I had been forcing him to go into his crate because people on another forum told me this was an important first step. I don't really like caging dogs. My Boxer has only been in a cage once in her life, at the vet's for spaying. Artax's crate was in storage in the garage for two years, and that's where it is again now. He seemed to become more relaxed as soon as it was out of the house.

I have given his last three meals just as you instructed, carrie (he eats twice a day). Thank you very much for the advice. I have never insisted on touching Artax when he eats. I've been leaving him alone ever since he first growled at me over steak. Should I do this permanently, and just accept the fact that I cannot touch him while he's eating? That wouldn't be a problem for me, but it seems like if he's allowed to keep me away from him at this time, he will try to do it at other times, like now with sleeping, which is not acceptable to me.

He is still growling every time I touch him while he's sleeping. It almost seems like he doesn't want to, but can't help it. Sometimes his body will shake and he'll get up and walk away, as if he's moving so that my hand won't be on him anymore, and he won't have to bite it. Then he will come back a few minutes later all submissive, licking me and wagging his tail, as if apologizing.

Do you have any tips on dealing with the sleep growling problem?