How Can I Stop My Dog From Being Food Aggressive?

A good training regime will break your dog's dominance and food aggression.

Food aggression is a dangerous symptom of a larger problem -- your dog thinks he or she is the "alpha," or leader of your pack. Dogs are pack animals, meaning they base their behavior on the hierarchy of their group -- in this case your family. A dog should not be growling or snapping at others during feeding time. First of all, consider finding help from a trained professional. This problem needs to be addressed right away, and not only in regards to feeding. Your dog should be a calm, submissive follower, and you should use your time during walks to reclaim your place as the dominant alpha or leader of your pack.

Instructions

Work with a Pro

1. Find a professional dog trainer in your local Yellow Pages or through an online search.

2. Check to see if the trainer is certified by the National Association of Dog Obedience Instructors and/or has references that you can call.

3. Allow the professional trainer to try more dangerous methods, like taking away a growling dog's food, before you try any such techniques yourself.

4. Maintain the training regime long after the training session is finished. Consistency is key in not allowing the dog's dominance to return.

Tips for Meal Times

1. Hand-feed your dog for a while before reintroducing the feeding bowl on your terms.

2. Drop treats into the feeding bowl as you pass it in the house to get the dog to think of you walking toward the feeding bowl as a positive experience.

3. Take away the feeding food bowl the moment the dog is finished eating. Dominant dogs should not be allowed to eat whenever they want.

4. Keep children far away from a dog's eating area. Their behavior can unsettle a dog who is looking for consistency and predictability.

Establish Your Dominance through Walks

1. Purchase a training lead for walks. As there are many types of training leads, have someone at the pet store explain and demonstrate how each lead works.

2. Use the lead to enforce a "sit" command whenever it is tugged or snapped. Practice walking in circles in your own house before using it outside, randomly snapping to enforce a sit.

3. Enforce a "sit" before opening the door, and again before walking down any front steps.

4. Enforce a "sit" every time you would like to stop, for instance before crossing the street.

5. Enforce a "sit" each time your dog deviates from a calm submissive state, for instance if your dog tries to walk in front of you, begins to sniff around or tries to run toward another dog or person.

References

• Puppy Training at Home: Learn How to Stop Dog Food Aggression