pup growls if eating

[kimbo1001]

I have a aprox 17wk border collie / labrador puppy, shes started to growl if you go near her while eating e.g stroke her, i really dont want this, i want to be able to feel safe if my young children went near her whilst eating. She nips when playing with the children in the garden, as all pippys do but i want to start stopping it as shes getting bigger and can reach the childrens face when she jumps up and im worried she might hurt them. any suggestions, thanks x

[andy-hughes]

Rather than trying to train your pup out of genetically inbred behaviour - warning other memebrs of the pack off her food while she is eating - why not educate your children to leave her completely alone to eat in peace?

The nipping should settle down as she matures - if it doesn't, you must discipline her out of it, which will involve pushing her down and shouting 'No!' loudly, so she learns that nipping is not acceptable.

You can train your dog up to a point, but she is entitled to her own place in the family, and some of her own quirks and personality traits must be incorporated and respected if you are all going to live togehter happily.

[taliesin238]

Ive grown up with dogs since i was born and the number one rule that i was told was 'never go near a dog whilst he is eating'!!! It is there way of protecting their food!!

you should start being firm with the dog when he jumps up and starts nipping!! You are the master, the alpha of the pack and you must let the dog know that or else the house rules will never be obeyed!! Once the dog understand who you are he will be honourable for life!!

[meltoadhall]

before you give her the food have something to eat first and let any other human eat something first too- even if its a biscuit. when everyone has finished give her the food.
she has to learn that she is bottom of the heap, make sure you go outside before she does and comes in before she does especially on walks.
a good rule is nothing in this life is free, making her sit for a stroke or a treat or anything.
works for me hope it will for you

[lankeela]

Agree 100% not to let anyone interfere with her while eating, but having said that I would not allow a dog to growl while eating as there may come a time when you have to take something away from her.

Begin by sitting holding her bowl and only letting her eat out of it while you are still holding it, then progress to sitting on the floor with her, but if she shows any resentment then take the food away for a while and try again later. Obviously do not withold food for any length of time, as she is just a baby and needs regular meals. Also do this with bones or treats, and only let her have them when she is either standing or sitting waiting nicely. You can actually hold some chews while she chews the other end. Practice doing this then telling her to leave and take them away, so you maintain control of when she gets them.
She will soon realise you are the one who decides when she eats.

[juliacornwal]

I'm wholly in agreement with lankeela, I don't allow my grandchildren to interfere when my 11 month old border collie is eating, but she's had to learn that if I want to take the bowl away for any reason, she must allow me to. I also make a point of letting her know, very soundly, when her 'play biting' of my fingers has gone beyond play!

Having had her for 2 months now (she's a rescue dog), it's been quite an up-hill struggle, teaching her to be an acceptable member of the family, but for everyone out there with border collies I do have to say the speed at which they learn is phenominal!

[Bellringer]

I have always taken food from my dogs when they were eating, at least in the early days of puppy hood. I give it back to them almost straight away. When they are older they are not worried about someone near them while they are eating. You must do this from the very first time they are weaned.