Originally posted by carrie
Being in charge with the food does not involve taking food that has been given to the dog away from it. This is asking for trouble. Be fair to the dog - if the leader has said that the dog can eat...then the dog can eat. It has every right to defend itself and it's food once food has been left for it by the leader.

I really, really strongly disagree. What if the OP's 2 year-old niece runs in and tries to pick out of the dogs food? What if someone drops a cooked bone and the dog grabs it and assumes thats his food? Dogs need to be conditioned to give their food up at any time, not only because its safe for people but its safe for the dog. A dog should NEVER "defend itself" against his owner! Although dogs are related to wolves, lets not confuse them with wolves. How would she even control his feedings without being able to pick up his food bowl?

I would recommend hand-feeding if its safe... definitely contact a behaviorist, the pup has obviously had poor socialization with people and probably some bad experiences in the past .. I do agree that until he has been seen by a reputable dog behaviorist and he's been through training, you should crate train him and only feed him in his crate, for your safety and his.