2007-10-09 11:56:47 · 22 answers · asked by saxmachine819 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Dogs are pack animals and only respect those that are higher in the 'pecking order' than themselves . . . Obviously the dog feels that he's higher in that order than you are and that can be dangerous . . .
My dogs have been trained since puppies to allow anyone in the family to take anything, including food, from them . . . I tested them many times, having my children take the food from their mouths, before I trusted them alone with the toddlers . . .
Some breeds are more difficult than others to socialize into your family "pack" and some may be so aggressive because of their genetics that they will be 'testing' you for weakness for their entire lives . . . You've probably heard of dogs that 'turn' on their owners after years of being obedient . . .
Check with a good dog trainer or veterinarian for some advice on how to deal with this incident and prevent it from becoming a pattern of behavior or the dog will become more aggressive to you and the family . . .
2007-10-09 12:13:52 · answer #1 · answered by sazeech 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My dog used to be food aggressive with Bones only. I took the bones away from him for a while. Then before i would give him the bone I would bite his ear. Not hard! Make sure you hold his head while you bite him incase he does turn to nip. Most of the time they wont try to nip. I know it sounds strange but there pack animals. If you bite a dog on the ear, it learns that you are the Alpha Dog! You are in control of him! A dog that respects his " Master" or " Alpha role" person will not snap if you try to take anything from him! Then after you establish the "Alpha role" you can then teach him to share. My dog if i tell him to give me some he will bring me what ever he is eating, regardless of where he wants it or not. Alpha dogs get first pick of everything!
2007-10-09 19:45:56 · answer #2 · answered by Nicole B. 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Some dogs that are never aggressive, will still show Food possessiveness and aggression. Animals tend to show more possessiveness over a highly regarded item such as a really good treat or bone. First- don't initiate your dog. use other training tips with other activities to reinforce your pack leader status such as Walking on a lead, coming when called, enroll in an obedience class or making him sit before being fed. But usually, after the dog exhibits this- just be careful. He may bite your worse next time. You need to respect his space.
2007-10-09 19:05:55 · answer #3 · answered by Rexydoberman 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Food aggression should be dealt with by consulting a trainer. The trainer will help you teach your dog the commands "drop it" and "leave it." These are generally trained by giving your dog something he sort of wants, and rewarding him with something he really wants when he gives up the first item. However, this is a behavior that will take a long time to train away.
The poster who suggested a pinch collar and punishment for the behavior could not be more wrong. This will simply motivate your dog to snap at you more often. Build a positive relationship with your dog and you will benefit for years to come.
2007-10-09 19:08:47 · answer #4 · answered by corgi_tryst 2 · 3⤊ 1⤋
This behavior is called "resource guarding". In other words, your dog is letting you know that the bone is HIS and that he is not sharing and you better not dare try grab his bone.
The underlying problem with resource guarding is that your dog does not consider you as being in charge. Subordinates do not tell the Alpha, this is mine and you cannot have it. The Alpha tells the subordinates. If your dog will not let you have the bone and snaps at you to "protect it", you're not in charge - your dog is.
2007-10-09 19:16:06 · answer #5 · answered by Abby K9 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
He's food aggressive.
AND
You are NOT Alpha Pack Leader
If you were Alpha Pack Leader, you could simply reach out and take away the bone and because Alpha Pack Leader can do and take away ANYTHING, the dog would not do anything about it.
You need to teach your dog that YOU are Alpha Pack Leader before he decides to DISCIPLINE YOU by BITING YOU!
Below are two websites that teach you about being Alpha.
2007-10-09 19:11:23 · answer #6 · answered by Nedra E 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Re: Snapping
My dog tried to snap at me and growled when I went down to pet her while she was eating. It is alright for her to protect her things from other dogs but I let her know that she cannot do that to me. I took her food away for 30 minutes and made sure that when I set her food back down that I petted her until she finished. You need to let her know that it is alright to be protective, but not from you. You are the adult; not her.
2007-10-10 09:46:10 · answer #7 · answered by Jenny N 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It happens to me all the time. Dogs have 1 or 2 things that they dont want anyone or any other dogs to be around it. When the dog has their bone, dont ever pretend to take it or move towards the bone...it'll help u
2007-10-09 19:08:57 · answer #8 · answered by free2luvbob 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
You have to establish your alpha role with him. Once he realizes that you're the boss, you'll be able to take food or toys from him with no problem. This will require a lot of work on your part but is well worth it. Don't ever put your face near his toys or food.
2007-10-09 19:09:17 · answer #9 · answered by Boss 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
*****Never, ever hit your dog! The above poster suggests that this will solve your problem. It will not!*******
Your dog is a resource guarder. Do not put yourself into this situation again.
Never try to "show the dog who's boss" by taking something away from him without offering a treat. By always giving your dog something good in exchange for giving up his bone or toy, you will teach him that he doesn't need to be worried about people approaching him when he's got his toy or chewy.
http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_ResourceGuarding.html
2007-10-09 19:36:50 · answer #10 · answered by Misa M 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