>It seems that when he gets something strange he attacks.  Is this normal,
>and should he quit when neutered.  Also can I train him not to do this.
>DAVID J.  PATTEE
 
Actually Dave, what you are describing (aggression when feeding) is not so
unusual.  Most animals have been known to display this behavior from time to
time, some more than others, and some throughout their life.  It is a basic
instinct that perhaps was reinforced due to certain variety of conditions
before you brought him home, often due to a shortage of food being present
while housed with others, or even just being one of a large litter which can
present the same problem.  Hence the term, "biting the hand that feeds you":
People are not entirely excluded from this pattern<G>.  Many mothers can
certainly testify to more than their hands being bitten during infant
feeding!
 
Yes, neutering may ameliorate or extinguish this behavior.  But one, this in
and of itself may not be a valid reason to do this for some(it's a personal
decision); and two, the behavior may persist even after surgical
intervention.  Some animals you just have to respect.  I've seen the most
friendly and docile of animals present this behavior and you'd know just to
not bother them during eating--especially if it was a goodie--and this
behavior persisted throughout their lives.
 
Now, there are a variety of behavioral methods you can institute to alter
this behavior.  And if you feel this behavior presents a clear and certain
danger to you or your other fuzzie, then contact me, and we can discuss
different approaches in greater detail.  Otherwise, just give your fuzzie
some room when he's got a treat<g>.  My point here being there's no reason
to always extinguish *every* aspect of natural behavior.
 
best wishes,
until next time,
alphachi
[Posted in FML issue 2252]