[ad_1]
We adopted a small, 2-year-old shelter dog about six months ago. He was a stray, and we know nothing about his prior life.
He has been a great addition to our family. He likes to fetch, go for walks, and cuddle with us on our laps. He is trained in the basic commands, but is very food motivated and generally follows commands only if there is a treat involved.
The biggest problem is, he is still very protective of his food. He will growl and snarl if we pet him while he eats, and today he even bit my husband on the hand as he (unwisely) tried to move the dog away from his bowl to try to calm him down. Other than not bothering him when he eats, is there any way we can change this behavior?
Kathy S.
Dear Kathy,
Food guarding is a common problem with puppies and some older dogs who lack confidence and fear their food is going to be taken away. If your dog bit your husband, then his resource guarding is serious. Do not punish him as this can only deepen a dog’s distrust in people.
For safety’s sake, the first thing to do is manage the problem. Do not allow anyone to go near him while he is eating. Feed him in a confined space, like a dog kennel, a bathroom or pantry where there is virtually no risk of anyone bothering him.
Training involves building his confidence and slowly easing his fears. Bring him out of the confined space and stand far enough away from him while he is eating, so he is not prompted to growl.
Ask him, “What do you have there?” in a friendly tone, and then throw a tasty treat near his bowl. Keep tossing treats close to his bowl so he has to turn away from his food occasionally to eat the treat. As the days and weeks go by, move closer and closer to him, tossing treats and ensuring he is not growling at the new distance. Over time, he may even leave his food and come to you for a treat.
When close enough, toss some treats into the bowl and walk away (repeat a few times each session). The final step is to move the dog’s bowl a few inches while he’s eating. Use a broom handle or other pole so that if he snaps, he snaps at the pole and not you. If he growls at any point, go back a few steps.
Every adult in your home should practice this with your dog; every child in the home should be told to stay away while he is eating. If you are not successful or don’t feel you understand this training, please consult a dog trainer or certified behaviorist who can show you how to do this.
Send your pet questions, tips, and stories to [email protected] You can read the Animals Matter blog at http://blog.mysanantonio.com/animals and follow her at @cathymrosenthal.
[ad_2]
Source link
