As I have mentioned on several occasions, Gracie has a few issues (don’t we all??). She hates riding in the car, and I have detailed several things I have tried to conquer her fear. She also has a problem with her food bowl.
With my previous dogs, I worked with them from puppyhood to eliminate any food aggression. It worked so well that anyone, even small children, could place their hands in the dogs’ bowls without fear of being bitten. However, when you adopt an older rescue dog, you do not get that opportunity. Do not let that deter you from adopting an older dog, though. Just know that you will have a little more work ahead of you.
During Gracie’s second meal of the day, I have experimented with different training techniques. Lately, I have been holding the bowl, letting her take a bite, and then pulling the bowl away. At first, she would hurriedly inhale as much food as she could before I removed the bowl. Gradually, she is beginning to relax and not eat so rapidly. She still tries to grab the last few bites as quickly as possible. It will just take time.
A trainer I visited also suggested placing your hand in the bowl along with a Vienna sausage or other highly desirable treat. When I did this, Gracie inhaled the treat – and proceeded to gobble the rest of her food, lest “the hand” steal it.
As I have said many times, training involves trying lots of different techniques until you find something that works for your buddy. Please share any tips you have for handling food aggression. I could use the advice!
Rescue Mommy
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