There are MANY people who know MUCH more then me around here (Connie, and Barbara being 2 of them!) but... what stood out to me after reading all your posts Cindy, and the replies, was that this dog should not have toys laying around. Are you familiar with 'NILF'? (Nothing in life is free)

For example, in my home (and many other 'leerburg' peoples homes) I have lots of toys. Toys my dog LOVES. These toys belong to me, and can be played with by my dog, when I am involved (playing fetch/tug/chase/search, any game you can think up). If I am not actively playing with my dog(s) then MY toys are put away. The dogs don't have anything left out for them to being to feel possessive about, and start resource guarding.

There are lots of desensitizing threads around the site. Can you touch his feet? Maybe forget grooming for awhile, and work on positive things, with all parts of his body (marker training him to give you a paw, to start?) Grooming has stressed him big time in the past, it'll take time to work through that, and make it a positive experience, but it has been done for many dogs in the past, and you can do it with your boy!

This would be a great way to stop your dog from growling at people over toys. I would definitely listen to Connie and Barbara's advice about crating, or separating your dog from strangers. He's trying to tell you he is scared- a crate, or room to himself will make her feel more secure.


And, Welcome here! You've found a wonderful forum full of lots of great people that have many years of experience in everything dog, and much more!

Ok ladies, thanks for all the helpful advice. I know nothing about marker training or desensitizing so if you can lead me to the information I would really appreciate it! I am willing to work with my boy, I just need some guidance.

 Quote: Cindy Herr

Ok ladies, thanks for all the helpful advice. I know nothing about marker training or desensitizing so if you can lead me to the information I would really appreciate it! I am willing to work with my boy, I just need some guidance.

Well we are happy to guide you all day long.

In the left hand column scroll toward the top and you will see an empty rectangle for SEARCH. Type in your topic, ie: marker training and desensitizing, etc... and sit back and put on your reading glasses. Ed also has numerous free streaming videos on marker training, and once you begin reading and see the benefits, order the videos.

Let us know what questions you have after you go cross-eyed from reading.

Here's a start:

http://leerburg.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Board=134&Number=291215&Searchpage=2&Main=27145&Words=desensitizing&topic=0&Search=true#Post291212

http://leerburg.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Board=14&Number=295326&Searchpage=1&Main=27465&Words=desensitize+Connie+Sutherland&topic=0&Search=true#Post295326

http://leerburg.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Board=134&Number=294645&Searchpage=1&Main=27410&Words=desensitize+Connie+Sutherland&topic=0&Search=true#Post294645

http://leerburg.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/294645/page/0/fpart/2

Please ask questions! This is just to get your feet wet!