Tenderfoot, I think you advice is extremely sound. Your methods are great. Food aggression is not an option for any dog, particularly one in a household with children or other fury folk. My expectation of all of my dogs had always been anyone, literally anyone can put their hand in their food bowl or take a toy from them, no exceptions.
From the time I get a dog and with exception of one puppy, mine have been resucues the youngest of which was 8 months I make a point of being able to put my hand in their food bowl and take it away if i choose to. I of course give it back, unless there is an adverse reaction. Always having a multi pet household (both cats and dogs) and frequent canine visitors I tolerate no "resource guarding". To do so is to loose whatever it is the dog feels it needs to guard, in one instance the water bowl. If it is a food bowl or a water bowl I may remove it or tell the dog to leave it or leave the room. If they ignore me I help them follow through on the command.
The leave/take and drop commands are invaluable. While still teaching it I have had more than one vet bill when my Kaos would go after her favoriate outdoor delicacy - good old cat poop. These commands are both for the fun and safety of people and the dog. Again, sound, sound, sound advice.
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