my terrier behaviour problems

Question
i have a one year old norfolk x westie and seems to of devopled a few behaviour problems. he was neutered about 4 months ago and i knew for the next few weeks he might be a bit moody and snappy but its just got worse and worse. he sits by doors and if you try pick him up or make him stay in the room he snaps at you and now more worryinly he has some sort of  possiveness over things that he really should'nt have and i try and get off him. the other day he nearly bit me and started growling when i went near him but also wagging his tail when i maneged to get him away from his bed we found a small chocolate that he was guarding with all his life. But when he's not doing this he's a lovely dog happy to have and plays with anyone, now this behavoiur is getting worse and theres children in the house i need to find a solution or theres threats of getting rid of him.  

Answer
Hi

Being neutered is not really the issue, though the stress of going to the vets may have triggered some anxiety.

This is very simple to fix.  But it takes effort on all the members of your house hold.  First never punnish your dog for growling or snapping, this is merely they way they communticate.  Punishing the behaviour only supresses it, this can cause it to 'build' up and cause the dog to 'lose' it one day and really do some damage.

You are going to put him on the "Nothing In Life Is Free" program. This is a non confrontational way of reisablsihing you and your family as the 'leaders' in the home. So what you need to do is put your dog's bowl and all his toys away. For the next few weeks, every mouthful of food he gets he has to do something for, ei, sit, down, shake a paw etc.  He must sit before you open the door and take him out for a walk.  (all this is teaching him that *you* are incontrol of the reasources)

With his toys give him one of his least favorite toys, play with him then practice taking it away, this works best if it isn't a stuffed toy.  When you take it away, some times put a a bit of peanut butter or spreadable cheese on it and give it back.  This will teach him that you can take things away from him, and sometimes they come back BETTER.  This way is a child tries to take something away he will still let them.  If you train this by force the dog might learn 'might is right' and still snap and bite at ppl he sees as weaker than himself.

After he will listen politely and let you take his toys away you can go back to putting his food in the dish, and letting him have toys.

~Kerri