I realize I'm a bit late to reply, but anyways...

Have you ever thought of putting her in her crate when you feed her? To avoid these sort of problems, I feed my dogs in their crates. I also give them their Kongs and bones in their crates.

Of course, a crate may not always be available so getting her used to people handling her while she's eating is still important.

Just a thought to avoid future problems, especially when around children/people who don't follow the "leave the dog alone when it's eating" rule.

This is from so long ago, but I thought I should update on Delilah and her Resource Guarding.

Delilah is a completely different dog. We have been practicing NILIF, but more importantly we have been working with Delilah to trust us. Chris willingly admits that he was an idiot and Delilah doesn't get Zukes anymore. Thankfully, she loves antlers and will gladly let me "borrow" hers

As you all know, we got Cato about 2 months ago. I was terrified of how she would react with him. Her guarding was under control with us, but I didn't know how she would feel with another dog. We started feeding them together. Chris holding Cato's Bowl, and I had Delilahs. She hated it and I could tell she felt demoted, but she dealt with it. Not even a growl. We took baby steps and how they eat in the same room at the same time with supervision and Cato is even allowed to lick hers clean.

She has come very far, thanks for those who helped and didn't judge.

I feel sorry for your husband, but there was a better way for him to handle it. And your dog could have reacted much worse, it could have been a full on attack. She didn't, and that was good. Balon gets a bit growly around bones too, but only towards the lab, and we are working on that. I have always taught him since he stepped paw into this house that I would take anything anyway anytime, me or any other human. That hasn't been an issue. He gets possessive around the lab sometimes, we have been working on letting him know there is no reason to guard anything, there is plenty to go around. I had a greyhound that about took my sons hand off over a rawhide bone, she NEVER got another one!

June,

We certainly know that now. Sadly it was trial and error, I wish it hadn't happened but we are both better pet parents because of it. We had to learn the hard way.

I just wanted everyone to know how far our girl had come

OMG I didn't realize how old your post was so sorry lol but I'm so glad to hear everyone is doing better, that's great! And I meant to say my husband would have reacted the same way, telling me to get rid of the dog and all, men are so funny!

No Problem! I wasn't worried. Let it help you too though - and maybe show this thread to your hubby!

So glad to hear the positive update! Yay! Congrats!

Hubbies sometimes need to CHILL out. We're better at going with the flow.... Hubby was so upset when we got Frosti and the dogs didn't get along. I think I'm getting mine a Thundershirt... (hubby, that is!)

Update:

Since having Cato, Delilah's guarding has gotten immensely better. I never have an issue with him, or her.We have had many people over with their dogs and she is very sweet and shares her toys and even antlers if the dog has been here a few times(otherwise, i leave them up). Cato is a dream and wouldn't care if you took anything from him, as long as he got pets!

Here is what worked for us:

1. A lot of hand feeding, about 6 weeks worth and then we slowly let her eat out of her bowl.
2. Feeding meals at specified times and only from us, so she knew we bring all that is good.
3. NILIF training.
4. We did have a behaviorist come, but in reality nothing that was said was different than here.
5. Trading with higher value objects helped immensely.

Now, when Delilah has something and I go to grab it, she knows she will get something great and relaxes.

Please note: This thread is from 2011

Yay!!! I'm worried about Nisha when me and my bf move in together. She's his 10 year old county shepherd that's never lived in the city, and she doesn't like Kale... we'll see how it goes...

Oh boy.. Good luck with that Brooke!!

And Congrats Megan!! My boyfriend is the saaame way. Stupid males! .