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I haven't asked any questions for awhile because my shiba Nix is so close to perfect.

At the dog park the other day, Nix got food guard-ie when my husband pulled some treats out of his pocket. He's never done that before.

My husband has been playing a food game where he throws a piece of food on the floor and then pretends to go for it. The reason he started the game is because Nix didn't have any interest in his food dispensing toy until my husband made it interactive. Now we're wondering if that caused him to be sassy at the dog park. We can give up the game, that's no big deal. Do you think it would help to stop playing the game?

Is there anything we can do to work with Nix on this new bad behavior?

I'd stop playing the game, and I'd make it a habit to take food and treats and toys away from him--just to get him used to it (and give him even better things back sometimes so he doesn't start guarding even more!). And I'd make him do things for treats (sit, stay, etc.).

It's not uncommon for dogs to get a bit possessive of things at dog parks. Think of it in human terms- you are at a party with a lot of unknown people. You hung up your coat in the community closet and you see someone come out with your coat on instead of their own. The heightened emotion of the party makes you a bit more irritated about the situation than if you were in a close group of friends who innocently grabbed it by mistake.

I tend not to recommend treats or toys at dog parks. Sometimes even water bowls can become an issue there.

All you have to do to remedy the situation though is put the treat away when it happens, turn you back on Nix, and walk away. It will diffuse his emotions and give hiim a clear message it's not acceptable.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles www.freewebs.com/performanceshibas

You were totally right. Everything is fine.

The reason I asked the question was because I was worried about taking Nix to the family Christmas get together. I knew that there would be other dogs and little kids there. I was afraid Nix would be a jerk. He was a perfect gentleman. Everyone was giving the dogs treats and asking them to do tricks. Nix never got fussy or pushy once.

It sounds like a wonderful family get-together, with little kids and dogs. Tricks and treats. I'm glad it worked out well and Nix made you proud!

Happy New Year!
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Anne, Bill, and Murphy

Yeah!!!

Realize I don't consider food guarding as a no big deal thing, but in the situation you described, it is more understandable than if you are home and having the same issues.

Glad the family function was good. It's nice when our pups behave themselves.
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Chelle and the rest of the crew including, but not limited to Kita and Taiko (the shiba inu wrestle maniacs), Adi (reserved and dignified tabby cat), and all 28 reptiles www.freewebs.com/performanceshibas