Would you bite someone if they took your plate away when you were in the middle of eating your meal? If you didn’t bite, I bet you would growl. I certainly would!
Imagine enjoying your favorite meal, only to have someone repeatedly interrupt or take your plate away! Frustrating, right? Did we ever stop to think that dogs might feel the same way?
Constantly touching or removing a dog’s food while they’re eating may lead to resource guarding, as they may feel the need to protect their food. This behavior stems from a natural instinct to safeguard valuable resources. 
If the dog is a rescue, and has come from a background where there was competition around food, or was deprived of food, then the chances of resource guarding are higher.
What can we do to try and prevent resource guarding with dogs that are not already guarding?
🐶 Respect Mealtime: Allow dogs to eat without unnecessary interruptions.
🐶 Positive Associations: Instead of taking food away, drop something delicious into their bowl as you walk past, to build trust. 
🐶 Safe Environment: Ensure a peaceful eating area, free from potential threats or competition.
If you have more than one dog - feed them separately, even if they seem ok around each other when they’re eating. That can change over time when one dog is repeatedly pushed off their food by another
Keep toddlers and small children well away from food bowls or when a dog is chewing on something like a lambs ear for example. Teach those who are old enough to understand not to approach dogs when they are eating.
By understanding and respecting our dogs’ needs, we can foster a trusting relationship and help prevent unwanted behaviors.
#DogBehavior #ResourceGuarding #PositiveTraining
