Hello list members, I'm hoping you can give me some advice regarding Chelsea's first experience with a meaty bone. I was at the butcher's on the weekend, and picked up a big beef knuckle bone to give to our 7 month old berner Chelsea for some recreational chewing. It's better than rawhide, and good for her teeth and gums.
Well, she enjoyed it all right. Too much so. I gave it to her outside in the yard, and let her gnaw on it for a bit. She loved it. After about 6-7 minutes, I decided it was time to stop the chewing (didn't want her ingesting too much fat/rich meat so as to upset her tummy). I approched her to take away the bone, and she started growling at me when I got to be about 1 foot away from her! A very nasty sounding growl at that! (no teeth baring, just vocalizations) It got louder as i moved my hand toward the bone. Scary even. So i did the only thing i could think of to get the bone away from her ...i went into the house and cut a nice chunk of cheese. I held that in front of her nose, and she eventually went for it. When she did, i grabbed the bone. This is a very concerning situation for me, as she has NEVER growled at me (or anyone, or any dog) before. I wouldn't say she is overly possessive of her toys, but she doesn't give them up on command that easily either. We've taken her to a puppy manners class, followed by a formal obedience class (all using positive reinforcement techniques). We learned how to do the "give" command, and i've been practicing it with her, but she's not doing ALL that great at it. Still, she's never growled at me until this meaty bone incident. She is not protective of her food (kibble) either. I can stick my hands in her bowl, take it away whenever, and she never even flinches. Doesn't mind at all. Does anyone have any suggestions for me? Based on this past episode, i'd almost rather not give her the bone if it's going to elicit that sort of reaction. Obviously the ideal situation would be to work with her so she learns not to growl or be possive of the bone, so that we can continue giving them to her. Help, please!!!! (sorry this is so long winded!) Thanks so much! Alison & Chelsea (i want my meaty bone back NOW!!!)
