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.
Most of us have heard that dogs age approximately seven years to our one. A friend told me about a chart in her veterinarian’s office where you can find the age of your dog using other factors (breed, weight, etc) so they may be even “older” than we think! Maybe that’s information we’re better off not knowing.
I know why dogs age so much faster than we do. Many (many) years ago, dogs lived to be 50! It’s true. After they started living with humans in their environment, they began to age quicker. Living with the stress of time and schedules and the future and what to do, when to eat, what to eat, stop, go, wait, do, do, do – the dogs began to show signs of premature aging.
Please don’t go to Snopes and see if this is true. It’s not; however, we have and do contribute to health issues and unwanted behaviors (in ourselves and our dogs) just because of our busy lives and inability to live in the moment. That’s where dogs – all animals – live.
Of course, we all have busy lives and will continue (that’s a good thing) and if we can also stop to enjoy moments along the way, we all may live a little longer!
Let me guess – some of your responses might be: yes, no, maybe, sometimes, when invited, when no one else is around, only when you leave them unattended. . .
Here’s an article where I write a more in depth answer to this burning question!
The study of body language certainly isn’t new and most of us are paying attention to it in our every-day lives with little effort. We can tell when someone is angry, happy, sad, upset, delighted, or disappointed all by the language of their body.
I don’t know if a dog’s body language is more subtle or we aren’t as attuned to what it might be saying. In training, it is important to observe the dog. It becomes obvious as to what they are feeling – or not feeling as the case may be.
A twitch of the ear means something. A slight stiffening of the neck and ever-so-subtle shift in their posture is an indicator of something – either in anticipation or in response.
You can see when a dog “takes” a command. There is a different look than when they have no clue what you are asking. (My Great Dane has this look a lot so it may not always be wise to judge the book by it’s cover!)
Why does any of this matter? Learning what the posturing (body language) of your dog means, helps you in training and in understanding them. You will start to recognize when the dog is “having a good time” versus when the tail wag is purely nervous energy. By observing and learning from them, you can also begin to experience the importance of your body language.
We all know what it’s like to be in the presence of someone who is saying something completely opposite from their body! Your dog is at least that smart. They are always tuned into our body language. We should do the same for them. It is amazing what you’ll learn!
Trust comes easy for children and animals – in this case, dogs. Respect, on the other hand, isn’t an automatic. I believe it is earned. Trust and respect work well together. I don’t know if one can exist entirely without the other.
Respect can be falsely created through abuse, emotional or physical. In this case, I don’t think it’s true respect but respect based on fear. When we trust someone, we typically respect their decisions.
Why do dogs trust us? I think that trust is a part of who we are – in dogs and humans alike. Until. . .until we learn otherwise. Until something happens that causes us to question. Unlike humans, I don’t think dogs are as quick to lose trust or to not trust again.
They trust us to provide and care for them and are usually tolerant of less than respectful treatment. Not always – but usually. Why? I wish I could answer that; honestly I’m just glad they do. It makes me a better human to have to care for them. Trust and respect in return is a very fair trade.
It is amazing dogs understand human language. What is even more amazing is how many words they can and do learn. I know of a service dog who understands over 300 words.
So, when I am asked if I am confusing a dog during training by using different words – the answer is no. It takes time and repetition for them to understand. When the word is associated consistently with a behavior or command followed by a reward and/or positive praise, they will get it.
This is not to say they may act like they don’t understand what you mean when you tell them “down.” However, it is important you make sure they know the command and what is expected. Once they understand a command, waiting patiently for them to follow through is key. It’s not necessary to repeat the command ten times as the volume of your voice increases along with your frustration. You can see in them when they get it! If they look confused, they probably are.
Give a command, wait. . .wait. . .(if necessary) and hold the command as you look at the dog. Do this consistently and with little distraction until they are consistent. Only then, can you be sure they know what you are asking and they aren’t just responding to part of a process while in training.
