Food/Possession aggression

This is something I've banged on about for years! A dog that is properly brought up should never have any food or possession aggression. Full stop!

With any new puppy I make a point of showing the pup that he/she has no fears about 'losing' his or her food or toys, and that if I take something away, he/she will either get it straight back, or will get something even better!

What does everybody else think?

In my opinion, I don't think any type of food/toy aggression is acceptable. For whatever reason, the dog is not comfortable with its owner being near its food/toys; this shows a lack of trust which is vital for a stable dog-owner relationship. It can also be extremely dangerous! A happy, healthy dog should be able to eat and play without feeling the need to 'protect'.

ECdogs wrote: A happy, healthy dog should be able to eat and play without feeling the need to 'protect'.

I've never had a problem with this with a dog, thank goodness.

I did experience food aggression with a horse, but hadn't brought him up from a puppy!

I agree that it is a matter of trust - the dog should trust his owner not to steal his food. With toys, growling may be misinterpreted when all the dog is doing is inviting play - snarling and snapping is a different matter.

LyndaW wrote:  
I did experience food aggression with a horse, but hadn't brought him up from a puppy!

  

I really wouldn't know where to start with a horse!  

LyndaW wrote: With toys, growling may be misinterpreted when all the dog is doing is inviting play - snarling and snapping is a different matter.

Yes, growling can be part of rough play, but snarling when standing over food or a toy shouldn't be accepted.

harvey is absolutely fine with anyone taking anything off him, bones included, and has a habit of giving you his tea as a present

Chance was food aggressive, but i've spent many many hours, sat trading and rewarding him for giving up things, toys can be taken straight out of his mouth now, and 98% of the time he is fine with food

Shows what patience & perseverance can do!

You've done a brilliant job with Chance, Ella.   

thanks hun

I hope the people who use shock collars to deal with food aggression are reading this!