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[onearmyrobinson]

My almost 2 year old pitbull male,ace for some reason is becoming defensive over his food.I have to other dogs and my wife's cat,when they walk near the area of his food he harrasses them,he will go after buddy(pit/lab mix) 9 out of 10 times there will be a fight,in the past 2 weeks he has started developing a temper i dont abuse him and have brought him up with care i do not understand fully as to the reason of his attitude change.
I am looking for advice from experienced trainers to better my relationship with my dog and better myself as a trainer.

[onearmyrobinson]

i would like to thank everyone for the help and the welcome to a new place

[Michele]

Welcome to the forum. Here is some info on NILIF. Also, do a google search for 'food aggression'.

NILIF:
NILIF - Nothing In Life Is Free

Undesirable behavior can be caused by many things, including undetected illness. No behavior modification program should begin without first taking the dog to a veterinarian for a complete physical examination. While you're there, give your vet a printed copy of this page and ask if it would be an appropriate technique for you to try. The NILIF program is an accepted standard in dog training/behavior but it is not, and is not intended to be, a substitute for an in-person, professional evaluation of your dog's behavior. This technique is intended for dogs in good health and of sound mind and stable temperament.

The NILIF program is remarkable because it's effective for such a wide variety of problems. A shy, timid dog becomes more relaxed knowing that he has nothing to worry about, his owner is in charge of all things. A dog that's pushing too hard to become "top dog" learns that the position is not available and that his life is far more enjoyable without the title.

It is equally successful with dogs that fall anywhere between those two extremes. The program is not difficult to put into effect and it's not time consuming if the dog already knows a few basic obedience commands. I've never seen this technique fail to bring about a positive change in behavior, however, the change can be more profound in some dogs than others. Most owners use this program in conjunction with other behavior modification techniques such as coping with fear or treatment for aggression. It is a perfectly suitable technique for the dog with no major behavior problems that just needs some fine tuning.

ATTENTION ON DEMAND
The program begins by eliminating attention on demand. When your dog comes to you and nudges your hand, saying "pet me! pet me!" ignore him. Don't tell him "no", don't push him away. Simply pretend you don't notice him. This has worked for him before, so don't be surprised if he tries harder to get your attention. When he figures out that this no longer works, he'll stop. In a pack situation, the top ranking dogs can demand attention from the lower ranking ones, not the other way around. When you give your dog attention on demand you're telling him that he has more status in the pack than you do. Timid dogs become stressed by having this power and may become clingy. They're never sure when you'll be in charge so they can't relax. What if something scary happens, like a stranger coming in the house? Who will handle that? The timid dog that is demanding of attention can be on edge a lot of the time because he has more responsibility than he can handle.

Some dogs see their ability to demand attention as confirmation that they are the "alpha", then become difficult to handle when told to "sit" or "down" or some other demand is placed on them. It is not their leadership status that stresses them out, it's the lack of consistency. They may or may not actually be alpha material, but having no one in the pack that is clearly the leader is a bigger problem than having the dog assume that role full time. Dogs are happiest when the pack order is stable. Tension is created by a constant fluctuation of pack leadership.

EXTINCTION BURSTS
Your dog already knows that he can demand your attention and he knows what works to get that to happen. As of today, it no longer works, but he doesn't know that yet. We all try harder at something we know works when it stops working. If I gave you a twenty dollar bill every time you clapped your hands together, you'd clap a lot. But, if I suddenly stopped handing you money, even though you were still clapping, you'd clap more and clap louder. You might even get closer to me to make sure I was noticing that you were clapping. You might even shout at me "Hey! I'm clapping like crazy over here, where's the money?". If I didn't respond at all, in any way, you'd stop. It wasn't working anymore. That last try -- that loud, frequent clapping is an extinction burst. If, however, during that extinction burst, I gave you another twenty dollar bill you'd be right back in it. It would take a lot longer to get you to stop clapping because you just learned that if you try hard enough, it will work.

When your dog learns that the behaviors that used to get him your attention don't work any more he's going to try harder and he's going to have an extinction burst. If you give him attention during that time you will have to work that much harder to get him turned around again. Telling him "no" or pushing him away is not the kind of attention he's after, but it's still attention. Completely ignoring him will work faster and better.

YOU HAVE THE POWER
As the human and as his owner you have control of all things that are wonderful in his life. This is the backbone of the NILIF program. You control all of the resources. Playing, attention, food, walks, going in and out of the door, going for a ride in the car, going to the dog park. Anything and everything that your dog wants comes from you. If he's been getting most of these things for free there is no real reason for him to respect your leadership or your ownership of these things. Again, a timid dog is going to be stressed by this situation, a pushy dog is going to be difficult to handle. Both of them would prefer to have you in charge.

To implement the NILIF program you simply have to have your dog earn his use of your resources. He's hungry? No problem, he simply has to sit before his bowl is put down. He wants to play fetch? Great! He has to "down" before you throw the ball. Want to go for a walk or a ride? He has to sit to get his lead snapped on and has to sit while the front door is opened. He has to sit and wait while the car door is opened and listen for the word (I use "OK") that means "get into the car". When you return he has to wait for the word that means "get out of the car" even if the door is wide open. Don't be too hard on him. He's already learned that he can make all of these decisions on his own. He has a strong history of being in control of when he gets these resources. Enforce the new rules, but keep in mind that he's only doing what he's been taught to do and he's going to need some time to get the hang of it all.

