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Comment by Beth on October 11, 2011 at 8:43am

Some dogs are funny about feet.  Who knows why, but it's not uncommon.  Some seem to think the feet are somehow separate from the body (for instance, a cat who normally plays gently with people might pounce hard on feet with teeth and claws out, not seeming to realize that they are attached).   Or it might be that dogs tend to sometimes get accidentally kicked while we are walking and so they are warier of feet than hands (which bring good things).   Still, the up-trade program should work.  Just start by walking to a point before which he normally starts growling and calling him to you, then gradually get closer.  You may also want to show him that feet are ok by incorporating ball-kicking into some of your games, so he sees your feet as more directly belonging to you, if you know what I mean.   Jack loves when I kick a ball instead of throw it.  We play "soccer" in the house with him as goalie.

Comment by Bev Levy on October 11, 2011 at 8:03am

Don't try to delve too far into what he is thinking. Just do what Beth suggested and take your time. Be patient and wait until he shows interest in the trade to make the exchange. If you call him over and say drop it be sure to give it right back sometimes so he doesn't think you are always going to take his stuff. My Sparty really hates having people touch him with their feet but he just growls and moves. Izzy will take a rub down with feet anytime so "go figure"!

Comment by Christine and Meeko on October 10, 2011 at 10:29pm

Yea but the weird thing is I can call him and he comes to me. I can tell him to drop it and he does, I can take it away no problem....its when i come with no intention of taking it that he gets that way.. I dont understand ? He gets angrier when its my feet comming rather than my hands??

Comment by Beth on October 10, 2011 at 8:47pm

For MOST dogs, resource guarding is easy to fix.   Just be very careful as he probably has most of his adult teeth at this age and could do some damage.

What you do is approach with something even better than what he's got, while he's chewing what he normally guards.  If he likes peanut butter that would be great because it takes a long time to eat.  Let him see clearly that you have it, say his name in an upbeat happy way, ask him to leave it while you offer him the peanut butter.  While he's eating, calmly pick up the chew toy that he had, and then hand it back to him.   He'll learn that you are not after his stuff and that if he drops it, he gets something even better AND gets the first thing back as well.  

 

Just be extra-careful if another dog is around, as this ups the ante for many dogs.  

 

Do be careful, make sure you are not in a position where he can get your face.  MOST dogs are ok with this method and quickly learn to not guard, but if he still growls or snaps even when being offered tasty treats in exchange for his chew, consult a positive trainer.   Don't believe anyone who says it's always a show of dominance, as even low-ranking dogs will try to protect what they already have in their possession.   Generally the behavior simply stems from a fear of losing what they have; imagine how you'd react if you thought someone was headed for your lunch and you were hungry!  :-)