I have confidence you'll be able to train your dog out of this behavior. There are a lot of non-confrontational ways to establish dominance, as you are now doing with food. You can also try "nothing in life is free". Make him sit/stay before you give him food, pet him, throw the ball for him, etc. Then he'll learn that obeying you makes great things happen.
You can also teach him the "drop it" command to return toys to you. You can start with some of his less treasured possessions so it becomes a reflex. I believe feeding your dog by hand also helps with food guarding if he's having trouble with that.
I am sure you have a great dog, and you don't need to be angry or fearful when he indulges in natural, albeit obnoxious, doggy behavior. Be calm and firm, and teach him right and wrong. |