Lhaso's bad behavior around food/kids

Question:
 Our 1 yr. old male Lhaso has well-behaved around our family--myself, husband, and two kids--6 & 9 yr olds. Recently, some chicken fell on the floor and he went to eat it. I went to pull him away from the food and he nearly bit off my forearm. I had a hold of his collar, so he wasn't able to make contact with my skin. He is always good when I've come near his dog food. He did this aggressive behavior once before when he had a pig ear. I realize he's very possessive of these special treats/ foods, but how can I stop him from attacking if I need to get him away from something such as these things? He also has had some recent run-ins with neighbor children who are over playing. He has bitten a couple of them--no skin was broken. These bites occured when the children came close to him--he seemed like he was being protective, but he doesn't do this to my kids. He is fixed. So, what suggestions do you have? Thanks--krissy
Answer:
 perhaps he's showing that he's the alpha male...try exercising your right to take away his food, and when he reprimands you, reprimand him.
Answer:
 First, this Aplha male stuff is crap - canine domimance is very misunderstood among dog owners and many trainers. A dog who is secure in his position within the house will not be an issue. The dog who is confused and feels insecure or even threatened will be - does not matter if the dog is a dominant or submissive type in personality. (dispelling general myths of the dominant dog) http://www.yourlifemagazine.com/pet0105.html That said - dogs are possessive by nature - they have to be. Food may not come again if they are not. You eat when it comes to you unless humans have put you in total control of the food - and that is a bad thing as it takes control in one area from the human. Generally when something drops pn teh floor and the dog goes for it, what is our first response? yell and lunge for the dropped food before the dog gets it. What does this tell the dog? I am going to take this from you and I am challenging you because I am not in control and did not teach you properly who manages the food. Also the dog was never taught a Leave It behavior that can be given that the dog knows he is NOT to tough the thing - whatever thing. I highly suggest you get a copy of Mine: A Guide to Resource Guarding in Dogs by Jean Donaldson and read it thoroughly. www.dogwise.com carries it. I have worked with resource guarding dogs and depending on the severity of the issue and how confusing or unconfusing the human is to the dog will determine how well teh dog comes around. If you do not want to spend the money for the book, then check out these sites: http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_ResourceGuarding.html http://www.apdt.com/documents/newsletter-sample-on-resource-guarding.pdf#search='dogs%20resource%20guarding' (written by Jean Donaldson) Now for the kids. Kids are very threatening to dogs or very exciting when they get running and playing. Many bites happen when play gets out of control or the dog get too rough of feels intimidated, whatever. First AVOID THE SITUATION. If your dog is not comfortable with kids playing around him then do nto let the neighborhood kids in a position where the dog could nail them and vice versa. Then you need to begin teaching the kids and the dog how to behave around each other. Not all dogs like kids and cannot be made to but they can learn to tolerate behaved kids around them. http://www.safekidssafedogs.com has many resources and information on why dogs bite kids. But also biting issues are best dealt with by a good trainer who uses nonthreatening techniques and ideally will come to your home to observe and evaluate the dog. I cannot do a proper evaluation of behavioral issues unless I see the dog in the situation where he is likely to act out. http://www.APDT.com can help you locate member trainers - this is an international association of dog trainer and behaviorists. Trust me, one of these times the child's parent may decide to sue you or lodge a complain of a dangerous dog with your community - getting a trainer will be the best money spent to prevent issues (again, a good trainer and not just anyone). These articles ahould help spread more light on this issue as well (dog bites) http://www.dogscouts.com/biteprevention.shtml (these are on childproofing your dog and kids) http://www.canismajor.com/dog/kidsdog1.html http://www.canismajor.com/dog/kidsdog2.html (Why dogs bite) http://www.safekidssafedogs.com/Why_Dogs_Bite/why_dogs_bite.html