For Dog Sitters: Preventing Dog Food Aggression

Introduction

One pet peeve of mine is dog sitters who do not understand the importance of feeding guest dogs separately from each other and then act shocked when dogs show food aggression. Regardless of what the owners tell you or don’t tell you, it is your responsibility as the dog sitter to ensure the safety of your guest dogs. Crating or moving dogs to separate rooms or other similar barriers is a must during feeding time. This article dives into what food aggression is, key reasons not to feed dogs together, and some tips for ensuring the safety of your guest dogs especially during feeding time in a boarding situation.

Understanding Food Aggression
Food aggression, also known as resource guarding, is a common behavioral issue where a dog becomes defensive and exhibits aggressive behaviors when eating or guarding their food. These behaviors can include growling, snapping, lunging, or biting. Food aggression can occur in any dog, regardless of breed, age, or history, and is often triggered by the presence of other dogs or perceived threats during meal times. This aggression may include people and even the owner.

Reasons to Avoid Feeding Dogs Together:

Prevention of Aggressive Behaviors:Feeding dogs together can trigger competitive behaviors and lead to food aggression. Dogs may perceive the presence of other dogs as a threat to their food resources, prompting them to guard their food aggressively. By feeding dogs separately, the risk of aggressive encounters and potential injuries is significantly reduced. Further, the presence of food, the scent of food, or even the mention of food may trigger aggression in some dogs if they are in the presence of other dogs.

Safety of All Dogs Involved:When dogs are fed together, the likelihood of altercations increases, posing a threat to the safety and well-being of all dogs involved. Even dogs that generally get along well can become aggressive when food is introduced into the equation. Separating feeding areas ensures that each dog can eat in a stress-free environment, minimizing the risk of fights and injuries.

Maintaining a Calm Feeding Environment:Feeding time should be a calm and positive experience for dogs. Feeding dogs together can create a tense and chaotic environment, leading to heightened stress levels. Dogs may rush through their meals or exhibit anxious behaviors due to the presence of other dogs. Providing individual feeding spaces helps maintain a calm and relaxed atmosphere, promoting healthier eating habits.

Monitoring Individual Dietary Needs:In a dog sitting situation, dogs may have different dietary requirements based on their age, size, health conditions, and preferences. Feeding dogs separately allows the sitter to monitor each dog’s food intake accurately and ensure they are receiving the appropriate portions and nutrition. This is especially important for dogs with special dietary needs or medication that must be administered with food.

Preventing Overeating and Food Theft:When dogs are fed together, there is a risk that one dog may eat more than their share or steal food from another dog’s bowl. This can lead to overeating, weight gain, and potential health issues for the overeating dog, while the other dog may not receive enough food. Separate feeding areas help prevent food theft and ensure that each dog gets their designated portion.

Reducing Anxiety and Stress:Some dogs may experience anxiety or stress when eating in the presence of other dogs. This can result in refusal to eat, defensive behaviors, or even gastrointestinal issues due to stress. By providing a private and quiet space for each dog to eat, their anxiety levels can be significantly reduced, leading to a more enjoyable and peaceful feeding experience.

Practical Tips for Managing Feeding Routines in a Dog Sitting Situation:

Designate Separate Feeding Areas:Assign a specific feeding area for each dog to ensure they have their own space to eat undisturbed. This can be a separate room, a crate, or a designated corner of the house. Ensure that these areas are far enough apart to prevent any visual or physical contact during meal times.

Establish a Feeding Schedule:Maintain a consistent feeding schedule for each dog to create a routine that they can rely on. This helps reduce anxiety and ensures that each dog receives their meals at the same time every day. Be mindful of any specific feeding times requested by the dog owners.

Use Food Bowls with Barriers:If separate rooms are not available, consider using food bowls with barriers or partitions to create a sense of separation. These barriers can help prevent direct eye contact and reduce the likelihood of aggressive behaviors.

Monitor Feeding Times Closely:Supervise feeding times to ensure that each dog is eating their food without interference. If necessary, stay in the room while the dogs eat to monitor their behavior and intervene if any signs of aggression or discomfort arise.

Feed High-Value Treats Separately:High-value treats, such as bones or special snacks, can trigger intense resource guarding behaviors. Always feed high-value treats separately and in a controlled environment to prevent any aggressive incidents.

Address Food Aggression with Training:If a dog in your care exhibits signs of food aggression, work on addressing this behavior through positive reinforcement training. Consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist for guidance on implementing effective training techniques to reduce food aggression.

Communicate with Dog Owners:Before beginning a dog sitting assignment, communicate with the dog owners about their dogs’ feeding habits, dietary requirements, and any known issues with food aggression. This information will help you plan and manage feeding routines effectively and safely.

Understanding the Causes of Food Aggression: Food aggression can stem from various factors, including:

Early Experiences: Dogs that have experienced food scarcity or competition for resources during their early life may develop food aggression as a survival instinct.

Genetic Predisposition: Some dogs may have a genetic predisposition to resource guarding behaviors, making them more prone to food aggression.

Lack of Training: Dogs that have not been properly trained or socialized around food may develop aggressive behaviors when eating. Obedience training even at a high level does not “fix” food related aggression.

Medical Issues: Certain medical conditions, such as gastrointestinal problems or pain, can contribute to food aggression. It’s important to rule out any underlying health issues with a veterinarian.

Recognizing the Signs of Food Aggression:Being able to recognize the signs of food aggression is crucial for preventing and managing this behavior. Common signs include:

Growling or Snarling: A dog may growl or snarl when approached while eating.
Stiff Body Posture: The dog may become tense and rigid, with their body positioned protectively over their food.

Baring Teeth: Showing teeth or curling lips is a clear warning sign of potential aggression.

Lunging or Biting: In severe cases, the dog may lunge or attempt to bite if they feel their food is threatened.

Eating Quickly: Some dogs may eat rapidly to finish their food before it can be taken away or approached by another dog.

Addressing Food Aggression:
Desensitization and Counter-Conditioning:Work on desensitizing the dog to the presence of others during meal times. Gradually introduce the dog to being approached while eating, using positive reinforcement to create a positive association with the presence of others. Start at a distance and slowly decrease the distance over time as the dog becomes more comfortable.

Teach the “Leave It” Command:Training the “leave it” command can help manage resource guarding behaviors. Practice this command regularly and reward the dog for complying, helping them learn to relinquish food or objects on command.

Use Puzzle Feeders:Puzzle feeders and slow feeders can help reduce the intensity of food aggression by slowing down the eating process and providing mental stimulation. These tools encourage the dog to work for their food, making meal times more engaging and less stressful.

Consult a Professional:If food aggression persists or is severe, seek the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can provide personalized guidance and training techniques to address the behavior effectively.

Conclusion
In my mind, food aggression is natural especially for wild animals so the lack of food aggression in predator animals is something we specifically have bred for over centuries. People think it’s cute for animals to share and all get along but that isn’t normal in nature so recognizing that food aggression is prevalent and just feeding separately is best practice. You certainly can use the information above in consultation with a dog behaviorist but leaving the food aggression in an otherwise healthy, happy dog isn’t a huge deal in my opinion as long as it does not interfere with your lifestyle.