Don't you just wish you could get inside those little heads to know what they're thinking??
Our last dog, a terrier mix, used to behave pretty much the same way when someone unknown to her came in the house. We knew that she was difficult, but didn't understand why. Now that we're learning so much about this 'pack leader' it all makes so much sense to me. Our instructors in class are excellent and learning about controlling the food...well, I've heard it before (on tv, etc.,) but never really did anything about it.
With our last dog and this dog...well, we just left the food out for them so that they could eat when they were hungry. We didn't realize that this was sending a message to them and that it was a message that would affect our dog/human relationship.
Honestly....we've been controlling the food since Monday night and let me tell you...the difference I see in Topher is
phenomenal.
Even though Topher is learning he's not boss, he still needs to learn to come on command, stay, etc. THAT is what is going to take the time and committment...and we all know that these little terriers don't make it easy!
Good luck to you...it's a good post and I think it's a problem that alot of us have experienced.