Food Aggression in Dogs
Dogs have a way of protecting what is “theirs.” This is an instinct for our four-legged friends. This is especially true when we are speaking about food. This is a concern because humans and other dogs risk being bitten. This behavior can also lead to your dog becoming possessive in other areas. The good news is that there are ways to treat food aggression and adequately trained to manage the behavior. Below are some steps you can follow to address the behavior.
- Acquainting your dog with your presence. Stand back from your dog a few feet while they eat. The goal is to ensure your dog is relaxed before moving to the next step.
- Implement treats. Add some tasty treats to their bowl, rewarding them for their positive behavior.
- Come a little closer and talk to your dog. This step will focus on conversation and proximity. Give your dog a special treat while they are eating from their bowl.
- It is time to touch. Place a treat in one of your hands and touch your dog’s bowl with your other hand. Avoid taking food from the bowl. The goal is to help your dog get accustomed to your close presence at mealtimes.
- Build trust by lifting the bowl. Using a calm tone, speak to your dog as you pick its bowl up. List the bowl 6-12 inches from the ground. Add a treat and set the bowl back down.
- Repetition will work wonders. Have other members of the family and friends repeat the same steps you did.
Food aggression is dangerous behavior. However, we recommend that you follow our steps to resolve the issues. If you tried and cannot find success, speak to your veterinarian or a certified dog trainer to assist.
