Dogs and Food Aggression

When asking clients if their dog has food aggression, I may get a response similar to, “no, they growl if we or the other dog gets near the food bowl, but that’s normal.” Let me share something – it may be considered normal when dinner is served in your home, but it is not good to allow it.

If your dog even begins to growl when you reach for their food as they are eating, immediately get your hand out of the way!   That’s what you do to keep rom getting bitten!  The real response would be to give a quick correction (use a leash if necessary) and then pick up their food bowl.  Hand feed them and let them know the food comes from you.  Place your hand in their food bowl as they eat and touch them as they eat.

If their aggression is directed at another dog, do the same thing.  If you are not going to supervise when feeding, then feed them separately.  A scuffle over food may seem normal and for some dogs, it’s a tough trigger to break; however, you should be the one determining who eats where and when.  You want to be the provider and be clear that until they are able to go hunt and fend for themselves, you make the rules!  (how parental of me, I know!)

If this is an issue you are dealing with, please contact me for more specific guidance on your situation.