Stopping Food Guarding Behavior in Your Dog
Watch a documentary on wolves, and you’ll see their instinct to protect food: growling, snapping, and guarding the tastiest morsels. Similarly, a litter of puppies exhibits this behavior early on. Even hours-old puppies may push weaker siblings away from nipples, with smaller pups vocalizing their distress. As they grow, this escalates into growling and snapping.
When you bring a puppy home, this instinct can manifest as growling when you approach their food dish. This behavior is unacceptable and potentially dangerous, especially in homes with children. So, how can you address it?
The key is positive, reward-based training. Scolding a dog for guarding their food often worsens the behavior, as they interpret it as a threat, intensifying their need to protect their meal. Instead, use techniques that build trust and show your dog that your presence near their food brings positive outcomes.
Training Techniques for Food Guarding
Building Trust with Mild Guarding
For dogs with mild food guarding, start by getting them accustomed to your presence during meals. Grab a handful of high-value treats, like cheese or hot dog pieces. While restraining the dog gently with one hand, use the other to add treats to their dish. This shows them you’re not taking food away but adding something better.
After a few sessions, when the dog no longer fusses, lift the dish a few inches off the ground before adding treats. Place it back down, say “good boy” or “good girl,” and let them eat a few bites. Repeat, lifting the dish slightly higher each time. Over time, the dog will associate dish removal with positive outcomes. If you have children, involve them in this process once the dog is comfortable with you.
Handling Aggressive Guarding
For dogs that snap when you approach their food, take a different approach. At mealtime, place their bowl on a table, out of reach but visible. Sit at the table with the dog in front of you. Hand-feed them kibble piece by piece, praising with “good gentle” when they take it softly. If they bite, even accidentally, close your fist around the kibble, say “gentle” firmly, and wait for a calmer attempt. Continue this for one to two weeks until the dog understands you’re not a threat.
Once they’re gentle, place half the kibble in their dish on the floor and add more pieces while they eat. They should stop snapping, allowing you to incorporate treats like cheese. Soon, you’ll be able to lift the dish without resistance. For children, start with hand-feeding for a few meals before they attempt to handle the dish, as the dog’s response may depend on their perceived place in the household hierarchy.
Extending to Toys and Other Items
This training also applies to toys, sticks, or chews. If the dog grabs something forbidden, like a sock, say “no,” remove it, and reward compliance with a treat or an approved toy. With patience, this method fosters a well-mannered dog who allows anyone to approach their food or possessions without issue.
