Attacked by my own dog

[PuliRules]

I dont know if this is consider an "attack"

While my dog was eating, I happen to walk by him and he just sorta attack me.
Then I realize everytime he is eating he is in this attack mode. Whoever walk by or touch him will get attacked.

Once I was giving him a treat and I dropped it by accident. When I was going to pick it up, he attacked my hand and took the treat.

I talked to someone and they told me it is normal for dog to be in high alert while he is eating. Is this something I need to be worry about?

 

[PuliRules]

Btw, my dog never attack anyone except when he was eating.

 

[oriondw]

This is not normal behavior, but it is a very very common problem. Dog is overly possessive over food, and might be very possessive of other objects as well.

You should try to fix it though. Imagine a child walking by your dog?

Few things you might want to do:

1. If you can, hold the bowl and give him food by hand. And ask your family to do the same. This will basically show him that you control his food and that the bowl is YOURs and not his. Will take a while to desensitize him.

2. Every time you walk by and he for some reason ignores you, praise him! Reward correct behavior.

3. Generally try to build up his trust, i.e. Take away a toy, then give it right back, so he does not possess about objects in general, not just food.

4. Do everything gradually. Do not force the dog into the situation where he wants to attack you.

I'm sure people here will give more suggestions, as this is very very common problem.

I once had to deal with a bull mastiff who would try to kill you if you even looked funny at his bowl

 

[krisykris]

It is a somewhat natural behavior, but YES you should be very worried about it. Dogs that show aggression towards their food typically learn to be aggressive in other areas as well.

 

[Melissa_W]

This is called resource guarding. I've never dealt with it myself, but it's a common problem. Have you thought about getting a trainer to help you?

 

[elegy]

yes, it is something you need to worry about. i'd really look for in-person help if at all possible.

 

[Red_ACD_for_me]

A little more info please? How old is your dog? Is it a rescue or have you had it since it was a puppy? What breed is it? Male or female? This behavior is unacceptable and you shouldn't take it lightly. You should consult a behaviorist before he really hurts you or someone else.

 

[bubbatd]

It would be normal if the dog wasn't taught from the beginning . This is started with early socialization ..........hand feeding and removing from time to time . When older , placing food bowl down ... let them take a few bites ... remove and give back , with praise.

 

[PuliRules]

The dog is about 5 months old, i got him when he was 3 months old.
He is a puli

He is very very friendly with people, he'll bark at everyone (not aggressive), then start play with them. Only being aggressive when eating.

Also, he won't have any problem if you take away the empty bowl, his toy or anything, only being aggressive when you take away the food he is currently eating.

It used to be worse. He used to show aggressiveness whenever someone sits right next to him or pet him while he is eating. He doesn't show that anymore, but if you take his bowl while he is eating. He'll do make that noise (ya know, the aggressive noise) but he won't do anything until you take his bowl.

 

[oriondw]

The dog is about 5 months old, i got him when he was 3 months old.
He is a puli

He is very very friendly with people, he'll bark at everyone (not aggressive), then start play with them. Only being aggressive when eating.

Also, he won't have any problem if you take away the empty bowl, his toy or anything, only being aggressive when you take away the food he is currently eating.

It used to be worse. He used to show aggressiveness whenever someone sits right next to him or pet him while he is eating. He doesn't show that anymore, but if you take his bowl while he is eating. He'll do make that noise (ya know, the aggressive noise) but he won't do anything until you take his bowl.

Ah still a puppy. Very very easy to fix while they are puppies. Make sure it doesn't escalate though.

 

[gaddylovesdogs]

The fact that he's already goes to the attack is what worries me. I would hand - feed him for now and find a professional trainer. This is serious and could become very dangerous.

 

[bubbatd]

Work on it .... wear gloves if you have to ......but seek help now !

 

[casablanca1]

I dont know if this is consider an "attack" While my dog was eating, I happen to walk by him and he just sorta attack me.
Then I realize everytime he is eating he is in this attack mode. Whoever walk by or touch him will get attacked. Once I was giving him a treat and I dropped it by accident. When I was going to pick it up, he attacked my hand and took the treat. I talked to someone and they told me it is normal for dog to be in high alert while he is eating. Is this something I need to be worry about?

