How to train puppy not to be overprotective about food

[NicoleChan]

Hi Adrienne, 

We have a 10 weeks old Rottweiler puppy. As he is chewing a lot, we decided to let him chew on raw bone marrow under our supervision. After he chew for 15 mins, we will take the bone away. 
 

From your article, I read that if I took his bone away I am causing him to be overprotective about food. Also, the article mentioned that I shouldn’t pet him or touch him while he is eating because this too will lead him to be overaggressive about food. 
 

At the moment, the puppy has not learned to be overprotective of food as he doesn’t growl when I pat him while eating or take away his food. 
 

what should be my future actions be to not teach him to be overprotective. 
1. can I take away his raw bone after 15 mins? 

2. can I pat him or touch him while he is eating? 
 

3. what should I do to not cause him to be overprotective about food or toy? 

thank you. 

 

[Adrienne]

Hi there!

Your Rottie pup is adorable!

Although your puppy is not acting over protective right now, it's a good idea to start taking steps to prevent any future problems. Ideally, you should take away the raw bone and trade it with something else. 

Bones are often at the very top of a dog's hierarchy of value. Not only because they are long-lasting, but because they often have meat to nibble on. Many dog owners wonder what to trade these with. By putting oneself into a dog's mind it is possible to find several options.

For instance, a bone that has been chewed down a lot can be traded for some long-lasting edible that can be fully consumed (e.g. bully stick). An empty marrow bone can be removed and then immediately returned with something tasty smeared in the middle (like cream cheese or peanut butter). Do this quickly in front of your puppy so that he can see that you are adding something yummy and giving it back right away. Of course, these are just examples. Use bones at your own risk and discretion and make sure they are appropriate for the age your puppy.

Here are some other helpful exercises/tips: 

-Every now and then, when you catch your puppy showing signs of really "being into" something like a toy, get a super high-value goodie and practice an exchange. Surprise your dog! You want him to look forward to these little exchanges because they are so valuable! Do this when you have a chance every now and then.

-Get your puppy used to having his mouth checked. This is good for getting your puppy used to having his teeth brushed and mouth checked by your vet, but also in case you ever need to retrieve some item out of his mouth. Every now and them, open your puppy's mouth open and stick a tasty treat inside. This will make your puppy more collaborative and help him learn that when you remove something from his mouth, something tasty will follow.

-Every now and then, make it a habit to check your pup's environment. In the yard, make it a routine to scan for items that your pup may get a hold of. Look for things like candy wrappers, food wrappers, dead birds, dead mice, etc. Even the most immaculate yards may contain these things. Also, on walks (once your vet has told you it is safe), scan your environment to prevent walking your puppy in the direct path of some tempting items on road. It's a good idea to always carry a treat bag on you, so you are prepared to reward your pup for leaving stuff or dropping stuff.

-And of course, all puppies benefit from better impulse control and frustration tolerance. Make sure your puppy learns to sit for meals, and is fluent in responding to the leave it cue and drop it cues.

-Avoid chasing your puppy around to retrieve an item he has has in his mouth (even if just for play).

-Avoid prying your dog's mouth open and retrieving something out of their mouth by force.

-Avoid confrontational methods such as scruff shakes, alpha rolls, etc.

-Avoid petting your puppy or dog while eating. I know this may have been a popular practice in the past, but turns out dogs are entitled to eat in peace and petting them while eating may backfire in the long run. Just like we wouldn't like to be touched on the face when we are enjoying a juicy steak at our favorite restaurant, dogs may come to dread being touched too. There is a time for everything. However,  if you are concerned about possible food bowl guarding raising its ugly head one day, it's a good practice to make it a habit every now and then of nonchalantly walking by your puppy's food bowl and adding some goodies to it. Do this often, once again to the point of creating a conditioned emotional response. Your pup may wag his tail and look happy as he knows that something really good is coming!

I hope this helps,

Happy Training