Hi Berber!

I know this must be a really frustrating time for you. We recently adopted a 2-year-old border collie/whippet/pitbull terrier mix from the shelter and have been dealing with some possession-aggression problems. He'll get nasty sometimes if we're getting too close to his food, a stolen sock, etc.

I wanted to respond to your question about feeding. I think this is what Carrie meant. Your dog needs to see that you, the Alpha, eat first. So, before you feed him, get his bowl and put it on the counter. That way he knows it's feeding time. Then, take out a plate and put a little snack on it for yourself. Eat it, put your plate in the sink, and then feed your pup. Alphas eat first, lesser dogs have to wait. We're doing this, plus hand-feeding, with our Murphy, and I think it's starting to make a difference. He's become a lot calmer at feeding time and won't snap at me if one of his kibbles rolls away and I pick it up...he knows I'll give it to him.

We tried to crate-train Murph, but it just didn't work. Keep in mind he's 2. But I've heard that some dogs just never take to the crate.

I don't know if this is the best tactic, but when Murphy is REALLY acting up (trying to jump up when we eat dinner, being especially bitey, etc.), we sometimes give him a squirt with a plant water-sprayer, along with a sharp "NO" or "EH-EH." It definitely makes him stop. We don't want to have to hit him, and feel like this is more "humane."

One other tip--don't let Jaetta sleep on your bed or get on the couch, etc. That makes her feel "equal" to you, which she isn't.

Good luck! Things will get better!! Obedience classes will help.