Dog has bitten two times now...what can we do?

[onestepat]

We rescued a dog from the kennels a year ago and he has bitten twice now and tried a few times.
All food related.
The first time I had put some chicken on a plate for him,I noticed some had fallen on the floor so I went to put it back on the plate and he bit me.
The second time yesterday my dad went to give him some chicken,he put it down(where he was lying ) his other hand was close and he bit the other hand.
The other time he tried to bite me was when I went too close to my dad and nudged his arm (I think the dog thought I was going to hit my dad)
What can we do ?

[PennyInMyPocket]

You won’t get appropriate advice from strangers on the internet OP. Your dogs behaviour is typical of a dog that has been abused all his life. Thank you for helping him. You need a behaviourist who can work with you and your dog to help him overcome his anxiety around food. There is no one size fits all. It’s a case of knowing your dog and exploring different strategies that work best for him. Someone can only do that when they know your dog.

Your vet should be able to recommend a good qualified behaviourist.

[Mrsjayy]

The op is looking for advice other dog owners have gone through similar not everybody is equipped to access a behaviourist immediately and looking for tips so I think people can ask strangers on the internet,

[Wolfiefan]

And the advice most have given is consult a behaviourist.

[Mrsjayy]

And that too.

[Wolfiefan]

Sorry Mrsjayy that was to a PP.

[Mrsjayy]

Oh yes sorry I was replying to you wolfiefan but too lazy to quote

[MasakaBuzz]

My rescue dog can be aggressive around food. 8 years on she is so much better. I have always had a rule, no mouthing not even in play.

She growled at me over a bone in the early days. Rightly or wrongly I scruffed her and gave her an almighty bollocking before giving the bone straight back. She has learnt that there is no point in getting her up about it. It invariably comes straight back. On rare occasions if it doesn’t, it’s swapped for something else (if she has found chocolate for example).

I have also taught her that treats and food only come the way of dogs with their bottom on the floor. Asking nicely for something scores most of the time. Pushing and jumping up gets nothing.

Lots of praise for good attitude, and no response for bad. If I ever have other dogs here, they are fed separately.

I also try very hard, not to set her up to fail. I do make her leave the bowl first. Now she is fine with me interfering with her bowl, because I only do so to add something to it. And very, very occasionally that something might just be ice cream.............!!!

[Wolfiefan]

Haha Mrs me too.

[Whoknowswhocares]

Even up with the appropriate level of knowledge, internet advice on aggression issues is a huge no no.
I AM a behaviourist but even I wouldn’t consider offering advice over the internet. It’s risky to oversimplify and there is no substitute for a full history, especially for aggression issues.

OP, I hope your dad is ok. Most behaviourists will offer over the phone advice to tide you over until they can see you. Ask your vet for a referral.

[rhowton]

Our rescue dog was like this. I just sat next to him every time he ate, because he always thought someone was going to steal it from him. I just sat next to him, facing away but talked to him.

[PennyInMyPocket]

The op is looking for advice other dog owners have gone through similar not everybody is equipped to access a behaviourist immediately and looking for tips so I think people can ask strangers on the internet

There you go. You know best 🙄

OP ignore all advice about not hand feeding. Bring in a recommended, qualified behaviourist. Joe Bloggs on the internet will not be able to give you sound advice. You need someone who you can speak to, and who can get to know your dog in order to effectively work with him.

Nobody else can advise - especially Mrs Jay who thinks what worked for her dog will work for yours. No two dogs have experienced exactly the same abuse.

Honestly, you need to bring in an expert to help your dog. Anyone can place food in a dogs bowl, close the door and let him eat. That is not the way forward for your dogs social learning.

I have rehomed many dogs - Most with resource guarding issues. I have learnt many strategies for dealing with their, unique, issues, from behaviourists. I will not advise you because what works for one will not work for another.

Your dog deserves the best result for him, and your family, without going around the mulberry bush and potentially making the problem worse. Good Luck!