How to Train Dogs in Control Demand Feeding

Often people consider leaving a dish of food available at all times for their dogs. Even worse, owners respond instantly to demands for food. This is a mistake and can cause all kinds of behavioral and weight problems. Do not encourage demand feeding where a dog will bark or whine and demand to be fed. If you allow this, the dog will train you! Here's how to best train your dog in control demand feeding.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. You must establish that you alone are the pack leader. Feeding the dog is a pack leader behavior. A dog can trust you, love you and still not obey normal commands you wish the dog to respond to because they do not see you as a pack leader. If they demand to be fed and get rewarded with food, or if they drag you down the street, they are exhibiting leadership by making their own decisions without regard to your leadership (or lack of leadership!). You need to be the leader, make the decisions and create the behavior you wish the dog to exhibit in response to you as the pack leader. Then you can shower them with the affection and love they deserve and need.
2. Feed your dog at regular intervals. Feed them twice a day. Be sure to consult with your Vet regarding the amount for your dog at each meal and the specific food brands recommended. The right foods and the right amounts will yield a satisfied dog with less desire to constantly beg. Always leave fresh water available for your dog.
3. Ask your dog to sit and then wait for the dog to sit calmly and focus on you; then give the dog the food bowl. This establishes that you are the leader. The dog will respect your leadership and be happier and feel more secure.
4. The dog must associate you as not only a provider of affection, food and fun treats, but also as the leader of the pack. You must provide plenty of regular exercise and play, set boundaries and some rules, and then reward the dog with love and affection. Exercise, discipline and affection is a well known and proven recipe for success.
5. Dogs love routine. They like to know they will be able to go out and know when to expect feeding. Dogs also love fun toys and special products. Look into Web sites which provide luxurious items for an active outdoor lifestyle and also have travel tips (see below).
6. Shower your dog with love and affection. Do so only after they follow the discipline and boundaries you establish for them. Dogs are pack animals, just like wolves are. They understand and need hierarchy in order to be stable and happy. Your leadership enables them to be calm and secure.
7. Dogs are to be loved, valued and treasured. But unless you are the pack leader and take full responsibility for training your own dog, your dog will train you! Demand feeding is one way dogs test your position and authority. Are you the leader? If I bark loud enough or growl at you, will you respond and give me what I want?
8. Demand feeding is not healthy. For example, if your dog barks, growls or whines, demanding food and you just give it to him/her on demand, the dog has just established control. This is the beginning of many possible problems.
9. Walk your dog on a regular schedule. Including enough exercise will create a healthier dog. You will be able to build a training base for your dog which establishes you as the leader. You will have a happier, healthier dog.
10. Establishing a routine of exercising, playing, walking and then feeding on a regular schedule will help your dog be confident, secure in your leadership and feel safe. Do not respond to demand feeding behavior. Ignore bad behavior and reward good behavior again and again.

Tips & Warnings

• Dogs give us the greatest gift of unconditional love for life. We must return this gift and also work to better understand their needs as dogs. By working on the training that will help create a strong foundation of trust and security with you as the dog's pack leader, you have a formula for success. When they know they have a leader, they have less stress and fewer behavioral issues.

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