Growling Pup - Page 2

No way Jose!! Little puppy man needs to learn just where he fits in in the grand scheme of things and this can be accomplished by gentle control.... First of all.. all things are mine (none of my dogs own anything) I allow them toys that we play with together and they are provided for very well as far as food and shelter is concerned but at any given time I can take a toy or remove a food bowl .... This can easily be fixed by using some of the suggestions of others.. try adding something to his bowl, he needs to learn that good things come from your hands being near him and he probably needs to learn this for everything. I would also only allow toys when we played together since he seems to be a bit possessive... and for the love of God, don't ever free feed this dog!! So, start now.. touching him and giving a treat so he gets accustomed to be handled and does not resist.. there will be many times in his life when he will have to be handled and it is much easier if he accepts it..he doesn't have to like it (although if he does that's fine, but he does have to deal with it..

Don't blame your dogs food agression on me, you are the one that failed to fix the problem when it needed to be fixed. From what you said he growled at you when he was a pup and you did nothing, so how can you now say that he's a problem around his food bowl because of advice like mine???? you said [[At that time, I chose to ignore it and go on about my business. Maybe that was a bad idea, now he is a monster, not in size but in spirit. He will guard his bowl for a long time after he eats and is unapproachable.]] Have you ever studied pack behavior?? you are off the mark. I NEVER implied giving harsh corrections by the way! Establishing rules and boundries can be subtle, a correction can be made with a firm touch. However, you must always be firm and consistant. Everything must be in black and white. What about when your toddler goes too close to your dogs bowl, have you ever experienced a mobile toddler? My female is very dominant and if I chose to ignore certain issues and go about my business she no doubt would be unmanageable.

Try hand feeding.

Thanks to all who reponded...I will take all the information and use it wisely.. Thanks Again