Food has been made an integral part of dog obedience training because it appeals to a dog's survival instinct; it's an effective motivator. But when that food becomes a mechanism for aggression, causing a dog to guard his meals with violent means, that dog's food instinct has overcome his enjoyment of that dog training motivator.
Historically, food guarding was necessary for survival of wolf individuals in the wild. When a carcass was carried back to the pack, the wolves that fought for the right to eat earned the best, and the most, meat. Defending this right sprung from the fact that most wolves only got to eat every few days, so the opportunity to eat didn't arise often, and had to be seized. Today, there's an unlimited supply of kibble, but your dog might not grasp that concept without a little help.
This instinct sometimes carries over into modern day mealtimes. A submissive dog might guard his food from more dominant ones, or he might eat it hurriedly, to prevent his food from being stolen. Or, a dominant dog might guard his food from other dogs who could, at any moment, pounce in an attempt to usurp food power.
Just because a dog behavior is natural, doesn't mean that it belongs in modern day society. The best way to deal with this particular behavior is to properly train your dog and stop it from developing. These dog training techniques can help to keep food guarding habits from forming:
When training puppy, feed him only a few pieces of food at once, picking up the bowl frequently and adding more food to it.
Stroke your puppy while he's eating.
Hold the food bowl in your hands while she's eating.
Train your puppy or dog to sit before filling his bowl, and then ask him to sit again, halfway through eating. Keep an extra tasty treat handy for this exercise, like a piece of chicken or steak.
While he's eating, command your puppy to stop eating and to sit. Put a piece of meat into his dry food and dig your fingers into the food, stirring it around. Now, allow him to finish.
Take the food bowl partway through her meal. Put her favorite meat treat into the bowl. Replace the bowl and allow her to finish eating.
Ask children and other family members, along with visitors, to try these dog training techniques, too.
All of these dog training tips train your dog to understand that you have no interest in stealing his food, that mealtime can be relaxing and fun, and that it can include bonuses if he's calm and compliant. Employ clicker training elements with these exercises for even quicker success.
If your dog has already developed a habit of lip curling, guttural growling, dog barking, the showing of teeth, fixed eyes, and gluttonous eating, do not attempt the above dog training techniques; you could be bitten. These dog training tips are only meant for preventing food guarding.
It's no longer necessary for your dog to guard, or fight for, her meal. Unlike her ancestors, she's privy to an endless supply of food. When she fully grasps this concept, mealtime will be safe and pleasant.
Your dog's development as a domestic pet has transferred the responsibility of survival from her to you. She can trust that you have her best interest in mind, and that dog obedience training, in and out of the bowl, is her ticket to a long and well fed existence.
Historically, food guarding was necessary for survival of wolf individuals in the wild. When a carcass was carried back to the pack, the wolves that fought for the right to eat earned the best, and the most, meat. Defending this right sprung from the fact that most wolves only got to eat every few days, so the opportunity to eat didn't arise often, and had to be seized. Today, there's an unlimited supply of kibble, but your dog might not grasp that concept without a little help.
This instinct sometimes carries over into modern day mealtimes. A submissive dog might guard his food from more dominant ones, or he might eat it hurriedly, to prevent his food from being stolen. Or, a dominant dog might guard his food from other dogs who could, at any moment, pounce in an attempt to usurp food power.
Just because a dog behavior is natural, doesn't mean that it belongs in modern day society. The best way to deal with this particular behavior is to properly train your dog and stop it from developing. These dog training techniques can help to keep food guarding habits from forming:
When training puppy, feed him only a few pieces of food at once, picking up the bowl frequently and adding more food to it.
Stroke your puppy while he's eating.
Hold the food bowl in your hands while she's eating.
Train your puppy or dog to sit before filling his bowl, and then ask him to sit again, halfway through eating. Keep an extra tasty treat handy for this exercise, like a piece of chicken or steak.
While he's eating, command your puppy to stop eating and to sit. Put a piece of meat into his dry food and dig your fingers into the food, stirring it around. Now, allow him to finish.
Take the food bowl partway through her meal. Put her favorite meat treat into the bowl. Replace the bowl and allow her to finish eating.
Ask children and other family members, along with visitors, to try these dog training techniques, too.
All of these dog training tips train your dog to understand that you have no interest in stealing his food, that mealtime can be relaxing and fun, and that it can include bonuses if he's calm and compliant. Employ clicker training elements with these exercises for even quicker success.
If your dog has already developed a habit of lip curling, guttural growling, dog barking, the showing of teeth, fixed eyes, and gluttonous eating, do not attempt the above dog training techniques; you could be bitten. These dog training tips are only meant for preventing food guarding.
It's no longer necessary for your dog to guard, or fight for, her meal. Unlike her ancestors, she's privy to an endless supply of food. When she fully grasps this concept, mealtime will be safe and pleasant.
Your dog's development as a domestic pet has transferred the responsibility of survival from her to you. She can trust that you have her best interest in mind, and that dog obedience training, in and out of the bowl, is her ticket to a long and well fed existence.
About the Author:
Want to find out more about dog training, then visit Dr. Nortey Omaboe's site on how to choose the best dog obedience training for your needs.
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