Pippin the Dog just tried to bite me.

[Writer]

He had stolen my cat's food and I was trying to pull the paper plate from him. He growled and snarled, as customary. I am a bit fearless when it comes to these sorts of things, because Pippin is a smaller dog.

He jumped up and bit the sleeve to my nightgown, tearing it.

He has had training and understands several commands - until it comes to something he really, really wants. Then I have to deal with mini-Kujo.

I ordered him to his kennel - he went right inside. He's now "in the corner" calming down.

We've already contacted a behaviorist on him... I don't know what to do with this little mutt. :(

~Writer~

[Flaxbee]

1. we had a Pippin, and she'd nip at your heels going down the

stairs -- well, she did it to my grandma, because she was scared of grandma's crutches. Not a good situation. And our Pippin was a German shepherd/Husky mix. Big.

Anyway - hope the behaviorist can help you. Have you had him since he was a pup? Or might he have some previous behavior issues if he was treated poorly / if you adopted him from a shelter.

[applegrove]

2. I have a cat that occasionally needs a time out. The older he gets the

calmer he is. He hasn't had a time out in a month. And I keep hoping it is because he has been so well socialized by me. And that it stays this way. Only 9 years old and he is finally learning.

[LynneSin]

3. Perhaps Pippin the Dog is a Barack Obama supporter

:hide:

Actually, I'm voting in this order Biden, Edwards, Gravel - if my choice is Clinton or Obama I'm just leaving the field blank (but I will support the eventual nominee 110%)

[hunter]

4. Growling and snarling should not be customary.

Put on some body armor (or whatever else you need) and practice taking food away from the dog.

Whoever controls the food in the pack is the alpha dog. The pack leader should be able to take food away from any other member of the pack, at any time, and for any reason. As pack leader if another dog has a big chunk of meat in their mouth, you should still be able to take that without even getting a lip raised at you.

I've had dogs who have disagreed with me at first, even some nasty tempered scary dogs, but eventually they come around.

You shouldn't be mean, just firm and very insistent.