No Dinner Games

Dear Dog Lady,

I am in shock as I write to you. I have a three year old West Highland Terrier who has always had a 'Terrier' temperment, but this evening he bit me badly on my face. I cannot believe it. I was feeding him and we always play a game of 'It's my dinner' and he loves it. But tonight he jumped up as I was about to stand and bit me cutting my lip. I have not spoken to him all evening, and my husband is ignoring him. I think he knows what he did as I screamed and his tail went between his legs. How do I get my trust in him back? How can I be sure he will not do this again?"

Sinead, Dublin, Ireland

Sinead, you can never be sure of anything -- in life, or with dogs. Your terrier is a rambunctious animal, not a robot. He might be ill and feeling peevish, in which case you should take him for a medical check up. Or your dinner game went too far and your dog reacted to you as if you were a lesser hound making a play for his grub.

I can understand your distress and your distrust. Monitor your dog's behavior. Also, stop the food game because it only stokes possessive and aggressive instincts. Exert your authority. Make your dog sit before you put down his bowl and then step away, allowing him to sup without distractions or excitement

Just imagine if you had to play "It's My Dinner" game with your husband each evening before you were allowed to eat freely. You'd nip at his face too. From now on, let the supper hour be a calm time to soothe the savage man, woman and beast.

Posted by Dog Lady at March 4, 2004 06:32 PM