MYTH NO 4: Take puppy’s food away to prove you are boss?

Unfortunately this is a very common misconception and can lead to your dog becoming food aggressive.

It is very important to remember that dogs are pre-programmed to protect their food.

It is true that you should be able to ‘control’ the food but we need to build up the puppy’s trust so that they realise they will get the item back if they give it up willingly.

The best method is to teach your puppy that ’hands come to give, not take’. This can be done by approaching your puppy’s bowl whilst he is eating and then dropping something better into it – chicken/ham/sausage/cheese etc. This way he learns that you coming towards his bowl is a good thing as you bring yummy treats!

Eventually you will be able to put your hands into the puppy’s bowl – ensuring that each time you bring him/her something delicious.

This training should also be done with bones/chews. Holding one end of the chew you can lure your puppy away from it with an even tastier food treat. Allow the puppy to come a sufficient distance away from the chew, give him the treat and then give him the chew back! This is a win win situation for your puppy and he/she learns to trust you when you approach his food.

If you need advice on training or behaviour issues, please call our behaviourist Jo Raine on 01903 234866.