Bandit likes to tense up if I pet her while she is chewing a bone. She likes to be right next to me though. With a bone she'll cuddle right up next to me while chewing. I have done replacement techniques and they work great. I can take the bone without any problems. She doesn't do anything. Now if I get my face close to hers she shows teeth, not too much growling but I would assume that's normal. She doesn't fight it if I take it away. So is this alright or maybe still a little to possessive?

Do you think it's possessive? If so, what do you think is wrong with that, why is that a problem?

Well I don't want something to happen when she older or if someone other than me tries to take something from her and she snaps or tries to bite. She doesn't Gove me any issues but I'm worries if she shows some possisiveness that she may bite someone other than me

Ok , well honesty she sounds very well socialized to you and it doesn't sound like she has too much of a problem with you in her space . She just sounds annoyed when you stick your face in hers, and probably because, well, that's annoying if she's trying to enjoy her bone.

How likely is it that someone other than you is going to be doing this when she has a bone? A dog should be entitled to privacy and space at times, especially with bones. She needs to be able to just be a dog sometimes.

That said, you can work on the teeth baring but you might run the risk of stressing her out further and causing a reaction rather than just a warning.

What is her goal in doing this? Space. She's trying to tell you something and if she allows you to grab the bone and take it and allows you to pet her then I think you are st a great point of trust with her.

Pushing it might counteract that if you don't do it very precisely. I think it's okay to give dogs space when they are telling you they want it.

I'm with you, Jeff.

I frequently have to pick burdocks, pine needles and other crap out of Ami's fur. He get's fed up with all the picking. Especially when he just wants to chill or get a belly rub. He gives a low "rrr" but you can tell he doesn't want to be growling, he looks anxious and "please, mom, don't be mad at me but I've had enough..." So when he tells me "enough", I respect that. I have absolutely no worries that he will hurt anyone...unless I allow someone to seriously abuse him (and that though makes me sick to my stomach...)

I just had a friend take the bone. Not a single reaction other than the look"but... But that's mine" puppy dog eyes and all. I guess I'm just a worried ward lol

Remember this too: it will become a big deal if you make it one. They mirror us, so always be calm and casual around her bones. No big deal.

She'll follow suit and respect you for it.