How to Correct Food Aggression in Dogs

Dogs have a natural instinct to protect their food. Most dogs only show food aggression by growling, but some dogs may bite to ward off other pets or people while they eat. If your dog's food aggression is not corrected in a timely manner, your dog could physically harm you, your family members, or other pets. Training your dog is key in successfully correcting food aggression.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog bowl
  • Dry dog food
  • Treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take your dog to a safe, secure location, away from other pets and children during feeding time. According to the ASPCA, children are more likely to get bitten by an aggressive dog because they're less able to recognize a dog's warning signals and more likely to behave recklessly around the dog.

    • 2

      Sit down and place your dog's bowl a few inches in front of you. Let your dog look into the empty bowl.

    • 3

      Place a few morsels of dry dog food into the bowl and allow your dog to eat it.

    • 4

      Put a few more pieces of dry dog food into the bowl, but leave your hand on the bowl. Allow your dog to eat the food. Sherry Woodard, of the Best Friends Animal Society, recommends practicing this step approximately three more times, if your dog is fine with your hand on the bowl.

    • 5

      Add a few more pieces of dry dog food into the bowl and command your dog to eat. Pick up the dish before your dog finishes and add a tasty treat to the food. Place the bowl back down and command your dog to resume eating. Woodard recommends using just a few pieces of kibble each time, adding only a small amount of wet food or a small treat to prevent your dog from becoming obese.

    • 6

      Slowly stand up and take the food bowl from your dog to show your dog who's in command. If your dog is not growling or showing signs of aggressive behavior, add a treat to the bowl and allow your dog to resume eating.

    • 7

      Practice each step until you have corrected your dog's food aggression and your dog realizes that you're the one in control of the food. Catherine Waters of Bro and Tracy Animal Welfare Inc. recommends putting your dog on a feeding schedule so it becomes aware that you control the food source.