Food guarding and food aggression are very common among dogs.The wild dogs have to compete with each other for food and resources.As a puppy, your dog may have had a competition with its litter mates for food.If you want to stop your dog from growling or showing signs of aggression, you need to teach him to release food or other items and control the environment.In severe cases, you may have to take your dog to a trainer.
Step 1: Your dog is eating.
It is possible to make your dog more comfortable with having you around its food and bowl while it is eating.Walk past your dog and throw a treat towards the dog's bowl.The food should land in the general vicinity of the bowl if you throw it directly into it.Always use a treat that is more appealing than the food your dog is eating.A piece of cheese, cooked hot dog, chicken, or beef is an example.When your dog is comfortable with you walking around, do this multiple times throughout the feeding and the next few meals.You aren't in any danger if you walk close to the dog but far away.You need to convince your dog that you are not a threat.
Step 2: While your dog is eating.
Take a step towards the dog now that it is comfortable with you walking past.Stand a few feet away from your dog and use a light tone to say something like "are you enjoying your meal?" Then, throw a treat towards the dog's bowl and take a step back.Continue to do this throughout the meal.Try and get closer to the dog's bowl each day by practicing this over a few meals.You can move on to the next step if you can comfortably stand within 2 feet of your dog's bowl.Even if your dog is growling, don't back down.The dog can get its way if you leave.
Step 3: Drop a treat in the dog's bowl.
Drop a treat into the bowl if you stand directly over the top of it.After dropping the treat into the bowl, turn around and walk away.You are getting your dog used to you.Your dog is learning that you give them a treat.As you approach the bowl, softly talk to your dog.Stand as close to the dog's bowl as possible.Don't give the treat if he growls.Provide a high value reward if he allows you to stand there.
Step 4: Add some treats to the bowl.
Pick up the bowl while your dog is eating, add treats, and then return it to you.If the dog sees you add the treats, it will work.The bowl should be raised a few inches.The bowl can be raised as the dog gets more comfortable.Each adult member of your household will need to repeat these steps.This will help your dog get along with you.The ultimate goal is to allow anyone to pick up your dog's food bowl and put it back down.Children under the age of 18 should not be near an aggressive dog.
Step 5: Get professional help.
If you are afraid that your dog might bite you, then you should contact a professional.Don't try to train an aggressive dog that will bite, or chase you away from its food.Refer to a Certified Applied Animal Behavioural Specialist.If you don't have a behavioural specialist in your area, you can use a Certified Professional Dog Trainer.If there is a college of veterinary medicine in your area, contact it.They will have the best behaviorists.Ask the dog trainer if they have ever treated aggressive dogs.Someone has worked with dog aggression before.
Step 6: Pick a release command.
A dog can become aggressive when guarding a food item.Your dog might grab a piece of food that dropped while you were cooking.A release cue, such as " leave it" or "drop it," will allow you to retrieve a piece of food from your dog.
Step 7: A release cue is something to teach your dog.
A paper towel roll can be used to teach your dog to release an object.Move the item around to get the dog.Once the dog grabs it, hold onto one end of the item.The dog will likely let go of the object in order to take the treat.Give the dog a new treat and repeat the command.They are rewarded with a better item when they let go of the object.The dog can have the object back after taking the treat.
Step 8: Practice the command.
You should use a variety of different objects to practice this command with your dog.The dog's favourite toy is a more valuable item.This will teach your dog how to release something.You will eventually be able to get your dog to release food.If the toy has a high value for your dog, you will want to use a treat that is also high in value so that he will choose it.
Step 9: Feed your dog at the same time every day.
A mealtime routine can help you manage signs of food aggression.When a dog is uncertain about when it will get its next meal, food-based aggression can occur.Feed your dog the same time each day.They will be less aggressive if they are familiar with the routine.
Step 10: Control the situation with food.
Sit and stay are some basic commands to teach your dog.This will allow you to control the feeding situation.If you want to have your dog stand a few feet away from you, give them the stay command.Once you are ready, drop the food in the bowl and the dog will be able to eat it.You can be the one in charge of feeding.Changing the release word will make it more difficult for your dog to listen to it.
Step 11: Give your dog a lot of space.
Dogs competing for food and resources in the wild can lead to food aggression.Giving your dog plenty of space to eat can help reduce this behavior.Allow your dog to eat in their own space, such as a crate or a separate room.They won't feel like they need to defend or protect their food source.
Step 12: Feed your puppy
Feeding a puppy is a great way to prevent food aggression.The dog learns that people provide food and that they are not threatening.If you want to hand feed your dog an entire meal, give them small pieces of kibble at a time.You can give your dog treats during their training.Trust will be developed between you and your puppy.Don't feed an adult dog that is already showing signs of food guarding and aggression.Hand feeding can teach your dog obnoxious behaviors such as searching people's hands for food or trying to take food not meant for it, so be careful with it.
Step 13: Your puppy is eating.
Use your other hand to pet your dog when you hand feed it.This will make them comfortable with you and they won't be aggressive in the future.
Step 14: While your puppy is eating add treats to their bowl.
Slowly approach your puppy's bowl while they are eating and drop a treat into the bowl.They are currently eating chicken or beef, so use a treat that is more appealing.The puppy will associate people with a positive treat.