This week I will continue on the subject of social skills of our dogs and being aware of what we do as owners that can ultimately lead to accidental bites over food.
The constantly broken house rule of no tidbits from the table or even children's leftovers or food sharingis not only a health concern for your dog. The reality is this behaviour is exactly the cause of many bites to children. Simply because your dog has been taught that this behaviour is acceptable, why shouldn't they you have encouraged it after all?
Your dog does not know the difference between when a small hand holds out food and you feed your dog tidbits.
This leads to the scenario of the child or unsuspecting guest pulling their hand away in reaction causing your dog to "chase'' the food and snap to ensure they get what they want. It is when the snap for food happens that accidental bites happen.
This is a situation that no dog owner wants to find themselves in and is an easy problem to completely avoid by following a few basic golden rules in your home.
1. Never allow your dog to be feed leftovers from plates, if you would like to share any appropriate leftovers to your dog ensure they are placed in your dog's bowl.
2. Always make your dog wait for its food before you allow it to eat.
3. When you are eating make sure your dog gives you the distance you want i.e. on their mat away from the table area.
Ultimately we want our dogs to respect that we are in control of food and this is not a resource your dog has control of. Once this is achieved you are less likely to have an accidental food bite occur in your home.
By teaching your dog the leave it commands you also have a tool to use when your dog pushes your boundaries.
If your dog shows signs of food aggression such as growling, body stiffening, guarding and snarling around its own food bowl or bone and high value items you are better to seek professional help to resolve this issue and I can be contacted to assist you if you are concerned about your dog's food manners.
Paw point of the week
Good habits can be easily broken by one misinformed person who thinks they are spoiling your dog. Ensure everyone who visits knows your house rules.
Contact me for the chance to have your question selected for publication at nadines@dogguru.co.nz for further information on Dog Guru visit www.dogguru.co.nz
