8 mth Lab growling

[Jakezilla]

What does any of that do for food aggression? lol You "should" be able to take the food away? Talk about escalating the situation. Just sayin..

I've never let my dogs get to the point of showing food aggression, but when they already do it, there are better ways to deal with it than crowding their space thinking you'll be able to grab their bowl. That just sounds dangerous.

It has everything to do with food aggression. It's all connected you just don't get it.

You can't train a dog over the internet but we do what we can. I would bet myself, BB, Kraka or crackered could go to this house and have this problem sorted in an afternoon and show the owner what he needs to do to keep the dog right.

You don't do those steps for a day and then dive for the bowl. It's a progression and the longer this behavior goes on the longer it will take to fix. I bet any decent trainer could have that bowl in an afternoon but that is because they have no history with the dog. The owner has a history and they need to overcome that to move forward.

What a dog is doing is what it is learning.

This pup is "doing" this aggressive behavior and it is in turn "learning" this behavior and it will more than likely escalate if it isn't taken care of. I would say that dropping treats rewards that behavior.

Disclaimer: Could this dog be having some other issue, sure. But 9 times out of 10 this crap is aggression based especially from a young male.

[last5oh_302]

It has everything to do with food aggression. It's all connected you just don't get it.

You can't train a dog over the internet but we do what we can. I would bet myself, BB, Kraka or crackered could go to this house and have this problem sorted in an afternoon and show the owner what he needs to do to keep the dog right.

You don't do those steps for a day and then dive for the bowl. It's a progression and the longer this behavior goes on the longer it will take to fix. I bet any decent trainer could have that bowl in an afternoon but that is because they have no history with the dog. The owner has a history and they need to overcome that to move forward.

What a dog is doing is what it is learning.

This pup is "doing" this aggressive behavior and it is in turn "learning" this behavior and it will more than likely escalate if it isn't taken care of. I would say that dropping treats rewards that behavior.

Disclaimer: Could this dog be having some other issue, sure. But 9 times out of 10 this crap is aggression based especially from a young male.

Well luckily we have someone here that does "get it". You've certainly changed my mind. What was I thinking?

[Jakezilla]

If I seem a little short with you it is because you reply so fast that I am sure you haven't taken the time to think about what I have proposed. You have already decided I am wrong. I am not explaining this for you it's for everyone else reading and if one person "gets it" and can use it successfully to make their life with their dog better it was worth my time.

[last5oh_302]

If I seem a little short with you it is because you reply so fast that I am sure you haven't taken the time to think about what I have proposed. You have already decided I am wrong. I am not explaining this for you it's for everyone else reading and if one person "gets it" and can use it successfully to make their life with their dog better it was worth my time.

And I hope nobody takes what you've said seriously. Works both ways, but you seem to be a legend in your own mind.

We will just have to agree to disagree. I'm not a newbie to dogs and I've made mistakes in the past, but I'm always willing to learn new things, and adjust. Your ways are ancient. Just sayin...

[yellow dog]

It has everything to do with food aggression. It's all connected you just don't get it.

You can't train a dog over the internet but we do what we can. I would bet myself, BB, Kraka or crackered could go to this house and have this problem sorted in an afternoon and show the owner what he needs to do to keep the dog right.

You don't do those steps for a day and then dive for the bowl. It's a progression and the longer this behavior goes on the longer it will take to fix. I bet any decent trainer could have that bowl in an afternoon but that is because they have no history with the dog. The owner has a history and they need to overcome that to move forward.

What a dog is doing is what it is learning.

This pup is "doing" this aggressive behavior and it is in turn "learning" this behavior and it will more than likely escalate if it isn't taken care of. I would say that dropping treats rewards that behavior.

Disclaimer: Could this dog be having some other issue, sure. But 9 times out of 10 this crap is aggression based especially from a young male.

Wait a minute buddy...many people on this forum could solve this issue that are just a qualified or have more experience.

[krakadawn]

I have to say that any of what Jake has suggested seems to be pretty fair in my mind and is reasonable advice.

