Food Aggression

[Leanne]

Our 2 year old Bichon has just started attacking anyone's feet when they go near her food. If she has a bone the aggression lasts for 2 days after it's finished. You can't pick her up as she is so aggressive but after 2 days turns back into a loving cuddly dog. Do we need to stop giving her bones or is there some training?

[Sarah]

There are 3 things that I would suggest trying, but I'm not a professional either.

1. put her food in her bowl hold the bowl, and feed you from your hand. Then with your hand in the bowl, put the dogs food down, don't remove your hand.

2. Stand near her bowl, [with shoes on]. As long as she is nipping at your feet stand still. When she quits nipping move in over her bowl, he/she will back away from you. You may have to do this a few times, until she gets in her head, that you are the boss and she isn't.

Apparently your dog is Alpha, and is warning you he/she is not going to share her food with you. I would also suggest enrolling her in obedience classes.

Regarding the bones, you will have to do the same exercise you do for the food. When she gets this way, tell her to drop it [the bone]

Good luck

[Leanne]

Thanks Sarah...will give it a go.

[Sarah]

Let us know how it goes.