You're going to have to pay attention to things that you probably haven't noticed before. If you feed your dog from your plate do you just toss him a green bean? No more. He has to earn it. You don't have to use standard obedience commands, any kind of action will do. If your dog knows "shake" or "spin around" or "speak" use those commands. Does your dog sleep on your bed? Teach him that he has to wait for you to say "OK" to get on the bed and he has to get down when you say "off". Teach him to go to his bed, or other designated spot, on command. When he goes to his spot and lays down tell him "stay" and then release him with a treat reward. Having a particular spot where he stays is very helpful for when you have guests or otherwise need him out of the way for a while. It also teaches him that free run of the house is a resource that you control. There are probably many things that your dog sees as valuable resources that I haven't mentioned here.

The NILIF program should not be a long, drawn out process. All you need to do is enforce a simple command before allowing him access to what he wants. Dinner, for example, should be a two or three second encounter that consists of nothing more than saying "sit", then "good dog!", then putting the bowl down and walking away.

ATTENTION AND PLAY
Now that your dog is no longer calling the shots you will have to make an extra effort to provide him with attention and play time. Call him to you, have him "sit" and then lavish him with as much attention as you want. Have him go get his favorite toy and play as long as you both have the energy. The difference is that now you will be the one initiating the attention and beginning the play time. He's going to depend on you now, a lot more than before, to see that he gets what he needs. What he needs most is quality time with you. This would be a good time to enroll in a group obedience class. If his basic obedience is top notch, see about joining an agility class or fly ball team.

NILIF DOES *NOT* MEAN THAT YOU HAVE TO RESTRICT THE AMOUNT OF ATTENTION YOU GIVE TO YOUR DOG. The NILIF concept speaks to who initiates the attention (you!), not the amount of attention. Go ahead and call your dog to you 100 times a day for hugs and kisses!! You can demand his attention, he can no longer demand yours!

Within a day or two your dog will see you in a whole new light and will be eager to learn more. Use this time to teach new things, such as 'roll over' or learn the specific names of different toys.

If you have a shy dog, you'll see a more relaxed dog. There is no longer any reason to worry about much of anything. He now has complete faith in you as his protector and guide. If you have a pushy dog he'll be glad that the fight for leadership is over and his new role is that of devoted and adored pet.

http://k9deb.com/nilif.htm

[sw_df27]

ah you figured it out that's great glad you made it here and welcome. NILIF is a very good tech. but most of the time when it comes to food aggression you really just take the safe route and feed all animals seperate that way there is no way an accident can happen. Is the dog aggressive toward people when they go around the food too?

[smith family kennels]

As a two year old or almost 2 year old Your dog is starting to mature. This breed was made for one thing and while that thing may be illegal doesnt mean that the traits are not still there. You may be developing a issue with Dog Agression which is competely normal and a part of the breed. While training can help with this on a few dogs. It doesn't always work and you must NEVER TRUST a dog in this breed NOT TO FIGHT because they will if given the opertunity to do so. They must be supervised together and with other dogs and animals at all times. If you can not supervise them they need to be put up so that they can't act on any thoughts that may cross their minds. If both dogs in the house are males you may be looking at a crate and rotate future. Not all pitbulls get along with other dogs and that is nto a bad thing because they were bred that way but it is more likely that a male and a female would get along more than to of the same sex. A crate and rotate may not be a bad thing for your house hold since it would give each dog not only his own space, but also his own time with you and a better since of a controled enviroment. Also feeding dogs seperate when you have the signs of dog agreesion showing up in a dog that is coming up on maturity is the best route in my opinion. Now the the above techiqunie I feel works good for human and dog relationships but I dont feel works good when their are multiple dogs involved especailly when dealing with this breed.

Thanks for joining and I hope this info helps you out. Take alook around the forum you may find alot of uesful post on many different things you may have questions about as well.

[infinity]

Welcome to the forum!

And your dog is hitting maturity, That's why there is a change in attitude. It's not necessarily a bad thing but it is something that needs to be addressed.

[Dansgrizz]

Feed your dogs seperately, keep them seperated at all times.

[APBTMOMMY]

welcome to the community. You came to the right place for answers. You will find a lot of help and advice.

As others have stated I would simply keep them separated at all times. Pit bulls are known for dog aggression, which is something that you will see for sure when it comes to food, treats and sometimes even the amount of attention that you give them.

Also, when you get time it may be a good idea to check out this area of the forum, http://mypitbullpro.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=13

I am sure you will find tons of information in this section that will help you a lot.

Good luck! Need anymore help or advice please don't hesitate to ask.

[...Sydney...]

Welcome! I would definitely feed him by himself. I feed mine in their crates, and there are no treats in our house and toys are almost non existent and are typically reserved for one on one play time.

Sounds like you have more then one male...are they neutered? Do you have any female dogs? Sometimes things like this can add fuel to the fire, but these dogs don't have to get along with other dogs it's not in their nature.

[NATE]

welcome and um keep him away from your other dog and the cat or your wife going to beat you for him kill one of the other pets

[green machine]

welcome to the site. I cant say anything that hasnt already been said. Feed them seperately, good idea to just keep them apart. Dogs dont need other dogs around to be happy. They just need interaction with humans.

[Dansgrizz]

Dogs dont need other dogs around to be happy. They just need interaction with humans.

i assume you mean pit bulls....

[green machine]

you assume correct dan.

[onearmyrobinson]

i have set his food up when he is just haning out he comes up to me and lets me know when he is hungry he seems to be taking to the food move well.The other animals can walk though the area unscaved,he watches them but does not harrass.i have also taken into consideration that he is in the early stages of the new food situation,thanks to everyone who has given advice.

[APBTMOMMY]

Happy to hear that he is taking to the new food move well, however I would still advise you not to let any other animals around him at the time of feeding. Things can go sour fast!

By chance do you have a break stick? If you continue to let other animals around him (especially with food) there is a high probability that you are going to need one.