5 ways to deal with your dog's food guarding behavior🦴🐶

Is it good for dogs to guard their food? Owners must learn the right way to deal with it!

Many Hong Kong dog owners have experienced their dogs "food guarding"—growling, stiffening, or even feinting when approached by someone approaching their food bowl, chewing on a bone, or even a treat. Some dogs even snatch or hide the food. While food guarding is a natural instinct in dogs and doesn't necessarily indicate a bad temper, it can escalate fear and aggression if handled incorrectly. Drawing on the experience of behavioral experts, dog owners, and scientific methods, we've detailed five effective solutions to help you gradually improve your pet's food guarding behavior.

1. "Incremental" feeding method from far to near 🚶➡️🍲

Dogs guarding their food often stems from a lack of security or past experience with food. It's recommended that owners maintain a distance before eating, avoiding approaching immediately while the dog is eating. Then, gradually reduce the distance. For example, stand at a distance, then slowly approach, speaking softly and soothingly, then placing a small amount of a more palatable treat into the dog's bowl. Repeat this process, and the dog will begin to perceive the owner's proximity as a reward, not a threat, and naturally develop a greater sense of security.

2. Enrich the environment and reduce stress when feeding. Collaborate with multiple people 🏠🧑🦰🧑🦳

If you have more than one dog or a large family, it's crucial to ensure each dog has their own designated eating area. "One dog, one bowl, one corner" prevents food snatching, misunderstandings, and confusion. Households with multiple dogs can eat in separate rooms to avoid public competition, barking, fighting, and other food-guarding incidents.

3. Active and positive "hand-tossing snacks" training 👐🥓

During normal times when your dog isn't eating, you can train it to gently pick up food or treats with its mouth. Hold the food out and say "that's right!" When the dog gently takes the food, immediately praise it generously. Then, gradually imitate the act of eating—for example, by lifting the bowl or patting the dog's neck. If the dog doesn't react nervously, reward it immediately. By gradually building confidence, the food-guarding reflex will naturally subside.

4. Teach the “put it down” or “wait a minute” command 🗣️⏳

Encourage your dog to wait for your command before eating. For example, hold the food bowl in your hand and have your dog wait until you nod or give the "OK" signal before eating. You can practice "waiting" with toys, chew bones, and food to establish a pattern of resource control. Once your dog learns to respect your command, it will be less anxious when human hands approach the food.

5. Professional assistance and continuous observation 👩⚕️🔍

If the dog's food-guarding behavior is accompanied by growling or even biting, and gentle interventions don't improve, it's recommended to seek help from a professional dog trainer or animal behaviorist as soon as possible. Especially if there are children or elderly people living with the dog, avoid aggressive behavior such as scolding or snatching the food from the dog, as this will only increase its vigilance. Continue to monitor the dog's food-guarding behavior for improvement. If there are any signs of abnormalities, such as a sudden and severe worsening or combined with physical discomfort, notify your veterinarian immediately.

Editor's summary

A dog's food-guarding instinct is inherent and doesn't necessarily mean they're bad. Patience and small, positive steps can help restore their sense of security and create a harmonious family. The most important thing is to take it one step at a time, avoid rushing, and avoid using punishment or coercion. Praise your dog generously when you see progress. Both you and your dog will improve together, and you'll be happy and at peace with your cooking companions!