offer a piece of hotdog, cheese or chicken. When they drop the bone and take the treat, I take the bone and praise.

[Calin]

My pup had a problem with resource guarding. So periodically, I would take her bone from her, tell her 'Good girl' and squirt some easy cheese on it and give it back. Hopefully, I taught that it is never my intent to steal her stuff....just make it a little better. :)

[alessadry]

That seems like a great idea! The dog not only must trust you but actually is eager to have you close! I will surely try this one and stop bothering them as I did before.