Depending on the age, yeah you may have a problem. The older the dog the harder the problem is likely to be to correct. It would also depend on his behavior at other times. Is the dog resistant to training and how does he demonstrate that. What have you been doing with him when he eats? Is this just a first time thing or have you been doing other things to "test" his level of food aggression? There seems to be a trend for people to bug the dog while he eats to evaluate if they are food aggressive. It can be easily over done to the point that the dog has a legitamate right to warn you off bugging him.
What you may try doing is to get the dog to realize that you aren't going to take his food. Feed him by hand, put a few pieces in the bowl and then add more when that is finished. Also, if he isn't too aggressive over the food yet, try feeding him some bits of food with your hand in the bowl. Growling is a warning, if that warning stops working many dogs will escalate the aggression up to and including a bite.
If you can't be a Good Example,then You'll just have to Serve as a Horrible Warning. Catherine Aird.
My guess, based on the age is that the dog is starting to mature and gain some dominance issues and some confidence. For starters go read the article "Dealing with a Dominant Dog". Step 2 is obedience, obedience, and more obedience. You have to establish for the dog that you are in charge, period. Third never give a command or press an issue with him unless you are in a position to enforce the command. With a dig like this any time you loose, you loose more control. You may get to a point where you have some potentialy ugly confrontations, make sure you win them all.
Did I mention obedience.
If you can't be a Good Example,then You'll just have to Serve as a Horrible Warning. Catherine Aird.
Hi Bovime!
Can I ask what your dogs breed is?
I find that some breeds are more prone to food guarding than others (regardless of dominance) and some have even learn the behavior from being dominated by stronger litter mates during feeding time (though probably not in your case).
Just curious.
Follow Riches advice .. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> .he hit the pu- I mean nail on the head!
Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.
--Roger Caras
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Top
Previous Topic
Index
Next Topic
