Possessiveness and lead pulling

[smithy]

The other day, we got Smithy a new toy and he loved it. When I went near him today, he growled at me (not necessarily too badly). To test it was the toy, I slowly went towards it and he growled again.

When we did some of our training just now, I brought out the toy at the end and gave him some treats as I took it away, then put it back and did the same thing. His behaviour was very weird, and he's definitely possessive of the toy.

Is this something we need to watch for, and what should I do to prevent it escalating?

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He also pulls on his lead, really badly, and we've ordered a harness to help. At the moment, I stop dead when he pulls too hard and he mostly then comes back to me a bit and I start walking. Is there something more we should be doing?

[gvgeam]

Hi,

Possessiveness over toys and food is not unusual but I do think it's important that you can take anything from your dog. One day he could pick up something dangerous and you need to be able to quickly and easily retrieve it.

Growling is him warning you to back off. It sounds as though your approach is right by offering something higher value (usually food😂) in exchange. Just keep repeating the exercise little and often and patiently.

Harnesses are a great tool but they in themselves will not stop a dog pulling. It needs to be combined with training (food bribery again!) to encourage your dog to walk with you. Please remember to use a double ended lead attached to the collar and the harness just in case he manages to slip out of the harness.

[greybeard]

Retired greys can be possessive - they've never had anything of their own before.Our 3rd grey is a nightmare - she usually decides something dangerous is the best thing ever - and woe betide your fingers cos she will not let go.So if you can distract with a high value treat great - works with our 4th.Madam I despair of -really think she has a death wish!
We have found harnesses are the best for us - but it still needs the re-enforcement .Good luck - Cath.