If your typically laid-back dog now guards her food bowl like it's her last meal every meal, you may have a problem. Food guarding can lead to other types of territorial behavior, so it's important to address it.

It can start innocently enough. Your demure little dog becomes animated and anxious at dinner time. Owners can unknowingly contribute to this behavior by encouraging excitement at meal time, not realizing that this may lead to food guarding, especially if she has limited access to her food, treats and toys.

The instinct to guard food or toys from other animals is normal canine behavior. Not enough food, failure to receive food on a predictable schedule and poor socialization are common causes of food guarding. Genetics is another cause.

The worst thing you can do is to punish your dog for guarding her food, because this only serves to confirm her suspicion that you're a threat to something she holds dear. Instead, this is your opportunity to build trust and strengthen your bond with your pet.

Try hand-feeding her for a while. Instead of putting her bowl down and letting her eat quickly, give her a couple of pieces of kibble at a time from your hand.

Have her sit, then hold out your hand — back side first to keep her from snapping. Hold the food in the flat of your hand, not your fingertips. If she tries to take the food too quickly, close your hand and only open it again when she is waiting calmly.

Place extra bits of treats — food that is soft and smells good — into her bowl as she eats.

She will soon learn that a good thing happens when a person approaches the dish.

After feeding her by hand for a week or so, return to bowl feeding. Place only a small amount in her bowl and add a few bits every minute or so. Your dog will begin to realize your presence near her bowl is a good thing.

Continue the training for a couple of weeks until she welcomes you near the bowl.

Remove the food bowl after your dog finishes. Allowing a dog access to eat anytime she pleases can sometimes foster possessiveness.

Another exercise is an object trade so she understands that when you come near her, other good things happen. If she has a toy in her mouth, show her a treat. When she opens her mouth to get the treat, take the toy, then give her the treat.

If your dog guards food, children should not be allowed near feeding areas nor allowed to feed her. Most bites happen when adults are not alert.

POPEYE

TAG NO. 08-12517

Popeye the Sailor Man returned to port from a long tour of duty on the Seven Seas — only to find that his girlfriend, Olive Oyl, had run off with a studly Tonkinese from a neighboring vessel! Consequently, Popeye is eating even more spinach than usual — in order to build up his muscles and win her back! Popeye is sweet and mellow and knows proper litter-pan etiquette.

MISSY

TAG NO. 08-12799

Missy is sweet as cotton candy. A black, white and brown stray found in a field on June 10, little Missy is only about 12 pounds — less than a sack of potatoes! She is shy with new people, and you will need to be patient with her while she adjusts to her new home. One thing you should know: Missy is not used to walking on a leash, and will often stop and refuse to move. However, Missy is young and should have no problem learning proper leash etiquette.

These animals already may have found homes. The Hawaiian Humane Society and McInerny Dog Park at 2700 Wai'alae Ave. are open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., weekends and holidays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For directions and to see other available pets, visit www.hawaiianhumane.org or call 946-2187. Call immediately to report lost or found animals, ext. 4.