What am I not doing?

[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.

[Sowa]

Well she still growls, even if you just pat her (not even going near her food). So I tried to feeding it by hand. She didn't mind that. I'm a little confused as to what's right. I see so many people saying different things. Honestly I just want whats best for Clover and what will make her a happy pup. I'll do or try anything to accomplish that.

[sasvermont]

Puppies change every day. I think whatever you elect to do, if it is change from what has been done in the past, it will take time for Clover to catch on to the new routine.

Some people feed their dogs in their crates! My dog free feeds. I fill her bowl up every three days! That's how long it takes her to eat her food. She is not a big eater. She would probably gobble it if there was another dog around. She does not have a weight issue.

Hand feeding sound like fun for Clover but not for you. Why not just let her eat..... and leave her alone? I think most people end up feeding their dogs once a day, once they are older, so you would need to deal with the situation once a day. To tell you the truth, I've never taken Prue's food from her. I never thought to do that. I am sure she could care less what I do with her food since it isn't the highlight of her life....eating, that is. Now treats could be another story. Actually, she only growls when something is outside and she doesn't know what or who it is..... and then she barks.

Maybe someone else has a better idea about your concern over Clover's food growling..... I would just leave her be....to eat in peace if that's what she wants. Maybe she'll outgrow it.

Prue was terrified of going up and down steps, for months. I would have to carry her. Then, one step at a time, she decided it was ok. Now she is up and down with ease. She had to grow up a little, built some confidence I suppose. My princess!

[K9soul]

What I personally would do:

If she knows sit, I'd have her sit or lay down and reward her with her dinner. I'd just put it down and walk away and let her eat at that point.

If I wanted to reinforce for awhile that good things come from my hand, I might sometimes feed her a few kernels first and then set the bowl down, or feed her part of her dinner and then add a bit more as she eats or when she finishes. This would not be a permanent thing I'd do forever. It would just be something for awhile to teach her that I am the food bearer and bringer of good things.

I'd teach her "leave it," and once she has a grasp on it practice "leave it" before dinner and then rewarding with dinner.

I also highly recommend clicker training, it's a wonderful and positive way of making training fun, and a way of "marking" the behaviors you want her to know are good.

http://www.clickertraining.com/ Is a good place to learn more.

I bet it'll turn out just fine. Don't get too distressed.