What am I not doing?

[Sowa]

As for the other comments...I guess everyone has their own way to deal with their dogs behavior. I have seen dogs get extremely food aggressive and was told this was a good way to show them they don't need to worry about it.

I never hit her, or hurt her. I simply say shhh! She'll stop and sit for a second and she can have it back. I don't do this everyday. Only every so often.

I sort of feel maybe I should back off with the questions. I'll just do as I feel is right for me. I've been doing a lot of research on training as well as take her to puppy classes. I just like to hear from other people their opinions.

I really won't accept growling though. It's not even about dominance or whatevr I just won't accept it. She won't get away with behavior I don't like. I don't see anything wrong with that.

[K9soul]

I don't think anyone here is advocating ignoring or accepting growling. As k9krazee says it's better to focus on the root of the problem, however, which is building a trusting relationship with the dog so that growling just doesn't even come up. Making a training game with meal time, teaching "leave it", etc, are ways of doing this. It's a different approach than "I'm going to put my hand in your food and if you react wrong I will take it away." which doesn't address the underlying issue of trust and deepening your relationship, which would eliminate any possible anxiety or defensiveness she may feel about her food.

But do realize many people have many different views on dog behavior, dog training, dog problems, and that yes, you will get many conflicting views because of this. When it turns into rolling eyes emotes and people getting more personal it probably really does make you feel uneasy. I would just suggest to continue reading up on various viewpoints, maybe trying some of the books out there on dog behavior because even if you don't agree with everything an author says, you can still learn and gain a lot from it. I'm sure your pup will do just fine.

[sasvermont]

Sowa, your sound like a loving pupster parent. You seem to be doing a good job of giving loving instructions and direction to your little one! Clover looks like a happy pup for sure. You want a well behaved, safe, happy dog like we all do. Some of us have different approaches to training a dog and allowing it to blossom, if you will.

No one could love their dogs more than we do and all want to do the right thing. The problem comes up when we don't agree - and guess what? Each dog is so different, that there are many ways to get YOUR dog to behave. You have to do what works for you.

I really enjoy seeing your photos of Clover. She is such a pretty girl. They grow up so quickly, so enjoy her puppyhood while you can.

My pup is now 18 months old and is settled down. She is the love of my life. She is a good girl and loves her Mom, for sure. She is my shadow except when at the dog park! She loves her buddies too!

Keep up the good work. It will pay off in the end. Lots of positive reinforcement for good behavior. I, too, agree with saying NO and Shhhh.

[MonicanHonda]

I would never punish a dog for growling. This will just lead them to stop growling all together, which is a warning signal you want to be there. I would stop trying to be the 'dominant' one and start trying to be a team. You need to teach her she can trust you. (EDIT: I see you aren't worried about being the 'dominant' one. That's good :-D) She's uncomfortable with how close you are to her food because she thinks you're going to take it away. So in essence, taking the food away will just reinforce her behavior because you ARE taking it away. Instead, I would take a handful of kibble out of her bowl before you give it to her, sit next to her as close as she is comfortable, and casually toss a kibble in her bowl here and there. She will learn that you are the provider of good things, and when you are around, you give her things. If you ever do need to take her bowl away, it's best to trade it with something amazing, like a little bit of shredded boiled chicken, or something way higher in value than plain ol' kibble.

There are quit a few good books on resource guarding/fear issues.

This one is EXCELLENT

http://www.amazon.com/Mine-Practical.../dp/0970562942

[Sowa]

I would never punish a dog for growling. This will just lead them to stop growling all together, which is a warning signal you want to be there. I would stop trying to be the 'dominant' one and start trying to be a team. You need to teach her she can trust you. (EDIT: I see you aren't worried about being the 'dominant' one. That's good :-D) She's uncomfortable with how close you are to her food because she thinks you're going to take it away. So in essence, taking the food away will just reinforce her behavior because you ARE taking it away. Instead, I would take a handful of kibble out of her bowl before you give it to her, sit next to her as close as she is comfortable, and casually toss a kibble in her bowl here and there. She will learn that you are the provider of good things, and when you are around, you give her things. If you ever do need to take her bowl away, it's best to trade it with something amazing, like a little bit of shredded boiled chicken, or something way higher in value than plain ol' kibble.

There are quit a few good books on resource guarding/fear issues.

This one is EXCELLENT

http://www.amazon.com/Mine-Practical.../dp/0970562942

Thanks for the alternative. Maybe I'll try that.

[chocolatepuppy]

I would never punish a dog for growling. This will just lead them to stop growling all together, which is a warning signal you want to be there.

Totally agree. Dogs can't talk, so they growl to let you know something isn't right. It's up to us to figure out why they're growling and remedy the situation or reassure them if they're afraid of something.

Keep asking questions Sowa even though some may cause a difference of opinion, we can all always learn more. Oh and by the way, here at Pet Talk, the more questions you ask, the more pictures you have to post!

[K9soul]

Keep asking questions Sowa even though some may cause a difference of opinion, we can all always learn more.

Yes, absolutely!

[lizbud]

Oh and by the way, here at Pet Talk, the more questions you ask, the more pictures you have to post!

oh, and I definately agree with this statement. LOL

[MonicanHonda]

There will always be a differing of opinions as there are SO many ways to train. That's why you must simply do research, learn what you feel is right and comfortable, and follow what you want and just tell the others you don't feel comfortable with that approach. But it's always good to hear from all the different sides, because then you can really believe in what you are doing, but still try to understand maybe why others feel the way they do.