Dogs just naturally guard their food due to thousands of years of running in packs, and when food was found, the biggest, most aggressive dog always got to eat first, then down through the pecking order to the smallest dog, who ate last or not at all. When dogs become aggressive around their food, it's because they are relying on their instincts, and they think you are a threat to their food. There are a lot of other reasons that dogs become aggressive, let's go over those now and discuss ways in which you can teach your dog to not be aggressive around food, for the sake of your family and peace of mind.
Isolation From Humans And Lack Of Socialization.
To prevent dog aggression,one of the best things you can do is socialize with him from the time he's really small. Dogs are very social creatures, and your objective is to be a substitute for the pack that they are naturally programmed to be a part of. So in order to not end up with an aggressive dog, always be positive and allow your dog to play with as many different humans as possible in a friendly non-aggressive atmosphere. It is also important to completely avoid excessive physical punishment as this can create an aggressive dog.
Train Your Dog Well, And Avoid Taunting.
It's important that you start right at the beginning training your dog well, and always in a positive manner. Waiting until later, can cause confusion in the dog, which will show as aggression. By teaching him obedience, what's allowed, and what's not allowed, he will understand that you are the alpha dog of the pack, and never become aggressive towards you. Never allow children to tease your dog through a fence, as this could definitely cause problems.
Training Your Dog How To Act Around Food.
There are many dogs that are never aggressive in any way, except around food, because that is one of the most basic instincts that they're hardwired with, and difficult for them to overcome. It is also possible that a dog would be aggressive with other people around its food, but not the master, because he has accepted the master as the alpha of the pack. Sometimes a dog will only be aggressive towards another dog around the food with growling, showing the teeth, and maybe even lunging in a threatening way towards the other dog. When it comes to two dogs acting aggressively, many times it's just better if you feed them in different locations and insist that each dog stay near their bowl until they are both done, then they can continue to socialize in the normal manner.
The most serious case of food aggression is with young children who don't understand why the dog has suddenly become aggressive, and this is something that needs to be handled immediately in order to safeguard your children from being bitten. You, the alpha dog, must step in and correct the aggression immediately while it's happening, by removing the food the minute there's any sign aggressive behavior. Keep the food out of reach until he has cooled down, then try again, do not allow the log to exhibit any aggressive behavior without taking away his food. Most dogs will quickly figure out that you are in control the food and if he's hungry he has to act accordingly in order to eat.
While there are many different reasons dogs could act aggressively, food aggression is probably one of the worst, but still, easy to change if one takes the time and energy to do it. Having a well-trained dog is important for his health as well as your peace of mind.
Source:http://ezinearticles.com/?Dealing-With-a-Food-Aggressive-Dog&id=8878349
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