My dog growls and bites when I try to take things away. What to do?

Question

Pilot will get ahold of a sock and make us chase him in order to get it once we get him cornered and try an get it out of his mouth he growls and trys to bite us which he has bit us three times already what do we do about that? Because he’s not a vicious dog as soon as we get it out he’s jumping and licking acting all wild and weird again. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 1 year and 1 month old | 104 lbs

Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA · Accepted Answer

It's very common for dogs to growl and even bite in response to having something taken away. Instead of chasing Pilot and forcibly trying to take the sock out of his mouth, I would recommend calling him to you for a special treat - something like a piece of cheese or chicken, that he doesn't usually get. Most dogs will happily drop whatever they are holding and come to you for the treat. While you're giving the treat, someone else can go and pick up the sock. Alternatively, if you're by yourself, you can get his attention and then toss the treat away from where he's standing so that he has to go and get it - then pick up the sock while he's busy doing this.

My dog growls and bites when I try to take things away. What to do?

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