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I'm learning, I swear! 
As a reminder, I have two dogs. Ziggy the beagle is almost two and we've had her since she was between 11-16 weeks. Tag is a 5 month old coonhound mix and we've had him about a month and a half.
When we got Tag from the humane society, it was noted in his behavior report that he doesn't willingly surrender resources, but he also wasn't aggressive about defending them. This has held true for food, toys, and his leash that he likes to chew on. I've had no problem getting something away from him I didn't want him to have or petting him while he eats. I can even take his food bowl away before he's done eating without issues.
He is, however, protective of his rawhide chews*. A few weeks ago I gave him one to chew while I cut his nails. Back feet were no problem. When I got to his front feet, he growled. I flipped him into a submissive position to remind him this is not acceptable behavior and tossed his butt outside (so witholding attention). I even made it a point over the past week or so to remind him that I am the despenser of the All Desirable Chow by hand feeding him part of his meal and making him work for it (sit, lay down, make eye contact, etc) before he is allowed to eat any of his food--even what he eats from my hand. Today I had the dogs inside with me while I was pureeing up some sweet potatoes. To keep them quiet and occupied, I gave them each a rawhide chew. I don't think Ziggy is totally thrilled with these particular chews. Tag gobbled his up right away and then tried to steal Ziggy's. When Ziggy made a move to get it back, Tag snapped at her. Well, not a full "snap" but it's the best way I can describe it. Tag was promptly tossed outside and removed from the situation--albiety with Ziggy's chew still in his mouth because I'm not reaching in to get it (I would with Ziggy though. I know she won't do anything).
Now, growling, snapping and resource guarding are Really. Big. Problems. I want to nip this quickly before it escalates. So, my question is: can I handle this on my own, and if so, how? I make darn sure Tag knows he's at the bottom of the totem pole and we reinforce Ziggy as the beta (second to our alpha) wherever we can (better sleeping arrangements, she walks in front, gets fed first, special treats first, etc). Am I on the right track? I really don't want to have to stop giving them chews because Ziggy enjoys them, but I will if I have to.
*Yes, I've read how bad rawhide can be. But they only get it under my supervison and so far no problems.
As a reminder, I have two dogs. Ziggy the beagle is almost two and we've had her since she was between 11-16 weeks. Tag is a 5 month old coonhound mix and we've had him about a month and a half.When we got Tag from the humane society, it was noted in his behavior report that he doesn't willingly surrender resources, but he also wasn't aggressive about defending them. This has held true for food, toys, and his leash that he likes to chew on. I've had no problem getting something away from him I didn't want him to have or petting him while he eats. I can even take his food bowl away before he's done eating without issues.
He is, however, protective of his rawhide chews*. A few weeks ago I gave him one to chew while I cut his nails. Back feet were no problem. When I got to his front feet, he growled. I flipped him into a submissive position to remind him this is not acceptable behavior and tossed his butt outside (so witholding attention). I even made it a point over the past week or so to remind him that I am the despenser of the All Desirable Chow by hand feeding him part of his meal and making him work for it (sit, lay down, make eye contact, etc) before he is allowed to eat any of his food--even what he eats from my hand. Today I had the dogs inside with me while I was pureeing up some sweet potatoes. To keep them quiet and occupied, I gave them each a rawhide chew. I don't think Ziggy is totally thrilled with these particular chews. Tag gobbled his up right away and then tried to steal Ziggy's. When Ziggy made a move to get it back, Tag snapped at her. Well, not a full "snap" but it's the best way I can describe it. Tag was promptly tossed outside and removed from the situation--albiety with Ziggy's chew still in his mouth because I'm not reaching in to get it (I would with Ziggy though. I know she won't do anything).
Now, growling, snapping and resource guarding are Really. Big. Problems. I want to nip this quickly before it escalates. So, my question is: can I handle this on my own, and if so, how? I make darn sure Tag knows he's at the bottom of the totem pole and we reinforce Ziggy as the beta (second to our alpha) wherever we can (better sleeping arrangements, she walks in front, gets fed first, special treats first, etc). Am I on the right track? I really don't want to have to stop giving them chews because Ziggy enjoys them, but I will if I have to.
*Yes, I've read how bad rawhide can be. But they only get it under my supervison and so far no problems.
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