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How To Stop Dog Food Aggression
by Rena Murray
I am sure that most pet lovers are aware that dogs with food aggression rarely stand a chance of adoption. Some experts truly believe that a dog who is food aggressive, or aggressive in any way for that matter, will eventually turn on the family who owns it. While there is some truth to this no doubt, there is honestly more panic in the situation than anything.
Let me be clear before I proceed. I understand the reasons for which a shelter will not adopt out an animal with this issue. Liability is the biggest one in this crazy, extremely litigious world we live in. And, few people out there understand or have what it takes to handle and rehab an animal with this dog behavior problem.
Dogs, in truth, are predators, and they need to be respected as such. Early symptoms of food aggression include fixation or a locked, steel like, unblinking stare on the food bowl or on a dropped piece of food. Other symptoms are body blocking and or stiffening when you come close to the dog's food, growling or snapping. There is also inhaling the food, or just fixating on it and not eating at all.
Okay, so your dog has some of these signs. What should you do about it?
Obviously, you need a professional to walk you through this until you have it down pat. Being bitten by a dog is not fun, and it is not worth it. Trust me, I'm speaking from experience. Humans hold grudges. (Dogs don't.) You don't need a breach of the trust between you and your best friend, and he will readily sense your insecurity. It's simple: You don't trust them, they don't trust you.
Here's what to do. At first, put the dog on a leash with a lead that gives you maximum control of him. Have your dog walking on a heel to the food and watching YOU, not the food. If you allow your dog to be ahead of you, look at the food, or approach the food without release, you are telling your dog that he does not need your permission to eat -which means HE is in control.
Watch the dog body language very closely. If your dog becomes tense, stiff, or fixated in the least, remove him right away. Bring him back only when he is calm. It is common for dogs to dig their heels in or whine. These are only temper fits and must not be tolerated.
Don't' forget, from beginning to end of this exercise: Your attitude and demeanor must be calm and firm. If you become angry or fearful when dealing with an animal in a dominant or territorial state of mind, you will get yourself bitten. The predator in them sees that as weakness.
This may take up to an hour the first time you do it, or your pet my refuse to eat for a few days. But if you stick with it, the problem will soon go away. Again, if you have a food aggression problem with your dog, do not hesitate to get help, and do not try to fix it on your own.
Want to stop Pooch's Wild Dog Behaviors? Ask Dog Obedience Trainer - Platinum Expert Author, Rena Murray, at Dog Dominance Behavior - your source for Dog Behavior & Dog Training help with practical, insightful Articles, free email Newsletter - PAW PERSUASION POINTERS, private consultations, and Paw Persuasion Blog to help you select, train, understand, communicate with, and control your dog. Turn Wild Willy, Biting Billy, or Rolling Rover into Faithful Fido for peace, safety, and joy in your home!
Contact the author, Rena Murray
, at rena@pawpersuasion.com
.
