Dog running away with bone

Freamon · 09-27-2010

My female black lab is almost 8 months of age. When she was about 2months my brother (not knowing anything about dogs) used to put his hand out toward her and act like he was going to take her bone from her, and naturally she would run away. Now it seems to have brought on this behavior... anything she isnt supposed to have, if i try and come to take it, she will run away from me. Even things like a bone I gave her once I go near her she will run. I've been trying to get closer and closer slowly and petting her while he eats it so she knows that im not going to take it but im not 100% sure thats the right thing to do, and I would like to correct this problem before she starts showing aggression and i have to deal with a biting dog. The good thing is that she does not bite at all, she is only a little bit nervous when ppl are near and she has something. She has growled a little with a couple ppl, but never with me.

Any ideas?

cigwyllt · 09-28-2010

I think you have to get a balance between the dog respecting people and not being food aggressive and people respecting the dog and not teasing it. Sounds like your poor dog has had bit of a set back thanks to your brother. But it could just be her character.

My oldest dog I got as a rescue when she was about two. As soon as she is given a bone she is out of the door like a shot and straight into her corner in the garden. One of the dogs takes hers straight into the basket and the third just follows me around and eats it wherever I am. They are all normal behaviours.

The idea of running off with things she shouldn't have is a real puppy thing and of course the teasing hasn't helped but you can train her not to.

With my youngest I was told to teach him to "swap". In a fairly confined space or maybe on a long line, give her something that she would want to play with but not normally have. Then when she is engaged in playing with it call her in a happy voice and say "Swap" and offer her something really tasty, a really special treat. She gets the treat and you get the sock or whatever she was playing with. It's a simple game to play with a young dog but it can reap huge benefits if she runs off with your phone or your wallet!

Freamon · 09-28-2010

I will try the swap thing. Shes very good with her food, there is no type of aggresion at all with that, I've been feeding her from my hand since she got home and i make sure to take the food away every now and then just to let her know whos food it really is. I will give that a try and post on how its working out. Thanks.

Ghst · 10-03-2010

If she is leash trained then, I would give her a bone or something that she really likes, with her staked out on a leash. Then I would sit and talk calmly to her, giving her reassurance. Quite possible, she needs to be assured that you don't want her bone. Even giving her a treat when she allows you to pet her while she has the bone. Also have other people come around during some of these sessions, would help her realize that no one wants to take her bone or toy away. Do this before it gets to the point of her biting anyone. Try trading her a treat for her bone.

Freamon · 10-03-2010

Yes thats what I have been doing, once I have a treat she dosnt care about the bone at all.. I will start to get someone to walk in also and build on it. Thanks for your replies

cathrine · 10-09-2010

Hi!

Some months ago I have got the same problem with my dog. My friend recommended a very good toy which can teach the dogs how to bring back things. It's Aqua Food Dummy. The only disadvantage that can be used only in good weather. I taught my dog in this summer. It is very effective, now he bring to me the things.

Yogi · 10-09-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by cathrine

Hi!

Some months ago I have got the same problem with my dog. My friend recommended a very good toy which can teach the dogs how to bring back things. It's Aqua Food Dummy. The only disadvantage that can be used only in good weather. I taught my dog in this summer. It is very effective, now he bring to me the things.

Aqua Food Dummy is designed for any weather. If you are going to be on this site, you will need to stop the promoting which is all you seem to do here.

cathrine · 10-12-2010

Sorry, I didn't want to promote anything, I just wanted to help with my experiences...