Showing his teeth

Question
Hi Dave

I have a 2 1/2 year old sheltie dog and if i take him out for a walk and he finds something to eat (in the bushes or grass - horrible people throwing away their litter)and if i try to take it away from him he will show his teeth at me !!  I have tried to play leave / take it games with him and he seems to get it !!!  Am I just worrying about nothing ??

Elaine

Answer
Elaine,

You are not in charge and this must change now. You have let your dog become head of the pack and that is a dangerous thing.  He will have no reservation about biting you if he thinks he is in charge.

I never ever allow one of my dogs to show teeth and growl at me without a response.

You need to growl back at him as you grab the scruff of his neck firmly (I usually insert "but gently" here but the first time I would be a little rough with him to scare him a bit) and shove him to the ground any time he shows his teeth at you.  I would not advise this of just any breed, but the Sheltie will usually respond to this correctly and submissively. Be warned that he might come at you nipping when you do this the first time and be ready to hold him and growl more with a big mean "NO".  

He must obey you.  I think a quick leash training course for basic obedience would be a good idea.  This teaches you how to be in charge as much as it teaches the dog what he should listen to.

'sneezes
Dave