My puppy growled at me when I tried to comfort her. What now?

Question

How should I react to my puppy growling at me? She was frustrated with a certain toy that didnt dispense the food she was expecting. She stood very still beside the toy after bouts of barking, almost as if she was resting between periods of barking. I approached to comfort her distress and she growled at my touch. I pulled back but approached again because I almost thought I misheard. After the 2nd growl I pulled away and let her be/ignored her until I caught a moment to remove the toy unnoticed. Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Female | spayed | 4 months and 23 days old | 3.4 lbs

Marlow Ball, DVM · Accepted Answer

Food aggression or toy aggression is a common behavioral concern that can often be worked through. I would recommend hand feeding Sadie for each meal and teach her to “wait for it” before allowing her to eat. Once she is sitting and listening then allow her to eat. Start with a small amount in your hand, then put some in her bowl from your hand, then desensitize her to your hand in her bowl. I would also train her to “wait for it” for any toys she may love. If she is food motivated then she will associate this training with lots of reward and will learn not to “guard” her food or toys. If she is fully vaccinated then she is at a great age to begin puppy kindergarten. These classes are a great way to bond with her, establish boundries, and strengthen your relationship.

My puppy growled at me when I tried to comfort her. What now?

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