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Canine Feeding Instincts
Right up there next to a dog's migration instinct and the importance of you leading the way on the walk, rather than the dog leading you, is the feeding ritual. Another key aspect to communicating to your dog in their language. In the wild a canine animal would get up in the morning and go off with their pack to hunt. The pack hunts together as a group. When the pack brings down an animal the leader of the pack eats first, consuming the tastiest parts of the kill. The other members of the pack wait until the alpha member is finished and then proceed to eat their share. It is best to walk your dog before a meal to simulate them working for their food. It is not natural for a dog to be given everything for free. Canine animals have a drive to earn their keep in the pack. Always let your dog cool off and wind down before feeding them in order to prevent things such as bloat.
When it is feeding time your dog should wait patiently for you to prepare the food. The dog should not be begging or excited.
A dog who lays or sits down without intensely staring is being respectful. When a dog turns their back or walks away while their food is being prepared is giving the ultimate respect. They are giving you space because they see it as your turn to "eat".
When the dog is calm place the bowl on the ground. Tell them to wait, practicing good discipline and then give the command to go and get it. If your dog is anxious, whining, jumping, spinning, pacing, being pushy, begging, intensely staring or otherwise not calm while you are preparing the food do not put the food bowl down. Tell your dog you disagree with their behavior. Correct them while remaining calm but feeling confident. You may have to put the food dish on the counter and wait. Eventually the dog will calm down and if you are consistent they will learn that you only put the food down when they are calm and respectful. There should be no self feeding where the food is available all of the time. The pack leader decides when it is time to eat, so you do not want to let your dog decide when to go and get a nibble. Food available all of the time sends mixed signals. There should be a scheduled feeding time. Your dog needs to see that you are deciding when it is time to eat.
You should be able to reach down and touch your dog's food without the dog getting upset in any way. If you cannot do this and your dog growls, snaps, bites or tries to push you away from their food, than your dog is seeing themselves as above you in the order. They are telling you that they are alpha and to leave them alone while they eat. It is not safe for you to allow your dog to believe they are alpha, since an alpha dog will resort to biting in order to communicate their displeasure with your actions.
Video of an owner making her dogs wait before they are allowed to eat. Wonderful discipline.
To learn more about dog psychology and what makes a dog tick, we strongly suggest Cesar Millan DVD's
Written by Sharon Maguire © Dog Breed Info Center® All Rights Reserved |
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