Is Your Dog Food Aggressive?

Is Your Dog Food Aggressive?

Dogs have natural instincts for territory; many can be territorial when it comes to mealtime. Food aggression causes dogs to exhibit the behaviour of being protective over their food.

If food aggression is not treated with proper training those living with the dog could be at risk of being bitten, which could lead to your pup becoming possessive in other areas of his life.

Here’s what you could do to help:

• Get your pooch used to your presence when eating. For a food-aggressive dog, your presence is a threat. Standing a foot away from them for 10 to 15 days every day will make them realise that you are not going to steal their food.

• After 10 to 15 days, slowly move towards your dog's bowl and add a tasty treat and move back to your original spot. When your pup gets comfortable with the treat try to get one step closer each day.

• Try to talk to your pup while they're devouring the treat. This will help you both break the ice. For example, talk to them with questions like 'What are you eating?', 'Enjoy your food!'.

• When you keep standing next to your dog while they're eating and they don't growl or attack back, give them a treat from your hand. When your dog has developed trust that you are not going to steal their food, they will accept hand feeding without hurting you.

• Consistency is key. When you are following a routine and feeding your dog every day at the same time they will start trusting that there is plenty of food available. This will also make them less anxious about food shortages.