Food Manners
Question: "Why does my dog guard her food bowl? She gets plenty of food!"
Answer: This is not about the food
It is considered very impolite for one dog to invade the personal space around a dog's mouth when that dog is in possession of an item. Naturally, dogs apply these same rules to children or adult humans, which is why it is a very good idea to establish polite food habits. For dogs who do not growl and warn you away, simply trading one item for another is a good way to begin.
For dogs that growl or freeze when you approach, it is imperative that you contact a good trainer or canine behaviorist to help modify this behavior. Do not be tempted to scold or force the issue-while this approach may work with a fellow human, dogs are not humans and require an approach specific to their species.