Question
we picked up a new treat for our dogs, beef tendons, well i tried to take it from her, and she snapped at me.
she is 2, and has never acted aggressive towards our family or anyone else, this is very upsetting.
why?
Answer
It's probably a resource guarding incident.
Was something different about the scenario? You said it was a new 'yummy'... maybe she was worried you might take it away for some reason. Maybe she was just enjoying it so much she didn't notice you approach.
I wouldn't worry too much unless it happened a second time.
I'd give yummies in her crate. Make sure everyone knows not to bother the dog when she's eating, sleeping or having a treat. Some trainers insist on putting hands in food bowls and taking things and in general bothering the dogs when they eat. The thought is that you as the alpha should be able to take anything from your dog at any time.
I agree, but I don't think you get to that point by pesting the dog. You get there by being firm, reliable and kind. I don't want to be bothered when I'm eating, sleeping or whatever and I don't bother my dogs when they are eating, sleeping or enjoying a treat.
My absolute favorite dog training books are written by an order of Monks who raise German Shepherds. http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/
Answer
putting hands in food bowls and taking things and in general bothering the dogs when they eat.
i've done that, never even cared before.
they are no longer getting those treats, too scary.
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Some treats are off limits here for just that reason, Imosh. We no longer give Greenies to the Chesapeakes. One they are too expensive and two, they make the dogs behave like crack hos.
You know, a 2 year old shepherd is still a young adult dog. Is she spayed?
Answer
yes, she's spade, our pitbull isn't, yet, she's 1 year.
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I wouldn't panic, but I would be proactive. You have two guarding breeds of the same sex in your home. If you haven't done some obedience work you might think about it. Check around for a group class, but not one that uses only positive reinforcement. After all, you don't see mother wolves handing out treats and using clickers.
We have 3 dogs; 2 Chesapeakes and a dalmatian mix. The Male Chessie is intact. My husband trains Molly and I train Hendrix. We go to class together and we love it. Molly has her canine good citizen certificate. You can sometimes even get a discount on you home owners insurance with the CGC certificate.
I have some great links and books I can recommend if you're interested.
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Cool, whatever info you have would be greatly appreciated.
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I'm real curious about what you did when she snapped?
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I have links on my PC and I'll post them tomorrow, but for the time being check out the Monks of New Skete books. I got my copies of their books used on Amazon. Their books are easy to follow, very down to earth and make a whole lot of sense, plus they raise, train and breed German Shepherds.
I know its unnerving when your dog behaves, well, like a dog, but its not the end of the world and you'll get through it. When my dogs act up the training collar comes out and we go through the obedience paces. Lots of sits, downs and stays and then lots of praise when they get it right.
Answer
i yelled at her that "that was bad, no" and something else.
i'm not sure what i was suppose to do, as i still don't.