Wow, resource guarding..really? Update

[Sharon & Monty]

Our very calm, well adjusted doggie.... Oh my, still cant believe it.  Today I bought him a shin bone, never done this before.  We can pretend to eat from his dish while he eats, he would give up anything when asked.  

Today however, shortly after giving him a shin bone, marrow included, At first Monty was confused almost, like wow, what to do with this. DH joined us on the deck.  DH started to fuss with Monty about his new bone, like, let me see that, what do you have there, etc.  Monty snarled and gritted his teeth.  I kept asking DH to just let him have it. As I said, Monty never guards anything, even his favorite stuff, but today was different. DH was petting his head asking Monty about his treat, Monty was showing his teeth!  DH not to be intimidated kept talking to him and suddenly Monty bit his hand!!

We are shocked and saddened.  We did a few oh my gawd boo boo's, and Monty would kiss the wounds and act contrite.  We had DH give the bone back to him, several times, DH called him inside to go get cheese, then later would allow Monty to have his bone back.  

Seriously, Monty turned into a dog I do not know or have ever known. Right now the bone is on the table and he can not have it.  He knows its here beside me, but has never been a dog to steal food, so I'm holding back.

I guess the best I'm thinking at this moment is that this treat is way too high value and he will not get it again.  :(

How can the laziest, most calm dog do this?  We are shocked and saddened.  I know we prob should not think this as personal,but geez..

A little bit of sadness in the house today.   Monty clearly knows that he is in the doghouse.  DH has been a bit aloof with him, Monty mopes and hangs around me all day.  The bone is in the refrig, I'd really like to give it to him but we need to be prepared to do some serious retraining,and I'm not sure I want to get it out.  Truly DH allowed things to escalate, but in his favor I have to say we never witnessed Monty being aggressive  he just always gives in, it was so unexpected.

As some of you have mentioned, yes, he is a dog.  We dont see him like that and that's on us. We made a mistake not taking his warnings as real.  The bite was not horrible, a band-aide is all that was needed.   

DH is always so easy to give him treats and we will try to get Monty focused on who is the giver and taker around here.  

Thanks for all your comments and suggestions, we are going to let things cool and get back to normal before we decide which direction to move.

 

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

You've gotten some great advise here. I would tend to agree with taking it away, removing it from the house and that be the end of that treat. But if you anticipate resource guarding to become a problem, then training as Ginny suggested is in order. Good luck with whatever you decide to do. Monty is still your wonderful dog.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Sharon, I doubt Monty knows that the sadness in your home is due to what happened yesterday. He just senses that you are both upset. It happened and Monty is still a wonderful dog. We all have to go back to basics with our dogs from time to time. There were many things that led up to this happening and not all Monty's fault, as you said. Ginny has given you a great plan of action. Just remember...Monty is still a great dog.