In an attempt to train my dog that he only eats what I give him (not scraps that fall to the floor), Wash has to sit, and watch as I prepare his food at every meal. He watches me get his food ready, I put it down and he has to wait for me to give him a signal before he can go eat it.
He is very patient, and now will not eat without the signal. Good boy! But lately I've been pushing how long he has to wait. He doesn't move, he doesn't twitch but this is what has started happening. The longer he waits, the more he drools. Look closely.... ewwwwwwww.
He's cute, but gross. I guess I won't make him wait so long anymore.
The reason I started this way of feeding has 2 reasons:
1- avoids food aggression: He has to be in a calm, relaxed state before he eats, and he eats when I say so, not when he does.
2- avoids mooching/ food stealing: All food is mine. He can only have what I give him.
Simple enough.
It works wonderfully for Washburn. Sometimes I take the food away for a moment during the meal to make sure he isn't possessive, or I'll touch him while he eats, or even put my hand in the food bowl. I am very confident that Washburn will be fine, BUT these are all risky, many dogs are territorial about their food, so be careful, start slow, start small.
:)
Any questions?
-Brandolyn and the Drooly Dog
I've taught my dog, Kirby, to leave it. Start with food close to you. Increase the amount of food. I've gotten him to the point where he won't touch his favourite treat without me saying so.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad Washburn is being a good, attentive boy. :) He's a scraggly, handsome guy.
Food aggression can be a problem, but it can be fixed. I suggest if someone has that issue to get some help from a dog trainer, at least to start.
Amazing Heather! Kirby sounds like a wonderfully trained lad!
DeleteWash is Fantastic with "Leave it". I can hold his favourite treat, say "Leave it" stick it in his face and he'll shy away from it. I can move it around his head, and he will avoid the treat until I tell him he can have it.
But yes, food aggression is dangerous and professionals can help! This is just my "Puppy Preventative Measures"