I'm in a bit of a discussion with my friend regarding the taking away of a bone or a smashing cool chew toy. How many of you could take away such a thing without your dog growling at you? Would you try to take it away or would you distract your dog? I believe that one has to be able to take it away without your dog threatning you or else you have a probleem, my friend thinks that things like that should be better left alone and one just doesnt do something like that... I'm curious what you guys think <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

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....a bone or a smashing cool chew toy. How many of you could take away such a thing without your dog growling at you?.. I'm curious what you guys think <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I know I'll be trounced for this, and I know what all the rescue societies say about it, and I'll give this disclaimer: I have experience so far only as an OB trainer (pretty long experience)......no working dog or special-purpose training yet.

I think it's unnecessary to bother the dog while s/he's eating, and I don't do it.

Also, I think that if the owner wants the dog to tolerate messing with his food (maybe because of toddlers around), I think it's best taught by adding nice things to the dish so the dog associates a hand near the dish with goodies.

JMO, and I will be interested to hear what others say. I know that almost everyone in my dogs' clubs disagrees with me.

I am interstested also in what some of you have to say. Who are much much better trainers than me.
I do not allow any of my dogs to have unwanted aggression towards me and only a "bite, hold, or guard" is a allowed on command regardless of food.
I do have people disagree me quite often on this though.
I don't believe a dog needs to be put down for showing guarding of his food though, just better training.
JMO

I am interested to know the context of this question. Why are you taking the toy/bone away? I think it is important for me to be able to take things out of my dog's mouth, because not everything belongs in her mouth. I had to take a cooked bone away from her yesterday because a family member had given it without knowing better. It was the pups better interest that I took it away. This pup however, I've never had a problem taking things away from her, she knows I'm boss. (Let someone else come near it and she'll bark) But I've found the best way for other dogs is to just distract their attention with something else like another toy or bone. I don't try to take food away just because I can.... I learned my lesson with that a long time ago.

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I am interested to know the context of this question. Why are you taking the toy/bone away? I think it is important for me to be able to take things out of my dog's mouth, because not everything belongs in her mouth......

Would "drop it" work here, or is it so infrequent that you really don't need the command? I agree 100% that I can (and should be able to) do anything with my dogs, physically, like clip claws, brush teeth, apply ear meds, examine a wound, etc., and that would include removing something from his mouth.

I guess I meant more what you said here: QUOTE: I don't try to take food away just because I can....END

I don't either. It has always struck me as unnecessary. But again, that's not a popular view, and it's JMHO, for my dogs.

Yes. I can take anything from my dogs' mouths, from in front of them, and away from their general area. I am in control of their entire world. I give when they deserve and take away when they do not. I am the giver of food and the taker away of food. The same goes true for their toys. In short I am their leader, and they do as I say.

Connie & Jennifer, for what it's worth, I agree. I don't put my hands in the dog dishes, they don't put their paws on my plate <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Drop it works. Unless said dog doesn't know that command yet. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

i decided years ago that any dog i owned would allow me to take anything away whenever i want. i had an 8 wk old pup that was horribly food-protective when i got her. for 2 or 3 weeks, she didn't eat anything unless it came out of my hand, and she took it calmly and politely. never had any problems with her giving up an item after that.

with my new pup, i'm just giving him an occasional pat or rub while he's eating (he doesn't think i'm gonna steal his food, either--doesn't care), but i don't take his food away just because i can. just getting him used to me being around, no big deal. laying a foundation.

i basically don't mess with the dogs when they're eating, no reason to usually. but both the old dogs will let me take something from them if it's necessary, and the pup will too. i also use "drop it". if you get in a situation where the dog's life could be endangered, it's nice to know you don't have to make the decision as to whether you take a bite, or potentially lose a dog. just how things operate in this outfit. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I don't take away their food unless I have to (i.e. they stole food). I always can in that case. Usually speed helps...the dogs learn they have no power over me when I want something from them so they don't even bother trying to hide or run away from me. But for the most part they eat unbothered. If I have a dog with food aggression I work with him first until he stops growling at me (usually will just stiffen when I try to take something)...after this I just let him alone to show him that as long as my rules are obeyed, I'm extremely fair and he has nothing to worry about.