Is growling around food a red flag of aggression issues?

[MoBornSouthernBelle]

Originally Posted by Va-Cat

Sounds like you have found a short term solution! I'm also happy to hear that the owner recognizes that there is an issue!

Yes, I am happy about this, too.
It is impressive the his owner will take him to obedience classes.
Wish you all luck, and happy training, it can be very fun.

[Glitch]

Originally Posted by nurider2002

Thanks for all the comments. The dog's owner has confided to me that the behavior was a problem before she came to my house-the dog has growled and snapped at her around food so, it is not due to being in a new house with other dogs around. She has agreed to take the dog to an obedience trainer so, we will see if the situation improves. I have verbally corrected the dog since the initial incident when it goes near my geriatric dog's food bowl and he runs away so, perhaps he is getting the message. I leash him in the kitchen while all the dogs eat, until all are finished--I want him to be included with the pack but unable to approach the other's during feeding times and he seems okay with it.

I think you are taking the right approach, and I am glad to hear your friend is going to see a trainer, it sounds like she needs it (and I do not mean the dog). Food aggression should never be tolerated, and you have to make certain the dog understands this concept.

The dog may not be yours, and I understand your concern about attempting to train someone else's dog, but you are the Alpha pack leader in your house and you need to make certain the dog, and your friend, understands.

I have an Alaskan Husky who had some food aggression issues. I have an open bowl policy and keep two bowls filled with food 24/7. Normally my dogs would munch on and off all day, chowing down when I eat. If my other dog walked within a few feet of either food bowl, my husky would growl at him. I put my foot down, literally. A hard stomp on the floor got their attention, and I admonished my husky. Then I brought over Buddy, my other dog, and supervised while he ate. It took about a week of supervision with an occassional admonishment whenever my Husky growled, but since then I have not had any problems.

My husky still growls occassionally when Buddy comes over to eat, but now all I have to do is call out her name in an angry voice and that shuts her up.