How To Train A Dog

How can I stop my dog from growling when he eats/sleeps?

We adopted our dog when he was almost 4 months old. We’ve had him for about a month and a half or so, and we’ve come so far! We’ve done TONS and TONS of research and practice methods used by Cesar Millan and other training guides, books and videos. At 5 months, Ranger (his name), can sit, shake, high five, spin (both ways), touch objects on command, turn the lights off, and perform other tricks with much obedience.

He is very polite. He never takes food from our plates, and won’t even approach his OWN food until we tell him it’s okay. I can lay treats by his feet and he will wait for my OK to eat. We’ve shown dominance in our home, and on walks since the day we got him.

Our problem:
Even though he waits to be fed, once he IS fed, eats eats FAST and eats nervously. If I begin to touch him, he will growl. We’ve tried different methods to make this stop. We’ve tried taking the food away until he shows submission, but it’s almost as if he snaps out of it when the food is gone. So I’ve tried to continually pet him and rub him while he’s eating. He gets very nervous (puts his tail under his legs) and never stops growling until his food is gone. I hand feed him half his meal, but as soon as he eats out of the bowl, he growls. He NEVER bites, but just growls.

The ONLY other time he growls is when he’s sleeping, and it’s time to wake up. HE HATES IT! If we need to move him, or pick him up, he whines and whines. He makes hi pitch growls and whines a little as if to say, “I don’t wanna!” We never give into his behavior and always move him to where we want him.

All in all, he is a very good, smart and polite dog. He doesn’t show any aggression when playing with other dogs (we go to the dog park at least 3 times a week), and never shows aggression towards people (besides the above info).

Any ideas on how I can stop this nervousness when eating?

Ranger is a hound mix. Not sure what else is in him. Here is a video of him: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmJEi6OwwnM

Through all my research, I can’t find a definitive answer to this problem. Most people suffer from dogs who are VERY possessive of their food. Rangers case seems more mild, yet still disturbing. I know if I let this go, it might someday turn into a bite! Again, Ranger never shows teeth, or bites. He just growls WHILE eating (he doesn’t stop eating to show me he is serious). Any answers are helpful.
I just want to add that anyone who feels like a dog who growls and is dominate when eating is an okay behavior should re-think that. Dogs don’t need to be “left alone” while eating. They need to learn to be submissive even WHEN eating. If I had company over, and my dog found a piece of food when I was looking and a child walked over and he bit him because he was was nervous, or possessive then I have a problem on my hands. The point is to teach your dog to be comfortable, happy, submissive and balanced while eating. This is what I’ve tried to accomplish, and will continue to work on. Obviously my dog is nervous when eating. My goal is to make him happy and comfortable EVEN if I’m near, touching or have my hand in his food. I believe this is a VERY good goal for any dog owner. Ranger is the most spoiled, happy dog I’ve ever owned, but also the most submissive and well behaved. Less anger, nervousness, or possessiveness in our relationship is better for everyone (dog included).

is this acceptable to do to avoid eating disorder behaviors?

ok. so I want to lose 20 lbs in a healthy way
this is my workout plan:

Sunday-
AM: jog 2 blocks with my dog Meri
PM. 20 push ups, 50 crunches, 2 30 second planks, and 50 leg lifts

Monday-
AM: Jog with my dog Bella
PM: Strength training video with arm weights

Tuesday:
AM: yoga
PM: a 45 minute walk with both dogs

Wednesday:
AM: Jog with my dog Meri
AM: an ab toning video

Thursday:
AM: 20 push ups, 50 crunches, 2 30 second planks, and 50 leg lifts
PM: 45 minute walk with my dog Bella

Friday:
AM: Pilate’s
PM: 45 minute walk with Meri

general rules:
when on the computer, sit on the big exercise ball, as well as when doing home work
always sit up straight
(when I watch tv witch is rarely) leave remote on tv so I have to get up to change the channel
always keep my leg moving-might as well burn calories while I sit

and I will keep eating how I do…(which is my meal plan)

ok. so all in all. this plan…?

how fast will I lose 20 lbs doing this?
we dont have grocerys and cant go for 2 weeks. so I’m stuck living off of peanut butter, bread, frozed pizza, cereal and milk. so I cant eat super healthy just yet

Sunday-
AM: jog 2 blocks with my dog Meri
PM. 20 push ups, 50 crunches, 2 30 second planks, and 50 leg lifts

Monday-
AM: Jog with my dog Bella
PM: Strength training video with arm weights

Tuesday:
AM: yoga
PM: a 45 minute walk with both dogs

Wednesday:
AM: Jog with my dog Meri
AM: an ab toning video

Thursday:
AM: 20 push ups, 50 crunches, 2 30 second planks, and 50 leg lifts
PM: 45 minute walk with my dog Bella

Friday:
AM: Pilate’s
PM: 45 minute walk with Meri

general rules:
every day do 8 minute abs, arms, and legs
when on the computer, sit on the big exercise ball, as well as when doing home work
always sit up straight
(when I watch tv witch is rarely) leave remote on tv so I have to get up to change the channel
always keep my leg moving-might as well burn calories while I sit

^^^will doing that plus working out whenever I get a free moment help me?

so how long should this take? and will I be toned pretty well?
WHY do I always get the fricking spam answers?!

so how long will it take to see?

the results of my work out?
I am 5 feet 8 inches and I weigh 159 lbs

Sunday-
AM: jog 2 blocks with my dog Meri
PM. 20 push ups, 50 crunches, 2 30 second planks, and 50 leg lifts

Monday-
AM: Jog with my dog Bella
PM: Strength training video with arm weights

Tuesday:
AM: yoga
PM: a 45 minute walk with both dogs

Wednesday:
AM: Jog with my dog Meri
AM: an ab toning video

Thursday:
AM: 20 push ups, 50 crunches, 2 30 second planks, and 50 leg lifts
PM: 45 minute walk with my dog Bella

Friday:
AM: Pilate’s
PM: 45 minute walk with Meri

general rules:
every day do 8 minute abs, arms, and legs
when on the computer, sit on the big exercise ball, as well as when doing home work
always sit up straight

how long will it take to see results? I want to be 140 lbs
but mainly…how long will it take to see my abs and body tone?
I have been doing it for a week and a few days

how do i get my dog to stop barking at other dogs while we go to the park/beach/ect.?

well in two weeks were going to the beach and last year when i first took her (she was about 1-3 months old i forgot) she wast comfortable with the other dogs and i couldn’t go in the water as much as i do since she was barking and i had to control her (my dad was holding her on her leash) i bought a video this guy calls himself “The Dog Father” i got it for christmas because i asked my dad for it and when i watched the video some parts helped me like sitting laying down and not begging for food which was great! but the barking issue still isn’t cured im embarrassed all the time because my dog barks and sometimes she even gets in control when we go on walks and its like shes walking me to wherever she wants to go i want her to be a happy dog last week when i went to the beach ( i didn’t take her) i saw this black Labrador he looked like the happiest dog in the world him and his owners were playing fetch he was off leash and he looked so happy and wasn’t barking or chasing any other dogs my dogs problem is that she barks at dogs (and cats) and she always want to go greet the other dog but in a harsh way like chasing at them i want my dog to be like that any training method will work just please help me! Sorry this description is so long ):
oh and she is fixed
by the way she is 1 year and 3 months old and she is a German Shepherd Mix