Cute little dogs biting their treats and not letting their owners come near, and even showing their teeth, are videos we've all seen quite a bit. Of course, some people find them really cute and funny. But this is obviously a food guarding behavior. If not addressed, it may lead to guarding water or territory in the future. As long as the dog feels threatened, it will take the initiative to bite. All dog owners need to understand the cause and take it seriously. Don't mistake danger for cuteness!
"Intrusion can happen for any reason, and it can occur suddenly while playing with you."
Causes of guarding:
Natural Instinct
Because of the natural law of survival of the fittest, food is hard to come by, and it is instinctive for dogs to want to defend their food when there are untrustworthy people around.
Incorrect Handling Method
Dog owners who use "hitting" to deal with food guarding issues are making a mistake. The dog already thinks you are trying to take its food. If you hit it again, it will become even more distrustful of people, and the situation will escalate, eventually turning into an aggressive dog.
Household hierarchy issues
Although it's a joke that dogs are the masters, many dogs actually think they are the masters. Dogs are pack animals, and it's common sense for the leader to eat first. When a dog perceives itself as higher in the hierarchy than you, food guarding behavior may occur.
Solution
Eliminate the dog's sense of crisis
Feed from your hand:
Feeding from the palm of your hand is a good arrangement because the dog will only lick the food and won't bite. Initially, you can use snacks, and once the dog gets used to it, you can use a bowl to feed from your hand.
Get used to eating with someone nearby:
While repeating step (1), you can have another family member stand nearby. When the dog notices the person, it will usually stop moving and pay attention. This is the first position. Then, gradually move closer step by step.
While petting, add food:
Have the dog sit and pet its hindquarters, do not stop petting, take out an empty bowl, then use your hand to place some food into the bowl. After it finishes, add more in several portions.
Normal feeding:
Once (1-3) are done, directly place all the food in the bowl for feeding. Approach the bowl midway; if the dog shows any signs of movement, such as wrinkling its nose or looking sideways, scold it loudly and clearly, then take away the bowl.After the dog calms down, praise it and place the food bowl back, repeating this until it no longer resists.
If all four steps are completed, congratulations, the dog's food guarding issue has been resolved!
Professional handling is safer.
The methods mentioned above are actually just the tip of the iceberg. The situation of resource guarding can be more serious than you might imagine. If your dog really has a resource guarding problem, for the safety of yourself and your family, you might want to consider a professional trainer.
In addition to their experience, they also have various protective gear and tools to protect themselves and the dog, which can prevent injuries during training.
So if your dog really has a food guarding problem, remember to know your limits or seek professional help!
"Intrusion can happen for any reason, and it can occur suddenly while playing with you."
Causes of guarding:
Natural Instinct
Because of the natural law of survival of the fittest, food is hard to come by, and it is instinctive for dogs to want to defend their food when there are untrustworthy people around.
Incorrect Handling Method
Dog owners who use "hitting" to deal with food guarding issues are making a mistake. The dog already thinks you are trying to take its food. If you hit it again, it will become even more distrustful of people, and the situation will escalate, eventually turning into an aggressive dog.
Household hierarchy issues
Although it's a joke that dogs are the masters, many dogs actually think they are the masters. Dogs are pack animals, and it's common sense for the leader to eat first. When a dog perceives itself as higher in the hierarchy than you, food guarding behavior may occur.
Solution
Eliminate the dog's sense of crisis
Feed from your hand:
Feeding from the palm of your hand is a good arrangement because the dog will only lick the food and won't bite. Initially, you can use snacks, and once the dog gets used to it, you can use a bowl to feed from your hand.
Get used to eating with someone nearby:
While repeating step (1), you can have another family member stand nearby. When the dog notices the person, it will usually stop moving and pay attention. This is the first position. Then, gradually move closer step by step.
While petting, add food:
Have the dog sit and pet its hindquarters, do not stop petting, take out an empty bowl, then use your hand to place some food into the bowl. After it finishes, add more in several portions.
Normal feeding:
Once (1-3) are done, directly place all the food in the bowl for feeding. Approach the bowl midway; if the dog shows any signs of movement, such as wrinkling its nose or looking sideways, scold it loudly and clearly, then take away the bowl.After the dog calms down, praise it and place the food bowl back, repeating this until it no longer resists.
If all four steps are completed, congratulations, the dog's food guarding issue has been resolved!
Professional handling is safer.
The methods mentioned above are actually just the tip of the iceberg. The situation of resource guarding can be more serious than you might imagine. If your dog really has a resource guarding problem, for the safety of yourself and your family, you might want to consider a professional trainer.
In addition to their experience, they also have various protective gear and tools to protect themselves and the dog, which can prevent injuries during training.
So if your dog really has a food guarding problem, remember to know your limits or seek professional help!
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