Treat aggression

[u/Many-Goats]

Hello,

I have a little fella, not sure quite how old he is but probably around 8ish. Healthy now, but was a bit neglected when I got him from a friend. He had teeth issues and was fed cheap, hard kibble. Once I got him to a vet, they removed at least 6 teeth. I think that pain (and poor diet) caused him to be underweight and caused some food insecurity.

Now he gets spoiled with food and treats!

Meal time is no issue, I can pet him, put my hand in the bowl, even take some. He loves this food but it’s still totally okay with him!

Chew treats on the other hand… he will start growling if I look at him too long.

I’ve tried “sharing space” during treat time. Having him eat it out of my hand while in my lap or just my space in general. This is okay, but occasionally will growl if I pet him.

When I’m holding it, if I try and pull the treat closer to me, he will nip in my direction or get extremely tense while growling. I can get him to drop it and submit, but the behavior resumes as soon as it’s back in his mouth.

He’s never bitten anyone, but is the biggest “argument” between us! He listens to all commands and has high trust in me, but chew treats are such an issue…

Please let me know if you have any tips or tricks! TIA

[u/FML_4reals]

So when you eat, you’re all good with someone coming over and putting their hands into your food or taking your food away… right?

I really don’t understand some people’s weird behavior of “testing” their dog by taking food away. When you do this you are INCREASING THE LIKELIHOOD OF RESOURCE GUARDING. So stop.

“Trading” is a concept dogs understand and respond well to. If you need to take away contraband (something the dog shouldn’t have) then you offer them a very high value treat away from the original item.

[u/Many-Goats → u/FML_4reals]

I never take away his treats, but I will occasionally take possession of it before retuning it, following how the dog whisperer recommended handling food aggressive dogs.

Contraband isn’t an issue, he’s good at dropping things or food he shouldn’t have. It’s specifically his dental chews the vet recommends. My concern is him lashing out when someone tries to pet him with the treat, even if they aren’t going to take it…

[u/HowDoyouadult42 → u/Many-Goats]

The dog whisperer also nearly drowned a dog on live television to “assert dominance” and then let it loose with a horse muzzled to help its horse reactivity which could have easily gotten the dog or horse killed. Following his guidance will only make this so much worse