Our first rescue mutt was extremely food possessive. Jay would even almost take off your fingers when giving him a treat, for fear you were actually going to take it back from him at the last second. Very strange dog. Dawg, I miss him!
I never had a dog that was that possessive of food. I guess abundant supply and all, no worries. I did have a cat that would tear your arm off if you gave him a string bean and then tried to take it from him.
My dog prefers to be called “food assertive.” I tend to respect a dog’s meal and don’t bother one eating, but when they are new to me I will occasionally take the bowl away mid-meal and then return it, and also pet the dog while eating. It helps build trust, too. I just wish the previous owners of my current dog had taught “leave it” and “drop it.” I can get “leave it,” but “drop it” – I need to try harder. But at least I am allowed to pry the mouth open and drag out whatever is being hidden up inside the roof of the mouth. Hunters are always a joy. Luckily I am not squeamish. It really helps with a puppy or new dog to teach them that you will on occasion stick your fingers in their mouth rather than waiting until you see them pick up a bone that looks like a small dagger that could kill them painfully.
Had a relative that was held in WW2 concentration camp. You could see the mental scar that was left. Resource guarding was one of them. Although over the years it was less and less overt. She is gone now. Sad to think what humans can do to each other. (sorry didn’t mean to be a downer)
Liverlips McCracken Premium Member about 3 years ago
Will would definitely be on the “more” side of that curve.
Enter.Name.Here about 3 years ago
If they can’t smell it, they won’t defend it.
jcwrocks69 about 3 years ago
Our first rescue mutt was extremely food possessive. Jay would even almost take off your fingers when giving him a treat, for fear you were actually going to take it back from him at the last second. Very strange dog. Dawg, I miss him!
TMMILLER Premium Member about 3 years ago
I never had a dog that was that possessive of food. I guess abundant supply and all, no worries. I did have a cat that would tear your arm off if you gave him a string bean and then tried to take it from him.
morningglory73 Premium Member about 3 years ago
No touchy. It’s his.
Moonkey Premium Member about 3 years ago
My dog prefers to be called “food assertive.” I tend to respect a dog’s meal and don’t bother one eating, but when they are new to me I will occasionally take the bowl away mid-meal and then return it, and also pet the dog while eating. It helps build trust, too. I just wish the previous owners of my current dog had taught “leave it” and “drop it.” I can get “leave it,” but “drop it” – I need to try harder. But at least I am allowed to pry the mouth open and drag out whatever is being hidden up inside the roof of the mouth. Hunters are always a joy. Luckily I am not squeamish. It really helps with a puppy or new dog to teach them that you will on occasion stick your fingers in their mouth rather than waiting until you see them pick up a bone that looks like a small dagger that could kill them painfully.
PO' DAWG about 3 years ago
Had a relative that was held in WW2 concentration camp. You could see the mental scar that was left. Resource guarding was one of them. Although over the years it was less and less overt. She is gone now. Sad to think what humans can do to each other. (sorry didn’t mean to be a downer)
cuzinron47 about 3 years ago
He’s eating light.
Mediatech about 3 years ago
As with wolf packs, dominant dogs eat first. The rest take their turn.