Chasing tail while growling, food aggression, and biting.

[FULLER]

Hi, I am Jan, and my partner Gary and I picked up our dog from a rescue centre on Friday 9th Jan, 2009, where he had been for about 7 months, and we were told that he had been badly negleted by his previous owners. He is a crossbreed staffordshire bull terrior male about 5 years old, and in our household there are also three children aged 16, 18 and 21 years old. We were aware that he chased his tail frequently, he also makes a growling noise while trying to catch his tail, he does this as soon as he is let off the lead when outside, and also in the house whenever he catches sight of his tail. We were told he is food proud as well which means he growls if you go near him when he eating out of his bowl. He is however, a very affectionate dog and responded well to us, retrieving a ball and playing nicely, but since he has been home with us he has biten Gary twice when he was stoking him, and he consistantly play bites too hard! Can anybody please help with this aggresive behaviour we are aware of showing him we are the dominant ones in the pack, but I am really worried it will worsen or he will bite again. Thanks Jan.

[MaxHollyNoah]

Hi Jan and Gary,

You guys are such a nice couple for adopting the dog knowing he had been neglected and has some issues associated with that.

First of all, tail chasing will be corrected. I think he did it to entertain himself when he was left out for a long time. Whenever he does that, distract him by calling his name or throwing balls etc. and eventually he will learn there are a bunch of fun things rather than chasing his tail.

For food aggression, I would like to correct it as soon as possible but I don't want you or anybody to get hurt. He has been with you only for 3 days so he might be insecure and uncertain about you guys, just like you can not trust him yet. He is afraid of you as much as you are afraid of him. He will need to build his trust towards you and your family and one thing that will help is that YOU are providing his meals.

Have you tried to give him treats from your hand? Did he take nicely? If he does, can you hand feed him half of his meal each time? If you feel uncomfortable please don't try this.

Or put a half of his dog food in his bowl and make him sit and wait before you offer the meal. As he finishes he will look at you so make him sit and wait while you put a few more kibbles. You can repeat this until you will have given the last half of his meal.

By doing this, he will learn that you will only add more food to his meal not take away from him. Take advantage of his meal time and use it as training. Dogs learn routines rather quickly.

Good luck and let us know how it will progress.