How to Handle Food Aggression in Dog

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Food aggression in dog is a behavior problem often exhibited in dominant dogs. The dog growls possessively and dominantly as anyone approaches his food bowl. The dog feels that he is the pack leader. Leaders protect their possessions and do not share.

Both males and females may exhibit food aggression. There are also breed dispositions, such as terriers that are possessive over food, toys, and rest areas.

• Feed your dog in an area of your home where people are constantly passing by. The kitchen is a good place. Giving your dog food and then leaving him alone, sends a message that the food is only his. When your dog is finished eating, put his bowl away. Leaving it on the floor may encourage resource guarding.
• Teach your dog that having people around his bowl is a pleasurable experience. There are many ways to do this.
1. Fill his bowl with only a portion of his food. Pick up the bowl and fill it with the rest.
2. Fill his bowl with a small amount of bland food, like rice. Pick up the bowl and add a small amount of tastier food.
3. Fill his bowl with only a portion of his food. Then hand feed him the rest.
4. Approach your dog's food bowl while he is eating. Drop a treat in the bowl.

Your dog will quickly welcome visits to his bowl. Get your dog accustomed to having different people approach his food bowl using any of these techniques.

• Reestablish yourself as pack leader. Pack leaders walk through doors first, are fed first, and have their demands for affection met immediately. Do not give affection to your dog until he obeys a command. If your dog is in your walking path, make him move. Don't walk around or over him.

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