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Posted by fullottermoon on March 08, 2003 at 02:30:05:
In Reply to: growling and biting posted by birdladdie on March 07, 2003 at 12:13:47:
:I parents dog was a shelter dog and was checked out well before they got her. No problems with food agresstion at all. you could walk up and take her bowl away with out problems. They have had her now a little over three months. Today I took her for her morening walk, she has a harness that we put on her, anyways. After her walk she goes right for the back door we go outside and take off the harness and we have done this everyday for the last three months, well today as I was trying to pull the harness over her head she growled and tryed to bite my hand but I pulled back on her to stop her. I pulled her away from the food and tryed it again samething finally after poping her in the bum I could take it off her. I thought this was weird so as she ate I walked over and pet her, I have done this before as well and and she stared growling and snaped at me one more time before I gave up and left her alone. I dont know what to do. I am getting a two month old puppie soon and I don't think I can if Sammi is aking like this is she is a young dog about three whats wrong with her? Could other animals like cats or coons get in her food and make her like this? or maybe she is getting sick?
I know there are plenty of people who will disagree with me. That said, Sammi needs to know that this behavior will not be tolerated. However, sometimes the sudden onset of this type of behvior is due to pain. You need to check her all over to see if there ae any visible wounds. If not then you need to check her for any spots that might be sensitive to the touch. This will have to be done carefully but touch her EVERYWHERE. One of my dogs snapped at the groomer- NOT her usual behavior!- and the groomer found that her lower abdomen was painful. She had a urinary tract infection. If you do find a specific area that is tender or swollen then she needsto go to the vet. This could be the only thing causing her to act this way. However, if there is not a physical cause, then you must deal with the behavior--- and this is where people's opinions differ. I would keep her harness and leash on her and offer her a sm. amount of food in her bowl. Reach for it and if she growls or snaps, give her a quick tug onher leash along with a very firm, "NO!" It doesn't have to be loud but she needs to know you mean business. Try it again & again- 3 times is usually a good number. Remove the food from the floor. Wait a few hours and try it again and if she still is snapping give her a more forceful, but still very quick tug on the leash again with the very firm, "NO!"
When she stos snapping and growling when you try to touch her food bowl, then give her an extra special treat and a very enthusiastic, "Good Girl!" in a high pitched tone. Praise should always be high pitched and with smiles and eve foolish behavior. I always throw my arms up in the air and squeal, "Yippee! Good dog! Yippee! Good No Snap!" or whatever the command was. And, yes, I look absolutely foolish--- but my dogs get the praise in an effective way. Personally, I would e forcefull and consistent with these sessions with Sammi BECAUSE you are getting another pup who Sammi could injure
if the pup is in the wrong place at the wrong time. Best wishes! Nancy