Puppy bit my partner

[isittimetogotobed]

So we have a lovely little puppy, he is not our first dog but he is a different breed to what we have always had before. We have always had Labs abs this guy is a Cockapoo.

He is generally pretty good but more vocal than a lab, loves a bark in the garden. We have noticed that there was some 'resource guarding' not for all things but only for treats like pigs ears. He was basically growling when he thought you might take it away l. We discussed it as a family that he is to be left alone with his pigs ears and things have been fine. Kids left him alone when he had one and all had been fine for a few months.
Yesterday I gave him on and he jumped on the sofa with it. My partner told him no not on the sofa and told him to get down. As he moved his hand to say down, the dog snapped and caught his hand. It didn't break the skin but really hurt so my partner Yelp out in pain and doubled over. The dog was very shocked and I put him outside where he lay on the grass staring into the window but seemed to know from my partners reaction he had done something wrong.
We have a 9 year old so I need to ensure that he doesn't snap again. My partner has recognised that the dog thought he might have been reaching for the treat and a growl is one thing but a snap/ bite is something else.

The dog is 12 months and generally a sweet natured little guy. We have said that there will be no more pigs ears.
He is fine with his food bowl/toys and balls. He knows the 'leave' command and brings a ball to throw- has no problems giving up the ball.
We have not had resources guarding issues with any others of our dogs so I'm not sure what approach to take but i want to get it right.

Does anyone have any advise?

Have you the money to get a dog trainer in OP? Definitely no more pigs ears and no children around your dog while he’s eating at all until you can get this sorted.

Cockapoos are known for resource guarding. Just take a look at any rescues I follow one on Facebook (pupcakes) where they have 17 cockapoos at the moment all with resource guarding. Anyway, moving forward, no treats on the sofa only in his safe space where no one will interact with him around his treat. If he starts guarding then get something stinky and nice and swap it for the thing he's guarding.

You need to work with a trainer to work past resource guarding as it can move to anything ; the sofa, you, the room etc. He sounds cute though and he's only young so you can work through this

We had a similar issue with pigs ear.
We took them away and have never had the issue again. We have a no treats on the sofa rule. He mostly takes treats to his crate.
But generally no one interrupts the dog when he’s eating rule.
You need to ensure it doesn’t escalate

Thanks. Definitely no more pigs ears and I will speak to a behaviourist

If you happen to be on Facebook then perhaps have a look at the ‘Dog Training Advice and Support’. They provide excellent guides to read through and really helpful support when you ask a question.