[capt_noonie]

This happened with Uni at first as well. I don't think you necessarily need to do the trade thing although that IS a good thing to teach anyway. This is what I did with Uni: When she growled I would say No, and point to her. A few seconds later I would lightly touch/pet her on her hindquarters. If she growled when i touched her say no again, and try again. Once she didn't growl with me touching her hindquarters then I would move up to her shoulder. Doing this over and over again until you can successfully pet her on her head without a growl. next step is to actually take it away from them, saying drop (we say lemme have it) Hold it for one second and if no growl give it back and praise. Keep doing it until you can hold it for as long as you want to.

I was able to stop her growling in one session. however it is b/c she trusts me the most. Next bf did it, and now he can take it away whenever. BIL always teased her, so she would growl a lot at him. I asked him to stop teasing her and he has done this as well, and now she doesn't growl at him anymore and he is also able to take it away from her.