That's so cool Renee. Yeah...I bet Lyric could be a good candidate for that kind of training. He's already suspicious of strangers, but on the other hand, in his socializing "education," I'd encourage him to take treats from strangers so that he'd further understand the difference between friendly strangers and not such savory characters. Well, not that he thinks people who don't give him treats are unsavory, but basically it was to make him believe that people we meet along the way are usually quite fine.
Ohmai: I think Renee has the perfect idea for you, there in her last post. When you put food or special treats (chicken) in his bowl and he's still snapping at you, then by giving him those things, he's being rewarded for that awful behavior. So, perhaps that little trick ought to wait until he's had a good deal of NILIF under his belt.
Here's another idea: You can also put 3 or 4 bowls on the floor spread out all over the kitchen, (use different types of bowls or a paper plate for one, a stainless bowl for the other, one of your dinner plates, a tupperware container and so on) make him sit/wait and while you're standing upright, (he has to know this skill) spill a handful of food into one. Then release him, "OK." When he finishes that handful, make him sit/wait again and spill in another handful into another bowl. Then he must wait for your release word. I'm thinking that this might make him less territorial about his bowl. It's not one bowl. It's not his. These different kinds of bowls or plates are YOURS and you're letting him use them. (not sure, but it wouldn't hurt) I'd vary it every time you feed him. You'll have to search your cupboards. LOL.
I wouldn't do this every time he eats, but maybe 3 or 4 times a week. You don't want to frusterate him or harass him too much when food is such an important thing to dogs. But he does need to see that YOU are the one providing it and he needs to earn it and respect you. Turn up the speed on your obedience training and NILIF program.
Ohmai: I think Renee has the perfect idea for you, there in her last post. When you put food or special treats (chicken) in his bowl and he's still snapping at you, then by giving him those things, he's being rewarded for that awful behavior. So, perhaps that little trick ought to wait until he's had a good deal of NILIF under his belt.
Here's another idea: You can also put 3 or 4 bowls on the floor spread out all over the kitchen, (use different types of bowls or a paper plate for one, a stainless bowl for the other, one of your dinner plates, a tupperware container and so on) make him sit/wait and while you're standing upright, (he has to know this skill) spill a handful of food into one. Then release him, "OK." When he finishes that handful, make him sit/wait again and spill in another handful into another bowl. Then he must wait for your release word. I'm thinking that this might make him less territorial about his bowl. It's not one bowl. It's not his. These different kinds of bowls or plates are YOURS and you're letting him use them. (not sure, but it wouldn't hurt) I'd vary it every time you feed him. You'll have to search your cupboards. LOL.
I wouldn't do this every time he eats, but maybe 3 or 4 times a week. You don't want to frusterate him or harass him too much when food is such an important thing to dogs. But he does need to see that YOU are the one providing it and he needs to earn it and respect you. Turn up the speed on your obedience training and NILIF program.