My dog has been getting violent with me when I touch his food tray and water bowl. I think I understand why that happens. But now when I by accident drop something that belongs to me in front of him, I get scare. When I try to pick the item up, he growls and snaps at me. I always have to distract him before I can get my item back. I'm tired of this. Any training advice?

twinkiedooter

What kind of dog, how old, and how long have you had him please? Does he do this with anyone else in your household or just you?

danielnoahsmommy

you have a major aggression problem here. left alone he/she will bite you and worse yet a child. she needs to be evaluated by a vet for any possible medical problems that may be contributing to this aggression.

RubyPitbull

It sounds like you have a major leadership problem here. You are allowing your dog to be the alpha dog in the pack and he is bullying you for your possessions and what he views as his. What he is doing is called "guarding behavior". Labman has some great info on how to assert yourself as the leader of the pack. Hopefully he will post it when he stops by.

bushg

As suggested above call your vet. If the dog is intact get him neutered. Ask the vet for a referral for a trainer that deals with aggression issues.
Just make sure that the trainer does not want to use methods to break his spirit or crate /kennel and let him go hungry for days. When I was looking for a trainer I had to weed out those that wanted to use harsh methods.

spop

Chow Chow, 1 1/2yr old, owned since March 2006. Yes, he does this with my adult sister too.

labman

The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts. Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at Raising Your Dog with the Monks of New Skete For more on being top dog, see Establishing and Keeping Alpha Position, Letting your dog know you are the boss

spop

Thanks. I like rule #20 on Establishing and Keeping Alpha Position, Letting your dog know you are the boss

oneguyinohio

Letting your dog know you are the boss

Just want to add that does not mean kicking the snot out of the dog! Some people do abuse animals and say they are showing who is boss.

spop

Well, he just bit me. I tried taking an ink pen that he had in his mouth, and he gave me a good bite.