What would you do if some one dug their fork in your pie? Snap back? It is pretty natural for canines to behave possessively towards their food, space or toys, but if their behavior borders on aggression and ferocity, it could spell trouble for you and your family. Every year many dogs are put down because of a behavioral problem called "Food Aggression". Most often, the problem is rectifiable - all an owner needs is patience and some training strategies.
You can tell if your dog has food aggression if it growls, barks, bares his teeth or even bites whenever someone approaches its food bowl or eating area. Severity of aggression can vary from snatching food from the owners hand sans any regard for the hand to attacking a person whom the dog perceives as a threat. This kind of behavioral pattern is common among wild carnivores as it stems from their instinct for survival. However, a domestic dog is less likely to "fight" for food as it is usually fed at timely intervals. Sometimes, a history of a prolonged period of starvation or inadequate feeding may provoke dogs to turn aggressive over food. In such cases, an owner needs to put in some genuine and sincere effort to rid the dog of its insecurities and build a relationship of trust and assurance. Take a veterinary doctor's advice to rule out any other physiological changed like hormonal imbalance, pregnancy and thyroid disorders that may trigger moody and difficult behavior. A physically uncomfortable dog is often irritable and unpredictable. Here are some simple measures that can be employed when a dog's behavior possesses a threat to the people around it. These techniques can also be used for dogs that have not developed food aggression as a preventive measure.
Prevention- Building Trust:
Take steps to make the dog believe that you are the "giver" of food and not the "snatcher". Right from the beginning; ensure that the dog has a private feeding area with no outsiders (other pets or people) around when the dog has its meals. Presence of unknown beings can trigger defensive behavior in a dog who is predisposed to food aggression. Be around the dog (at the distance where the dog does not seem to be conscious or appear "bothered" about your presence). Discourage children and other family members from hovering around or teasing the dog while it is eating.
Once the dog is comfortable with you coming closer, start with offering tasty treats in small amounts in between the meals. The message should be: "if you let me in- you'll be rewarded". This is also an assurance for the dog that there is actually no need to defend the food- it will keep coming anyways. Give this step some time and when you feel that you have conquered the dog's trust, get closer to the dog and try stroking it affectionately while it eats (be very careful make sure you offer treats for the same). Initially drop in the goody as soon as you approach the bowl and gradually increase the time period while you pet the dog. Once that is achieved, slowly and gradually introduce other family members and children when you are confident that the dog will not attack. At all times, provide small frequent meals several times a day- divide a single meal amount into portions but do not over feed. Once the dog is done with eating, remove the food bowl from its sight so that it is left with nothing to guard. The whole game can take a long while, so patience is the key!
Just like we don't like being poked and teased at meal times, it is best to let a dog savor its meals in leisure to avoid any unhappy endings. Also try changing the dog's feeding place frequently so that the dog does not associate ant particular territory with food and develop a possessive tendency towards the area. A similar approach can be implemented for toys and objects that a dog might appear too fond of. Do not try to snatch away toys and playthings, rather coax the dog to come by itself and hand it over to you (like you play catch) and shoe your appreciation for the good behavior by a pat and a treat. However, if a dog shows a violent possessiveness for a particular toy, immediately get rid of it in the best interest of your pet. Do not punish or beat up your dog if it snatches a food item or brings home an unpleasant surprise. Instead, be gentle and offer a better deal which your pet will find hard to refuse.
Training: Driving Home the Message
In case your dog is aggressive to a higher degree, consult a veterinary specialist or an animal-behaviorist. It would be wise to let professionals take over rather than putting yourself at risk of being bitten and attacked. The above mentioned exercises must however be stepped up and followed stringently. Try not to offer food in a bowl to start with, just place it on the ground and move away. Once you have dissociated the concept of bowl=food, start introducing an empty bowl and carefully place small bite-sized amounts in it (use a long handled object if it is too dangerous to come close to the dog) and build a new concept of you=food. Remember to walk away each time you dispense food so that the dog understands that food will only be made available when a person approaches the bowl. Offer a treat when you take away the bowl so that the dog feels rewarded for letting it go. If the problem is the food bowl and not the food itself, remove it altogether and try feeding the dog by hand. Eventually take control of the dish and hold it as the dog eats portions you drop into it but by bit. This too is a slow process and you will have to set your pace in accordance with your dog and proceed to the next step only when the dog is ready for it. Rushing it up may actually make things worse as guarding instincts may come alive all over again and you may have to start from scratch.
Taking Control:
Being firm with obedience commands like "sit" and "stay" also go a long way in controlling food aggression in dogs. Food Aggression is usually a "fear" elicited response- fear of losing the food. Anger or fear on your part will only fuel more ferocity and allow the dog to be in control of the situation. Instead try to maintain a calm demeanor and let the dog know that you are the boss and tantrums will not help. Keep food out of reach till the dog behaves more acceptable and sits calmly. Drive home the "growling/snapping=no food" concept. In this scenario, a meal can be used a reward for a dog who behaves well.
Do not expect an overnight transformation in your dogs behavior once to embark upon a training or rehabilitation program. Make conscious efforts to hold back the impulse to scream at your dog and lock it up in a room. Most behavioral disorders are a result of some emotional turmoil and the presence of one may signal towards re=assessing and re-building your relationship with your pet. Deal with patience, compassion and love- your dog is sure to come around.
| Shuchi Kalra is a freelance writer based in India. Her works have appeared in various print and online publication. She also writes content for several websites and portals. Visit her at http://www.shuchikalra.com |
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