What am I not doing?

[K9soul]

Unstable genetics is what causes aggression in dogs..

That's a very broad and sweeping statement and one I disagree with strongly. Environmental factors and experiences can very much play a role in developing behavior problems including "aggression." I say "aggression" because far too often everything is thrown into the pot and called aggression when it's not. Insecurity, fear, defensiveness, anxiety can all play a part in a dog growling and it may have nothing to do with aggression. Genetics can certainly predispose dogs to being less mentally stable, just like a person can be more predisposed to depression or other mental problems genetically, but it is by far not only factor that determines if a person, or dog, will develop mental or emotional problems.

Puppyhood is a crucial time for a dog and they go through various stages as they learn to develop trust in the people around them. I'm not there, obviously, and can't see exactly what is going on, but it sounds like this food testing is done fairly often, and if so it could very well be causing an anxious and defensive situation for her. As a puppy she knows "I need food to survive" instinctively. She doesn't have the trust and understanding yet that comes with time in building a relationship between human and dog. It does not by any means necessarily mean she considers herself "the boss."

I understand this is a different viewpoint and perspective on the situation than what some others have presented. I'd like to point out that I'm not out to call anyone wrong or bad, but sometimes there are more complex factors going on that may not be taken into consideration, and it's always good to get those different perspectives and then make a decision on what feels right to you. Dogs are more complex than we give them credit for sometimes, and are certainly capable of becoming stressed and acting out. Sometimes it's good to take a step back and determine what we are doing and if there are different approaches we can make.

I've read countless books, watched anything I could find on dogs and dog behavior, because I think there is always more to learn. Even after having dogs for 25 some years I feel like I'm always learning something new, always considering a new perspective on something I hadn't considered before. Even when one author's view may clash with another's, I always feel like I take something of value from their insights and experiences.

Clover looks adorable and I hope you get through this little hitch with her quickly.

Edited to add: My own suggestion would be to start working with the "leave it" command. It's very easy and is a nice way to build trust between you and the pup as well as teach a valuable command. Make a game out if it. Make it fun. It will build your relationship and I bet will take care of any food protective reactions. Here's a link that explains more specifically how to teach it. http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/vie...it-command.htm Once she knows that, you can practice with her at dinnertime with setting her bowl down and having her leave it for a moment or two and then praising happily and saying ok so she can eat.