Possession Aggression

Don't go near the dog when he's eating!! Do you remember hearing that? Your mother/aunt/father had a good point. A lot of dogs have a problem with "Possession Aggression". In other words, "what's mine is mine, and you aren't allowed to even look at it." Sharing is a foreign concept to most dogs, especially dogs who are the sole family pet. A dog with possession aggression will guard his resources, whether his resources are his food, toys, or the most valuable of all, You.

The easiest way to deal with this is to start from puppyhood. Get your dog used to having you come and take his things away. Give them back, but take them for a while. Let him see that even someone else has something he wants, if he waits patiently he'll most likely get it back.

Teaching a "give" command will also help. When your dog has a toy in his mouth, gently take it from him, saying "give" at the same time. When you have it, reward him and praise lavishly. By rewarding him as well, he'll learn that to give something to you, means to get something even better at times.

Introduction to Canine Mental Health
Do Dogs Get Depression?
When Anxiety Attacks[]

Seperation Anxiety

Social Anxiety

Noise Anxiety

Biting the Hands That Feed You

Dog Aggression

Chained Reaction

Possession Aggression

Obsessive Compulsive Behaviors
Physical Issues