What am I not doing?

[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.

[Sowa]

I'll just keep doing things my way and keep it to myself or ask Clovers obedience trainer when she starts. I tend to take things from forums personally lol.

Just so you know though, I do not do this every meal. I don't even do it that often. As for the hand feeding I only fed her a few mouth fulls and let her be.

I just know these things can escalate. And I'm not going to have her bite my young niece or nephew some day they are over and pat her without thinking and have her bite them. I'm not saying she would do that, she's a sweet dog. I just would rather her know she doesn't need to growl.

I guess I felt even when I tried to take someones suggestion, I still get shot down saying "You're doing it wrong!" Which makes me feel bad, because I'm trying to do everything I can for her.

[K9soul]

I wasn't trying to imply you were doing things wrong. Just throwing out there what I personally would try to do. I'm sorry if you are offended. Sometimes it takes some trial and error, because every dog is different.

[Sowa]

I wasn't referring to you or any one person. Sorry if it seemed that way.

[K9soul]

I can empathize in how it would be uncomfortable to have people scrutinizing what you are or aren't doing, what you should or shouldn't do. That's a reason I like to read articles and books a lot. They aren't personally looking at me and saying "Ah! that's not the way!" . I have no doubts that you're a very caring dog mom.