Does your dog go: Gggrrrrrwww every time you open a bag?
Obviate the ‘woof’ before it happens!
Think about it. The screaming ambulance sirens, the gushing blood and one thought running through your head “Why, oh why!? did my cute little puppy do that!?”
No, this isn’t another dramatized episode of Dogs of our Lives, this is the cold hard truth as it could happen to you! (Well, it could…)
Food aggression can be stopped before it happens, here’s how!
When setting down your food for your puppy, make sure it’s in an area which is low impact without any distractions. Quiet. Peaceful. These two factors alone will help your puppy feel relaxed while eating – which will lower their stress levels during mealtimes. What this does, is allowed them to eat in peace. You like it like that too – don’t you?
If your puppy has to eat their food too quickly – then they may become defensive or aggressive about their eating area. They need time to relax and ingest everything in their own sweet time.
Just like with Monika on Friends – you had to eat quickly if you wanted to eat at all. If your puppy had a large litter, then odds are that they had to fight for their food: both from the teat as well as from the dog bowl at weening time. This could have instilled competitive and aggressive characteristics long before you were even aware of it.
So, to help your puppy you should start weening them by keeping them on a leash (which gives them direction from your leadership) and sit quietly by while they’re eating. This not only helps with authority, but helps them get used to having someone/something near their food bowl while eating. This is not a time for juggling, playing the saxophone or generally playing Call of Duty while your dog is eating. Just wait a few minutes and later you’ll understand why that was so important.
After your puppy has gotten used to your presence then you will be able to bend down and start stroking them softly while they’re eating. Not as a distraction, mind you, but as a way of desensitizing them to having people and activities going on around their food bowl. Naturally, use that fun voice you love to use with your puppy (think, high and happy – which generally annoys people who aren’t used to being around dogs).
Your final success will come when you are able to reach down into their food bowl without them growling, attacking with a vengeance or even looking at your strange. 
Yet again, another beautiful article Josh! I was having troubles with my dog growling and/or not being able to eat everything. After a few lessons, and it’s already much better. Thanks for the video too!
Thanks Jack! I’m only too happy you find the articles helpful! Some dogs, like my Golden Retriever have never done anything like that from the very beginning – but it does happen quite frequently with other breeds!
Hey there I just wanted to swing by and say thx for the help in this post. I somehow happened upon your weblog while searching for dog treats, and I’m really excited about finding you!! I’ve already ordered a few dog treats and I’m excited to see how my dogs like them! If so – I’ll definitely be ordering more!
Halinka
Hey Halinka! Thanks for the positive feedback! I’m sure not only you but your puppies will love your dog treats too!
Showing a little extra special love to your puppies goes a long ways in building great relationships!