It's normal that they'd be alert when they suspect that someone may take something they enjoy very much (my dog can't be bothered to guard kibble, but she's very snotty about cat food cans) but it's not normal for them to attack, by which I assume you mean the dog rushed at you to drive you away and used his body and/or teeth to force you away from the food. You either have a real snotty dog (not a slam, just a personality thing) or your dog's been pushing it for a while and it was subtle enough that you didn't notice, ie, you've gradually stopped going in the same room as the dog when he's eating, subconsciously trying to avoid the confrontation.

 

[bubbatd]

I've never had this problem , but have been thinking about it . Input to others : would having the food split into 2 dishes and put one down .. let the dog have a few bites then put down other and pick up the first one etc . be of any help ?

 

[dr2little]

Hey Pulirules. Yes, resource guarding is a very normal canine behavior but of course unacceptable in a human home. Like everyone else suggested, you should try to contact a professional, one who is current and has experience with resource guarding.
For now I would take all high value triggers (anything that may cause him to guard) away. Even his food bowl should be put away for a few weeks if possible, while you re-establish the rules around these items.
He should also be working for every thing that he considers of value such as treats, toys, access to outdoors, furniture (if allowed)...everything comes at a price particularly for a dog who guards. You should be as upbeat, calm and happy as possible during this training process....that's the way it should be anyway..
FIRST
I'm going to assume that you feed him on a schedule. Take his measured portion at each meal and feed it to him by hand for performing behavior (sit, down, watch me..etc) you can give him different amounts by hand for each behavior. This should only take about 5 - 10 minutes for each meal and is great for bonding and improving obedience as well.
NEXT
After a few weeks you can re-introduce his food bowl. Ask him for a behavior, drop a few kibble in the food bowl (while it's still in your hand-not on the floor) and offer them for compliance. Do this with variable amounts as above for a fews day to maybe a week.
FINALLY
Place his food bowl on the floor and ask for a behavior, drop a few kibble in when he does what he's asked. Then pick his bowl up, drop a few kibble in and set it back down when he complies with another command. Ulternate picking the bowl up to add kibble with adding the kibble while the bowl is down on the ground. Make sure that you put your hand right into the bowl when adding the kibble each and every time.

These exercises should be a part of his life. Not to the extent as shown above but should be done a little with everything that he considers of value. Resource guarding can also transfer to different items such as toys, people, spaces so be watchful.
Make sure that you trade him for everything, even things that he steals from you so that he doesn't feel the need to guard.
A great book to pick up is MINE by Jean Donaldson. You can have it shipped from www.dogwise.com and it's quite a small inexpensive, but invaluable book.
Hope this makes sense...let me know if I can clarify..

 

[PuliRules]

dr2little -

Thanks for the great post. Dog might think I am giving him more food by picking up his bowl.

I'll try to contact a professional as well. Thanks for the replies everyone

 

[Spirit2010]

eek, no never normal for a dog to attack you while he is eating, cause well, when I give my dog his food that he is supposed to eat, he never growls or anything, but when he gets into the trash, if I even touch his collar he throws his head back in a scarry growl, and tries to bite me. He has succeeded. But, I still love him. good luck!

 

[Herschel]

Nothing in Life is Free. NILIF.

http://www.greyhoundlist.org/nothing_is_free.htm

Dr2's advice is great, follow it closely!

 

[bubbatd]

:hail: Dr 2 !! This is basically what I thought .... but back-a$$-forward !

 

[Missasmee]

Well, I had to feed a neighbor's pet pit bull/mix monstrosity and he tried to do this with me only in a more extreme way. This dog was hyper aggressive though seriously. He was one of those "saved from the shelter" dogs who was fine as a pup but had mental issues. Anyway, as soon as i put the food in the bowl the dog made a warning growl and lunged at my hand. In a loud voice I said "NO, NO" then grabbed him by the back of the neck and held him down until he quit growling. No hitting him or hurting him just establishing that "Im your care giver so respect me a little". Couple days of this he gave up with attacking me and would sit there and growl. I'm not saying it's how everyone should do it but that is what worked for me.

BTW, this dog ended up being euthanized for biting an 11 yr old girls face open. Also, he sneaked his way into my yard once and attacked my akita to the point he was bleeding. I ended up running in between them and punching the dog in the head resulting in him biting my hand then running out of my yard. I realize now how stupid this was but I didn't want my dog getting injured to a point of no return. I told my mom to complain to him about it since I was 13 at the time but I don't think she really pressed the matter much.