Food Aggression

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We have had several people in the past few weeks with similar problems of food aggression approach us. In most cases the aggression was directed toward other animals or dogs.

Here are a few pointers to understand this behavior and exercises to correct it:

Food aggression is a sign of lack of leadership within the pack. The human has not declared rules and boundaries which all canines/animals in the home have to follow. Therefore the canines are inclined to assume this leadership role to secure their food during feeding time. Although this aggression is small,it is not to be taken lightly as it can easily escalate into bigger and worse behaviors. The dog assumes leadership at the point of feeding and does not understand the food is provided by the human and earned.

Things that can lead to food aggression:
-starvation /previous abuse/fighting for food
-lack of clearly defined leadership in pack/home
-lack of proper correction of the behavior
-separation upon aggression of canines/animals into separate areas to eat in peace will only intensify this behavior
-canine does not have to work for his food and thus understand it as a reward
-canine is not asked for discipline surrounding food, i.e. small exercises that establish leadership of humans

Things to exercise when dealing with food:

** Please understand that food aggression can be re-directed at humans at some point and you should consult a professional if you feel uncomfortable working with your animal or fear there is danger of injury**

-canine must earn his food through walks, exercise, treadmill, other jobs provided by humans prior to feeding so that feeding becomes a direct result of this work and therefore a reward
-canines should be exercised prior to feeding to avoid pent up frustration and energy
-before placing food on ground, canines should be calm-submissive in their behavior, jumping and any excitement about food should lead to a prolonged wait period until dog understands this behavior is not wanted.
-encourage eye contact prior to giving food (simple exercise: hold bowl away from you and wait until dog looks into your eyes and not at bowl, then place on ground)
-once bowl is on ground, exercise the "leave it!"command so canine understands eating is allowed by the packleader to further emphasisze the previous exercise
-expand this waiting period progressively

for direct correction of aggression:
-place aggressor on leash during feeding and place leash directly behind ears for utmost control
-allow other canines or animals to approach food and correct any signs of aggression incl growling immediately with a quick jerk and release of the leash. Repeat as necessary until dog understands this behavior is unwanted.
-do not separate animals during feeding but place aggressor on leash and supervise during feeding until wanted behavior is created and solid> separation will increase this aggression concept because canine is confirmed that something must be reasonable wrong with the presence of others during feeding and the removal of others during feeding confirms this. Further more it creates the possibility of the aggression being redirected athumans with time progressing.

if you feel your dog has food aggression problems, please contact us and we gladly cover this topic with you in a customized in-home training. You can reachus by phone 214-228-5636 or email: nanouks71@yahoo.com