As a general rule, I do not mess about with any dog eating their food, that is once it is given to them. On the other hand I do not put up with being argued with if I feel like taking whatever it is away from them, which almost always has something to do with making sure of their well being and continued health.
Those here that are older hands with dogs will know what I'm going to say, but for the less experienced folk I want to give you a heads up on something.
Most dogs once they learn where their place is are contented to be there and are never any problem after that. But one can run into that occasional dog that never is satisfied in that place. And thats why it's always wise to re-enforce a behavior every once and awhile. That doesn't mean you have to be an absolute pain in the butt lord and master, just check in once or twice when you think of it.
The instance I'm going to relate will explain why.

I'm not going to give all the ins and outs I went through with this dog, suffice to say I thought we'd been rid of our 'issues' for some number of years. I admit forgot all about her possessiveness because I thought it had been settled and hadn't re-enforced it through the years. In short I forgot it.
One afternoon (I think she may have been about six yrs.) I came home from a tournament and she's on the lawn gnawing on an old knuckle bone, probably dug up from one of my previous dogs. I didn't feel like dealing with broken teeth or worse and went to take it away. Yep, she wasn't going to let me have it (the bone). Well, I'm not going to be stood down by my own dog for crying outloud.
It resulted in a real honest to god knock down drag out fight over this stupid old bone. My clothes were in tatters, and I still have scars. In the end I had to take my belt off and loop it around her collar for a leash to get control as I wasn't even willing to walk away to get a leash from the house. Humph, try to back me down.

Fair warning guys, just once in awhile enforce a learned behavior. Ya don't have to be a bully about it. Just often enough to be sure they remember.

Randy

Ms. Sutherland,

What would the world be like if there was not an occasional opposing opinion? In truth, I don't often interrupt a meal. It is enough for me to be confident that I can.

As in all aspects of life, there is more than one way to do stuff. I think.

 Quote: Mike Arnold

As in all aspects of life, there is more than one way to do stuff. I think.

There is. My way and the wrong way.



JK.

And that's a topic that never gets agreement -- the food thing. It never will.

Probably because we have all had success with "our" ways .... so how can some other ways possibly work? Huh???

Anyway, back to the topic, which wasn't the food dish.

I've never had a problem with Starbuck and food; and I don't think I will. I don't often take things away from her, but I know for a fact that I can pull a raw piece of meat out of her mouth and she won't do anything.

Another quick story about my mom's dog. One night she snatched a cooked chicken bone that fell off a plate. I got to her in about 4-5 seconds, but she had already swallowed the bone. I don't know if this is the best example, but that is why I want to have the ability to remove an item from her mouth without any problems.

This is a post on what to do if my dog growls when a pig is taken away from him, not about if food should be allowed to be taken away or not. It is different opinion with everyone. Lets agree with that.

 Quote: keith larson

.... One night she snatched a cooked chicken bone that fell off a plate. I got to her in about 4-5 seconds, but she had already swallowed the bone. I don't know if this is the best example, but that is why I want to have the ability to remove an item from her mouth without any problems.

Yes, I want both: "Drop it" and allowing my hand to take whatever it is out of the dog's mouth.

 Quote: jennifer schnegg

today the first time my pup had growled at my when I tried to take his pig ear treat. What I did was clap very loud and say no. He then let me take it away. Was that the right way of going about that? Should I have just let him finish the pig ear. Was it right to still take it away? My friend said to hit him on the nose and say "no" . I dont then start having a growling dog. thanks

I think you handled it well. Do not hit your puppy especially when you have not trained him that he needs to drop or leave items when he is told. In conjunction with the leave it I train the dog to back off the item as well. It gives a little additional security that when you reach for the item; that you own the surrounding space too.

For instance; Drop it. The dog drops whatever is in his mouth. Go to your bed. Dog moves away and you can then safely pick up the item.