How many words can they learn? How many do you want to teach? How many do you have a need for and the patience to consistently teach and expect follow through. When you ask them to do “something,” They need to do it. I remember the words of my Father when I was asked to do something. . .I looked at him questioning, “why?” His response, “because I said so.”
Do dogs really need toys? What is it that makes them so appealing? Do toys replace or fulfill the dog’s need to hunt and chase? Do they really think the stuffed bunny is a real rabbit? I guess the answer to that one is obvious.
What’s also obvious is that dog toys are now a huge business. There are dog toys for each holiday! We all know how dogs love the holidays and the new toys that are sure to be their possession. My dogs like Easter because they like to chase rabbits. They don’t dare chase Santa!
Let’s face it. . .the toys we choose are usually for us. Personally, I seldom let the dogs have stuffed toys because the disemboweling makes a fine, white, fluffy mess I am left to clean up. Unlike a real rabbit, they don’t eat these “guts” – or at least we hope they don’t!
The truth – dogs are happy being with us and while they love chewing and playing, it can be a cardboard box or plastic water bottle. It’s similar to how a small child has to learn that what is in the box is more important (and supposedly more fun) than the box! Dogs are much the same. Don’t feel like your dog won’t be happy if you don’t buy expensive stuffed animals.
If all of their toys are left lying around, they are sure to get bored which will lead you to buy even more toys. Leave out a few at a time and rotate the others. What was once old will be new again!
Some dogs do get a bit possessive over a stuffed treasure as though they hunted and killed it themselves. I do believe they fully know the difference between a “real” rabbit and the sherpa bunny. In case they don’t, I won’t be the one to spoil it for them!
Dogs are often possessive of toys, treats, or food. That’s not to say they should be allowed to continue this behavior especially if their attitude shifts to aggression. Yes, the slightest snarl or low growl if you reach for their toys or food is an aggressive behavior. It’s not “ok, because that’s what dogs do!”
What about when they are possessive of you? If you have more than one dog, you may have experienced a behavior that resembles possessiveness. The object of their desire – you. Unfortunately, they are blocked or being body slammed by the other four-legged family member who also wants you!
It is up to you to take charge and to not encourage their need to be your favorite at that moment. It’s similar to when siblings argue and the parent tells the kids, “go to your rooms and come out when you can get along.” Dogs won’t get that; however, you can give neither affection until they are calm and cooperative.
Some dogs will turn on the other dog and a scuffle will ensue all because one dog wanted to get your affection before the other. We are flattered and find their attention endearing when really it is the response of an anxious dog. It is almost impossible to not at some point in time reward this behavior; however, you can give affection to both dogs as soon as they realize that neither are getting your attention when they are attempting to one-up each other.
As I walk in the door after a day of training and I smell like numerous dogs, I know I’ve heard my dogs say – “She’s mine! She’s mine! She’ll pet me first and besides I’m bigger than you!” I do my best to avoid rewarding this behavior and so should you. They’ll still love you. . .I promise.
I heard a “tele-trainer” declare that trainers who use treats don’t know what they are doing and are bribing dogs and the dog won’t respond unless given a treat. He obviously has never done it correctly as it does work. Using a treat as reward for a desired behavior is very effective – for some dogs.
The type of reward – treat, verbal praise, or physical affection all have their place. Treats work well for timid dogs in helping them gain confidence in humans. Verbal praise is always good – this works nicely for humans too! Physical affection isn’t always the best reward initially as some dogs fall a part when given affection and quickly roll over for a belly rub.
The particular trainer who is so opposed to treats, uses a special training collar. I have met a lot of dogs who were trained through aversion training, and they only respond when wearing the appropriate gear – e-collar, prong collar, etc.
Of course, there’s not a one-reward-fits-all training method and training collars may be necessary for certain dogs. A well-trained dog who respects us and we them, will respond regardless of the reward. So, why not use a positive approach to training?
Have a training question? Send it to me in the box to the right.
