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dog is food agressive :/2007-11-25 3:00:58

my dog was a stray for all its life as far as we know its only 3 months old just got over parvo and acts a little food aggresive not bad but it scares me a little, i realize her being a stray and all that she probably took every chance she ate in one bite then ran. how do i show her that i'm nice and that she doesnt have to worry about finding her own food anymore?

Answers:

First off, if she is only 3-4 months old, she has no understandign of what it means to be aggressive, especially not food aggressive. Next, to help her get over it, have her SIT before you put her food down. I do this with all my dogs from the very first day they are brought home regardless of how old or how big/mean they are. They learn taht I am the one who feeds them and if they don't do as I say, they don't eat at that moment. Try this, place the food in the bowl while on a counter or somehwere she cant reach. Make sure she sees you put the food in teh bowl. Next, go over to the area where you will feed her. Stand still and say "SIT" in a firm voice. If she doesn't know what this means, lower the bowl just over her head and while she is looking up move the bowl back over her shoulders. Gravity and body structure will make her sit. As soon as she sits start lowering the bowl to the floor. If she gets up or starts for the bowl, lift it up again. Do this until you can place the bowl on the ground without her moving or lifting her butt off the floor. Then and only then let her eat. Walk away. Give her 10-15 minutes alone to eat. If for what ever reason you have to pick the bowl up or reach into the bowl again while she is eating, grab her collar and pull her back THEN pick up the bowl. This might take a couple days, but eventually she'll realize "hey, i have to sit for her to put the bowl down. Okay, i'll wait. She put it down. Now I can eat." Now, since she is young, you might want to wait for her to finish. Once she finishes, call her over to you and pet her. NO kisses on the face or forehead. Only petting for now. In time, she will get accustomed to you and you feeding her and when you feed here, she will be welcoming.

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That's a very good question. On your tv, if you can get " The Dog Whisperer " he does address this. He's very good and shows all kinds of techniques too.

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Food aggression can be worked with, but it takes more than being "nice." As a matter of fact, it takes being firm and some rules in the house to get this under control and keep it from escalating.