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[ilsongirl]

hello,

We have been thinking of starting our dogs on the raw diet ad gave our GSD a bone for the 1st time tonight (we have been trying her out on a few things to see how we go). She has shown food agression and has been growling with the bone. We have never seen anything like these before from her. She is normally very sweet and placid. When we took her in nearly a year ago she was 13 weeks and was very afraid of other dogs and we have worked with her and now this is no longer a problem. She previously lived with 2 agressive dogs and think she may have had bad experinces there.
Can anybody give advice on how to handle her food agression as i do not want to make it worse?!
We have taken in a 2nd dog about 2 months ago and I am wondering if this has set it off.
I was thinking of adding tasy food to her normal complete dinners so she learns that us + food is a good thing.

I would be grateful (sorry for the long post)

Thanks Sarah

[GSDOWNER]

*reminds peeps its saturday night *

Hi sarah, I have never experienced food aggression but I had problems when I introduced toys at a later age and like you his behaviour scared me especially because I have young children...........but with a little training you will soon become pack leaders again

This is a behavior that you want to end as soon as possible, especially if you have children in the house. This aggression might be shown through growling, snarling, glaring, or through the dogs positioning their bodies between you and the food. Some dogs who are aggressive towards their food are only affected by other dogs. If that is the case, simply feed the dogs in separate rooms or in their crates. If the dog is acting aggressively towards you or other family members, training will be necessary. You will need to reestablish yourself as the leader of the pack. An effective way to do this is to practice Nothing In Life Is Free ie talking the food from him (lol ware an armored suit the first couple of times you take the food away ). This will show your dog that you are in charge of the food, not him.
If possible, eat before feeding your dog. Establish a feeding time twice a day and do not free feed your dog. When you feed your dog, you must make her work for her food. Have her do a trick like sitting down before you lay down her food dish. Be sure she understands what you are asking her to do.
When you feed your dog, gradually decrease the distance between you and your dog. He will slowly become more accustomed to your presence at meal time. If you have other family members, involve them in this too. Take turns feeding the dog, and remember to not give the dog food until he earns it.
Do not punish your dog for her food aggression. You do not want to engage your dog in a battle of wills on the matter. Be consistent and firm, but do not get angry. If you remain calm and continue to work with your dog, you will see an improvement in his food guarding.

[AllyCat]

My collie boy developed food aggression just a couple of years ago (he's 8yrs now) It is never towards me as I am clearly pack leader (it took some good advise and direction from a pet behaviourist) I have the same problem with bones to the point it is dangerous for my son to be in the room when Jack has a bone. I am still struggling to sort the problem but I wanted to let you know that you are not alone!!

[ilsongirl]

Thanks for the replies!
I think it may be to do with having the second dog in the house it is a big thing for her, and she is only 14 month and I think she was pushing her boundries! I have also been thinking it maybe to do with my mum being round to today who will not obey the house rules (bless her)!!!
I will try NILF, with the both of them. We do also free feed. It's a habit we have gotten into as she wouldn't eat when we 1st put food down!

It was a shock to the system though!!!

I think a glass of wine is in order!!

[AllyCat]

Everything is better after a glass of wine!!

I must admit with my boy who is a total grump to my pup, did me proud tonight when I fed both dogs together and there was no problems at all!!

If your girl is getting narky with the other dog "threatening" her bone ownership make sure they have equal bones and keep them to their own. If the other dog gets possessive and trys to have both make it clear that he already has his own and vice versa (like naughty children! lol) I have found it works as my pup can be naughty and try to pinch jacks bone which makes him very grumpy. Being pack leader means I make the rules and I say who eats what and when. It does seem to work.

In respect to jacks attitude towards my son I'm clueless but with the dogs I got it sorted!!

[ilsongirl]

Glad to hear things are getting better with your two!
I hope you can sort something with your son soon, let me know how this goes.

I will put my foot down more with food, I haven't been strict with it becuase they are normally so well behaved with it.

[ilsongirl]

Well for the last week I have been putting my foot down more at meal times and there has been no repeat performances from that little madam of mine

Also been adding bits of chicken to her dinner whilst she is eating, so i am more than welcome around her bowl already!!

Thanks everyone!

Sarah

[LOVEGSD]

Originally Posted by ilsongirl

Well for the last week I have been putting my foot down more at meal times and there has been no repeat performances from that little madam of mine

Also been adding bits of chicken to her dinner whilst she is eating, so i am more than welcome around her bowl already!!

Thanks everyone!

Sarah

This is great news Sarah....well done you must feel so chuffed.

[ilsongirl]

I am really chuffed was worried that it was going to be a problem.
I still haven't gave her a bone yet but will work up to that

[LOVEGSD]

Best to take one step at a time....you will get there I'm sure