Last 5, I'm sure you have some dog experience as you say but not sure you've done field training to any degree in any venu. There are some folks here that have trained many dogs and in more than one sport. Not saying your ideas don't carry water but I read a fair bit of experience here. I believe if you really want to understand dog behaviour and learning traits then you need to get into some of these sports and train a dog beyond basic skills that most pet folk do.

I could show you some advanced training and the decision making required by dogs that might shock you, you would not think they are capable of those decisions especially in problem solving certain tests, We are way beyond regular hunting when we discuss these.

I still believe rather than argue.....state your best case. I train with some of the best trainers one can find and we are certainly not identical although very similar in approach.

[last5oh_302]

Krakadawn, as the OP mentioned he's not looking at field training. This is about basic training, since you seem to keep refering to field training and hunting. I stand by my suggestions 100% and when I do professional training I'm sure they will tell me this is the proper way to deal with a food aggressive dog.

[Longgun]

This sounds like dominance not aggression so much. Even though your not planning on doing field with your dog it still needs lots of exercise. Teaching him/her to retrieve is a good way to get a good work out in a short time. Obedience is always #1 and yes the dog needs to move when you are coming through, leave the dog food if you ask them to and no you don't take it until they back away.
deb

[krakadawn]

Well Rick,
I wish you well if you are entering the world of being a professional dog trainer. Yes I refer to FT competition but I have to tell you 'basics' are basics regardless of where you wish to take the dog....good pet/companion, field trial or hunting dog. I'm somewhat surprised with your statement, I would have thought you would have understood that.

I could give you a flow chart with the basics that lead to retriever training. I'm sure you would agree with concepts like sit, stay come(here), down, quiet, heel etc. Not only are these mandatory to be a good companion but for dog safety as well. Are these not the basics that you would pursue???

The huge difference that you will come to see when you gain some experience is that field trainers develop these skills not only earlier but to a higher standard than regular pet owners and to a higher degree of dependability..

Where are you learning or hope to learn these skills?

Not trying to be confrontational but I believe you have not successfully argued your points and have not stated the background/experience to illustrate your view.

[last5oh_302]

Well Rick,
I wish you well if you are entering the world of being a professional dog trainer. Yes I refer to FT competition but I have to tell you 'basics' are basics regardless of where you wish to take the dog....good pet/companion, field trial or hunting dog. I'm somewhat surprised with your statement, I would have thought you would have understood that.

I could give you a flow chart with the basics that lead to retriever training. I'm sure you would agree with concepts like sit, stay come(here), down, quiet, heel etc. Not only are these mandatory to be a good companion but for dog safety as well. Are these not the basics that you would pursue???

The huge difference that you will come to see when you gain some experience is that field trainers develop these skills not only earlier but to a higher standard than regular pet owners and to a higher degree of dependability..

Where are you learning or hope to learn these skills?

Not trying to be confrontational but I believe you have not successfully argued your points and have not stated the background/experience to illustrate your view.

It's all good Kraka
I have a couple of friends that rescue/foster Rotties, and unfortunately these shelter dogs usually come with excess baggage, and food aggression seems to be a very common problem. These dogs have rarely been socialized properly. The hand feeding and treat dropping always works. Sometimes it takes a little patience, but the outcome is amazing. Going from a dog that wants to rip you apart to being able to pet and put hand in bowl is like a miracle has happened. Some of the things suggested here (dominating, alpha roll, etc) if used when dealing with a food aggressive dog (especially a Rott) can get you hurt, bad. It's a positive method that builds trust, and it works. The dog does NOT look at it as a reward for guarding. The dog associates you coming to the bowl as a good thing. Eventually you should be able to put your hand in the bowl (although never recommended, never bother the dog when it's eating as they say), which I do, and feed them by hand. The treats are even better as a starter because they love treats. Everytime you approach that bowl they figure out something good (even better than their food) is coming.

When I start my professional training it will be with Pertsmart...lol...ok No, I'll be signing up with the Hamilton Dog Obedience Club. My plans are to at least get her CGN, and I may even go into rally obedience, but she will mainly be a companion dog. The program is based on positive reinforcement, so it will be interesting to see and learn.