Dog Training Tips For Food Guarding

A dog with food-guarding tendencies is a dangerous dog. Dogs with a general aggression problem are more prone to demonstrating this condition, but it has been seen in dogs who are otherwise well-behaved family dogs. I will show you some dog training tips to deal with this issue.

Dog Training Tip #1

Look for the signs: faster eating when approached, a hard, direct stare right at you; a lifted lip, a snarl, a snap, and finally a bite. The dog'S posture will be rigid and stiff.

Dog Training Tip #2

You need to remind the dog that you are the food source. Dogs love to eat, and she has confused the fact that you dispense the food ( this is automatic alpha-dog status, and gives you immunity to any aggression or dominance).

Dog Training Tip #3

Prevention: Always make a point to approach your dog from puppy hood while she is eating.

Dog Training Tip #4

If you make a habit of asœleaving the dog alone while she is eating, she will be convinced that she is the alpha dog. Alpha-dogs are never disturbed while eating.

Dog Training Tip #5

Don't make the disturbances a negative experience. Start from the day your puppy is brought home. Put something tasty to her in her bowl while she is eating. She will soon associate this with a person approaching me while I am eating, means more treats!!

Dog Training Tip #6

If it is too late, and your dog is already exhibiting food-guarding behavior, start by taking the bowl away for about a week. Feed your dog by hand, one small handful at a time.

Dog Training Tip #7

Only allow her to take food from your hand when she is gentle. No snapping. Remind her to be nice is the only way to get her food.

Dog Training Tip #8

Once she is eating politely, reintroduce the bowl. Make sure it is empty. When you pass by, drop a small handful in. When that is gone, wait a minute before adding another small handful.

Dog Training Tip #9

Once she has mastered this, put down a half full bowl. Don't let her lunge at it. Hold the bowl out of reach and make her sit and wait before you allow her to eat.

If your dog back pedals, that is ok, just take a step or two back and keep practicing. Wait a couple of days before progressing to the next stage.