Food and Toy Possession

Protecting food and possessions is a common problem. Puppies learn to growl or snap at their littermates to keep them away from their food, and can continue this behavior with their human families if not taught otherwise. As dog owners, it is important to teach our dogs to be comfortable with humans near their food.

Try the following excersises several times daily.

NOTE: These exercises are designed to prevent, not treat, possession. If your dog shows any signs of possession (freezing, growling, snapping) please contact an East Bay SPCA trainer.

Food Bowl Exercises

• Approaching: While your dog is eating, toss a special treat into his food bowl. Have others do this as well. This will make him excited to see anyone approaching his food.

• Touching your dog and her food bowl: Put a special treat into the bowl, and let your hand linger in the bowl for a few seconds. Drop in a few more treats while gently petting the dog. Have other people do this as well, so your dog learns that it is good to have people near her food.

• Removing food: Put a small amount of food in your dog’s bowl and let him start eating. Before he finishes, pick up the bowl and add more or tastier food. Repeat, adding additional food each time you pick up the partially full bowl.

Give your dog an object that is interesting, but not too exciting. Say "Give" or "Trade" and take the object away. Immediately give your dog a treat. If necessary, use the treat to lure her head away before picking up the toy. Give the object back and repeat.

Your dog will quickly learn to give up her object since she gets it back, as well as a treat. Object exchanges are also a great way to encourage your dog to bring her fetch toy back to you.

When your dog is hungry, let him eat some of his food directly from your hand. This teaches your dog so that food comes from you, and strengthens the bond between you and your dog.