Ridgetop
Herd Master
Just as @Baymule said, immediately take away the free feeder. LGDs are large and can be scary when they go after predators or in this case the other animals on your property. BUT you need to conquer your fear here and assume the leadership of your pack. The dog can tell if you are afraid of him or not willing to assume leadership. That is one reason he is aggressive over food. He does not believe that you will protect his right to eat and thus has to take control of the situation. This is what makes a guardian dog, his willingness to control the situation when predators threaten. It is also what makes it imperative that you be the control figure in your pack.
Are the dog confined to a smaller yard or do they have the ability to range over the property? If the steer and sheep are in a separate pen, how is he able to protect them from predators? Also, if he goes after the steer he will also go after the sheep in his need to protect the food.
Remove the free feeder and all toys that he needs to protect. Feed the dogs once a day only. Feed him with the other dog on leads 10 feet apart. If you have no one to handle the second dog, tie her up by her food dish when feeding so you can work with the male. Offer the food for 10-15 minutes as Baymule said, then remove the food and dishes. If they don't finish their food do not leave the dishes down for them. Take it away and they will finish up the next day.
Baymule is right - this dog is on constant defense mode over his food. You must remove the food so he can relax his apprehension that his food will be stolen. This will take time, but in the end the dog will feel much better knowing that you are in charge, and that he doesn't have to be constantly on guard.
We are here to help you. Please understand that LGDs are not like other breeds. Their genetic instincts tell them to protect and if they do not think you are capable of protecting then they will take over for you. This can be dangerous in the long run since the dog then will assume leadership and dominance of the farm and you.
Post other questions once you have taken away the free feeder and we will all help you with this training. Waiting to hear from you again.
Are the dog confined to a smaller yard or do they have the ability to range over the property? If the steer and sheep are in a separate pen, how is he able to protect them from predators? Also, if he goes after the steer he will also go after the sheep in his need to protect the food.
Remove the free feeder and all toys that he needs to protect. Feed the dogs once a day only. Feed him with the other dog on leads 10 feet apart. If you have no one to handle the second dog, tie her up by her food dish when feeding so you can work with the male. Offer the food for 10-15 minutes as Baymule said, then remove the food and dishes. If they don't finish their food do not leave the dishes down for them. Take it away and they will finish up the next day.
Baymule is right - this dog is on constant defense mode over his food. You must remove the food so he can relax his apprehension that his food will be stolen. This will take time, but in the end the dog will feel much better knowing that you are in charge, and that he doesn't have to be constantly on guard.
We are here to help you. Please understand that LGDs are not like other breeds. Their genetic instincts tell them to protect and if they do not think you are capable of protecting then they will take over for you. This can be dangerous in the long run since the dog then will assume leadership and dominance of the farm and you.
Post other questions once you have taken away the free feeder and we will all help you with this training. Waiting to hear from you again.
