How to deal with food aggression in dogs

When you try to replace the dog bowl or add food, the animal does not react quite adequately. What’s this? Food aggression in dogs is a manifestation of behavior that does not correspond to the upbringing and character of the pet. How to control such outbreaks and how to wean a pet from such behavior? 

Causes of food aggression

Food aggression in dogs is mainly faced by those owners who have already adopted an adult animal – from the street or from a shelter. If the pet did not always live in a loving family and was forced to earn his own food, it is quite possible that he will react aggressively to attempts to take away a treat from him. Shelter dogs can also develop food aggression if there was not enough food or a four-legged friend shared a bowl with other animals.

Such aggression in an animal is an attempt to cope with an enemy or competitor. But sometimes this behavior occurs in a small puppy. Food aggression in this case is copying the behavior of the mother or other adult animals. 

Food aggression is manifested not only in attempts to bite the owner or another pet, but also in growling at everyone around, in barking, grinning. The animal can hide its delicacies from strangers.

Aggression control

In order to successfully control such behavior, it is first necessary to consult with a professional dog handler. The specialist will give recommendations that can be used at home.

You also need to provide your pet with unhindered constant access to food and water. If your four-legged friend adheres to a certain feeding schedule, you need to remove the food during breaks. However, you should make it clear to the dog that his food is not going anywhere and he can always ask for more.

Do not feed several animals from the same bowl or in the same room, especially if one of the pets shows aggression towards the owner or other dogs. Each animal should have its own bowl and separate space.

You should not punish your pet, especially if it has appeared recently and has not yet got used to a new home. On the contrary, it is better to use treats to encourage the right behavior.

Ways to wean a dog from an aggressive reaction

How to wean a dog from food aggression? Experts recommend several proven methods.

1. Gently pat your dog on the back as he eats. This should be done carefully and gently: stroking will relax the pet and suggest that they do not wish him harm and do not want to be an enemy or competitor.

2. Do not put the entire serving of food in the bowl while eating. You need to put it gradually or add goodies. This way you can show the dog that food is not taken from him.

3. Don’t encourage begging and stealing food from the table. A pet must eat at a strictly allotted time and in a certain place. 

4. Let the pet know that the owner will not leave him hungry.

Weaning the animal by force will not help, but will only aggravate the situation. If you can’t cope with food aggression at home, you can sign up for training and behavior control courses. The specialist will analyze the behavior of the four-legged friend and give suitable recommendations.

Sometimes aggression is associated with the health of the pet. Regular preventive visits to the doctor should not be neglected, and it is even better to conduct an examination just in case. It is possible that the dog has problems with his teeth or with the digestive system, and therefore he reacts sharply to attempts to replace the food bowl. Your veterinarian may order an ultrasound, blood tests, and an oral exam.

Most often, any problems with the behavior of the dog can be corrected with the help of love, a friendly attitude, gentle explanations and training. May your pet always be healthy and happy!

See also:

• Is it possible to feed a pet food from the table
• How to choose the right food for your dog
• Food Allergies in Dogs: Symptoms and Treatment
• Symptoms and Risks of Overeating in Dogs