A dog that stiffens, growls or snaps over food, toys or its bed is guarding. Trade, don't take.
Early signs are eating faster, freezing over the bowl, a hard stare or a lifted lip; a growl is the next warning. Guarding is natural behaviour, but it can escalate to bites, especially with children.
Taking things away teaches the dog that people are a threat to what it has. Offer something better in exchange instead, and walk past the eating dog dropping a tasty treat into the bowl, so that your approach means good news.
Never punish a growl: it is a warning, and without it the dog may bite without notice. Let the dog eat in peace, keep children away from dogs with food or chews, and get help from a qualified behaviourist if the guarding is strong or has led to bites.
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