How can I get my dog to stop his possessive behavior?

Question

This isn't typical possessivness as the dog isn't possessive over food, toys or space. However, lately the dog has begun to become very possessive over ME...so far only with the cats, but I don't want it to escalate.

When one of the cats begins to get affectionate with me, he tries to break it up. I've been telling him "no" and growling at him, and he backs off for a moment, but then he'll come back and snap at the cat (not close to them, he isn't trying to hurt them...just intimidate/annoy them). Although I have no problem keeping this up, the cats aren't into being harrassed and usually stalk off, thus rewarding his behavior. Does anyone have any tips? He isn't rude to the cats any other time... in fact he tries to initiate play with them.

Answer 1

My pom tries to do this also,  Teach your dog sit & stay.  If he tries to interfere with your attention to the cat make him stay away across the room.  If this does not work, make him leave the room.  Be consistent and he will eventually get the message that if he interferes, then he will be left out completely.