How to Stop Dog Food Aggression

By Sandra Scott

If your dog growls when you or your children approach his food bowl during mealtime, you need to be aware of a potentially serious problem. It is essential that dog food aggression be stopped quickly before you or your children are injured by the dog.

Dog food aggression is frequently related to other behavior problems so your dog’s daily routine should be examined. It is highly likely that your dog has other behavior problems that have not been fully addressed.

I urge you to pick up Secrets to Dog Training for all your dog aggression problems. This excellent course provides step-by-step instructions and will guide you through the reasons for your dog’s aggression. Order your copy at Dog Food Aggression.

Dogs are not normally possessive over their food. Most dogs are fine with people placing food in their dish while they are eating.

Dog food aggression is probably linked to your dog’s inherent predisposition to hunt with the pack. It is likely that your dog’s ancestors had to fight for every meal.

There will probably be a noticeable difference in the dog’s other behavior problems once his dog food aggression issues have been resolved.

Dogs are such a wonderful addition to family life and every attempt should be made to preserve the great relationship with your dog. There are many ways to stop dog food aggression. You may need to make numerous attempts before the correct solution for your pet is revealed. That said, all of your effort will be worthwhile. Your dog food aggression problems may be resolved by the following

  • When you touch his food, your dog should associate this with a positive outcome. For instance, you could add a small piece of food to his food dish but have a chewy treat as back up.  You should approach him after he has been eating for a short time. A treat should be offered when he growls.

    He may choose to take it from you immediately or he may still guard his food bowl. With patience and persistence, he will finally eat the treat. While he is eating the treat, more food should be added to his bowl. This process should be repeated until the dog food aggression stops when you approach his food bowl.

  • Dog food aggression is brought on by your dog’s need to safeguard his meal. This is also inherited behavior. This may be solved by splitting your dog’s food between several bowls and putting them in front of him. While he is eating out of one of the bowls, you should walk towards him and pick up one of the other bowls. Place a tempting treat in this bowl and put it back in front of him.

    After a short while, this should also be done with the other food dishes. The dog food aggression should cease once your dog realizes that people approaching his food bowl brings positive results.

It is important for all members of your family to be involved in the training process. This will form a closer bond between your family and your dog. Remember, you should never separate your dog and his food!

If your dog is displaying aggression of any kind, I urge you to check out Secrets to Dog Training at Dog Food Aggression.