Zeus, growled at me for the first time for food?

ZeusTheGSD · 11-03-2012, 09:21 AM

It was a complete shock, I was stunned. Zeus has never done such a thing he's been great, aside from the mouthing he does quite frequently he's never been over-protective of food or toys ever.

We gave him one of these small bones to work at and when we got near he growled and we didn't want to back down so we got closer and his teeth were showing and nose was wrinkled and the closer we got he actually snapped.

It could be because he's irritated with an infection he has on his crotch and armpits but this was unusual and scary, as soon as the bone was taken away he was safe again to get near.

Any information would be appreciated.

EDIT: Zeus is now 6 1/2 months or so! We've had him since 8 weeks.

Zookeep · 11-03-2012, 10:39 AM

I have never had resource guarding issues with any of my dogs, so I am sure others will chime in with their advice. However, I think you should consider NILF training (Nothing In Life Is Free). Search this forum for it. In my opinion, you want to work on this issue right away before it gets worse.

readaboutdogs · 11-03-2012, 11:07 AM

I don't know if correct in other peoples opinion but as soon as we bring a new puppy home we put our hands in food bowl, touch and pet their head,snoot while they eat, hold onto treats and make them take gently, take away give back with gentle take. Wait their turn nicely when passing out treats to all. We haven't had a problem with any of them.

Zookeep · 11-03-2012, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by readaboutdogs

I don't know if correct in other peoples opinion but as soon as we bring a new puppy home we put our hands in food bowl, touch and pet their head

I did that with each of my rescues. The first time with each is a little scary.

Sunflowers · 11-03-2012, 11:36 AM

Infection or not, he should not be doing this. I would not give him any more of those bones and would start NILIF and also hand feeding all his meals.

shepherdmom · 11-03-2012, 11:51 AM

Readaboutdog and zookeep.... Same here. We always make sure we can take anything from the dogs at any time. As far as I'm concerned its a safety issue and part of being a good pet owner.

Nigel · 11-03-2012, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by readaboutdogs

I don't know if correct in other peoples opinion but as soon as we bring a new puppy home we put our hands in food bowl, touch and pet their head,snoot while they eat, hold onto treats and make them take gently, take away give back with gentle take. Wait their turn nicely when passing out treats to all. We haven't had a problem with any of them.

We did the same. We included some friends and a few of our children's friends as well.

llombardo · 11-03-2012, 12:42 PM

As soon as any dog comes into my house I work with food, treats, and toys. I take it away and give it back.....food, toys, and treats. I can put my hand in their bowls while they are eating, take toys and treat right out of their mouths. I teach them this and periodically I'll do it, so they don't forget it. I don't have any resource guarders over anything in my house.

**Cassidy's Mom** · 11-03-2012, 02:10 PM

Read this recent thread about resource guarding, there's a great link with more info in Jean's post: Proven ways to end food aggression...

Mandy L. · 11-05-2012, 09:28 AM

Draven did this last night with his Marrow bone. We always take away look at it. Have him do a trick and give back . Totally took me/us by surprise (me because I was the one removing bone).
We play with his food and toys too so was a complete shock

Sent from my iPhone using PG Free

11-03-2012, 09:21 AM	#1 (permalink)
ZeusTheGSD Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Canada, Ontario Posts: 57	Zeus, growled at me for the first time for food? It was a complete shock, I was stunned. Zeus has never done such a thing he's been great, aside from the mouthing he does quite frequently he's never been over-protective of food or toys ever. We gave him one of these small bones to work at and when we got near he growled and we didn't want to back down so we got closer and his teeth were showing and nose was wrinkled and the closer we got he actually snapped. It could be because he's irritated with an infection he has on his crotch and armpits but this was unusual and scary, as soon as the bone was taken away he was safe again to get near. Any information would be appreciated. EDIT: Zeus is now 6 1/2 months or so! We've had him since 8 weeks. Last edited by ZeusTheGSD; 11-03-2012 at 09:23 AM.

11-03-2012, 10:39 AM	#2 (permalink)
Zookeep Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 294	I have never had resource guarding issues with any of my dogs, so I am sure others will chime in with their advice. However, I think you should consider NILF training (Nothing In Life Is Free). Search this forum for it. In my opinion, you want to work on this issue right away before it gets worse. __________________ Lila mit der Floppy-Ohr Ellie Rubmybelly Teddy the Fearless Chaz the Spaz Pokey - you don't know what you've got 'till it's gone Zoey - may you catch the UPS man Auggie -may you find the peace you never had

11-03-2012, 11:36 AM	#5 (permalink)
Sunflowers Crowned Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Central Florida Posts: 4,707	Infection or not, he should not be doing this. I would not give him any more of those bones and would start NILIF and also hand feeding all his meals. __________________ Norden von Narnia--Hans, dob 1-15-2012 http://pdgf.pitapata.com/uC6lm4.png

11-03-2012, 12:42 PM	#8 (permalink)
llombardo Crowned Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Illinois Posts: 4,983	As soon as any dog comes into my house I work with food, treats, and toys. I take it away and give it back.....food, toys, and treats. I can put my hand in their bowls while they are eating, take toys and treat right out of their mouths. I teach them this and periodically I'll do it, so they don't forget it. I don't have any resource guarders over anything in my house. __________________ Misty- Samoyed Mix Tannor- Golden Retriever CGC Robyn- German Shepherd CGC Cats-Thunder, Harley, Miley, Bandit, and Ferah RIP Boo..Black Lab "A dog is the only thing on this earth that loves you more than he loves himself."

11-03-2012, 02:10 PM	#9 (permalink)
Cassidy's Mom No Stinkin' Leashes Moderator Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 27,414	Read this recent thread about resource guarding, there's a great link with more info in Jean's post: Proven ways to end food aggression... __________________ -Debbie- Dena 9/12/04-10/4/08 Forever would have been too short Keefer 8/25/05 Halo 11/9/08 FDCh-G TF-III Cassidy 6/8/00-10/4/04

11-03-2012, 11:07 AM	#3 (permalink)
readaboutdogs Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: oklahoma Posts: 450	I don't know if correct in other peoples opinion but as soon as we bring a new puppy home we put our hands in food bowl, touch and pet their head,snoot while they eat, hold onto treats and make them take gently, take away give back with gentle take. Wait their turn nicely when passing out treats to all. We haven't had a problem with any of them.

11-03-2012, 11:51 AM	#6 (permalink)
shepherdmom Knighted Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Northern Nevada Posts: 2,324	Readaboutdog and zookeep.... Same here. We always make sure we can take anything from the dogs at any time. As far as I'm concerned its a safety issue and part of being a good pet owner.

11-05-2012, 09:28 AM	#10 (permalink)
Mandy L. Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 87	Draven did this last night with his Marrow bone. We always take away look at it. Have him do a trick and give back . Totally took me/us by surprise (me because I was the one removing bone). We play with his food and toys too so was a complete shock Sent from my iPhone using PG Free

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
German Shepherd Advertisement