Food Aggression ?

Dog is 20 months old, kennel dog. I first noticed this the other day when I was in his pen while he had his head in the food bowl. Walked next to him and he started growling.

I always make him sit when I place his food bowl down and then call his name to release him to feed.

I decided to place his bowl down and walk next to him before I released him, he started growling. I then grabbed his muzzle and told him no and slapped his muzzzle and went and took the food away and left the pen. Returned in 15 minutes and tried it again, same thing

I wonder if it will make things worse if I continue or if i'd be better off just to forget it ? Like I said he's a kennel dog, and there's no chance of him being around anyone while feeding

I have taken him away from his pen and placed raw hamburger on the garage floor and walked back to him and he shows no aggression , seems like it only happens when your in "His" pen


The dog has never showed any kinds of aggression other than with the food

Ideas ?

Thanks

Why make it a issue? Just let it go, My dogs have a place I put the feed down and walk away, I dont let it become a issue, pick and choose your battles,
Up there in Wyoming its cold up there LOL He needs every kernal>>>>>> Hehe

instead of corrections, try putting his dish down without any food in it. Have him sit and watch you put a little food in his dish and then release him to let him eat. Repeat several times and for several weeks. I don't like food aggression and sometimes it can bleed over into other areas.