Adopting a Dog? Here’s What You Should Know About Food Aggression First

Thinking about welcoming a dog into your life? Food guarding, where dogs protect their food, can definitely be a challenge. But adopting a dog with food aggression doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker: You can address and improve food aggression with patience and positive training. By understanding the causes and using the right strategies, you can help your dog feel more comfortable and even better your relationship with them. We spoke to professional dog trainer Juniper Zen, CPDT-KA owner of Ruff Translation, about the causes of food aggression, in addition to some suggestions on how to train dogs with food aggression.

What is food aggression in dogs?

Food aggression in dogs, a form of resource guarding, is a display of defensive behaviors such as growling, snapping, baring teeth, or biting to protect their food from perceived threats. This aggression typically arises when a dog is approached while eating and can extend to other valuable items, such as toys or chews. The behavior is often a dog’s attempt to assert control over their resources.

Beyond the clear warning signs, there are other early signals a dog can give when they’re guarding food. “These behaviors can show up subtly — the dog lowering their head or lowering their shoulders over the food, using their body to block someone. They might freeze, go very still, and look at you with a hard expression,” Zen says. According to Zen other signs of stress include repeated lip licking (while staring at a person or animal), yawning, and if the dog speeds up their eating when approached. And in more extreme circumstances, a dog pushed beyond their tolerance could hurt someone. “A dog might lunge for a person coming towards or reaching for their food. They might snap in the air, or they may bite,” Zen cautions.

Understanding this behavior is crucial for maintaining balance in your household. (Note: If your dog vocalizes or barks for food at dinner time, this may not be food aggression.)

Is food aggression in dogs curable? 

While dog food aggression can be managed effectively with the right approach, completely curing them of this behavior may not always be possible. “Some dogs just feel so much anxiety or defensiveness in these situations that their owners may not be able to train it out of them,” Zen says. “But in my experience, the vast majority of dogs can be very calm and relaxed about people approaching their food.” To see those results takes work. Consistent training and a secure environment are required to significantly reduce these behaviors. It’s also important to educate other people in your household — and closely watch kids and other pets in your home — to avoid conflict or injury.

Causes of a dog’s food aggression

What’s the cause of food aggression? Well, that’s a bit complicated, but pain, anxiety, and fear seem to play a big role in food aggression in dogs. Some studies attempt to draw a link between a dog’s breed and inherited traits that may lead to food aggression. But behavioralists agree that any tendency towards this — genetic or otherwise — can increase if your dog has had negative experiences around food, wasn’t socialized properly, lacks training, or has medical issues.

To look for clues, consider thinking about your dog’s triggers. Is your dog aggressive with other dogs around food? Or are they aggressive around people when eating? With that said, let’s explore the primary causes of food aggression in dogs.

Instinctual behavior

Resource guarding is an instinctual fear-based behavior that stems from a survival mechanism where dogs feel the need to secure their resources from potential threats. (Imagine their ancestors, wolves, protecting a kill in the wild.)

Learned behavior

But this behavior can also be learned when a dog is under stress. “Food aggression can absolutely be a learned behavior. It is unfortunately common for owners to accidentally teach their dogs to feel defensive or anxious about people near their food,” Zen says. “If the owner goes over and messes with the dog while they’re eating — something as simple as just reaching for the dog and petting them — and the dog is annoyed by it, they can develop a negative association.”

Sometimes pet parents take away their dog’s food and give it back, thinking they’re teaching them a positive association, but from the dog’s perspective, that’s just annoying, Zen says. It’s essential to address resource guarding through diligent training that focuses on positive reinforcement and desensitization to help the dog feel secure.

Negative past experiences

Negative past experiences and fear in young puppies may contribute to food aggression. Socialization in dogs is important and positive experiences help shape a dog’s view of the world. Dogs who have faced food scarcity may develop aggressive behaviors as a survival mechanism.

Addressing food aggression in dogs with these backgrounds involves understanding their history, providing a stable and safe environment, and using positive reinforcement techniques to build trust and reduce fear​​.

Pain and medical issues

Zen says medical issues can be an underlying cause of food aggression. Painful conditions like arthritis, dental disease, ear infections, or thyroid imbalances can cause discomfort and make dogs more defensive around their food. For instance, a dog with joint pain may become aggressive due to the discomfort and vulnerability they feel while eating. Or a dog with dental issues may exhibit aggression while eating due to mouth pain.

There is also a correlation between dementia and aggression in dogs. As dogs age, cognitive decline can make them feel disoriented and more vulnerable (just like humans), prompting defensive behaviors around food. Dementia can cause a dog to forget familiar routines or people, increasing their stress levels and making them more likely to guard their resources.

When adopting a dog, have them undergo a thorough veterinary examination to rule out or treat any medical conditions contributing to potential aggressive behavior. Your vet may even recommend medication to help with anxiety and stress or to manage symptoms of cognitive dysfunction. “And if an owner has a dog that they’ve already had for a while and food aggression is something new, that dog should definitely be assessed medically,” Zen says.

How to address food aggression in dogs

Managing a dog with food aggression is possible, but it will take a lot of patience and consistent positive reinforcement training. If you’re new to this, Zen recommends working with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. Here are some effective strategies for how to handle food aggression in dogs.

Prevention and management

Prevention is key when it comes to food aggression. The last thing you want is for someone, whether a roommate, family member or guest, especially a child, to get bitten. It’s important to be careful about when and where your dog is fed or given chews or anything they might guard.

If your pup gets anxious around other pets or people during mealtimes, keep them separated by at least 10 feet or, ideally, in different rooms. Baby gates or exercise pens can also be lifesavers. This distance can help prevent food-related drama before it even starts.

Establish a routine

Regular feeding times can help reduce anxiety around food. Dogs thrive on consistency, and having a set schedule can make them feel more secure and less anxious about when they’ll get their next meal. And don’t mess with them or their food when they’re chowing down — this way, they’ll feel less pressure during mealtimes.

Consult a professional trainer

There is no shame in reaching out to a certified dog trainer who has experience in addressing dogs with food aggression using positive reinforcement methods. Food-aggressive dogs will likely benefit from training in any capacity. Professional trainers offer personalized strategies and techniques tailored to your dog’s specific needs. They can provide valuable insights into the root causes of the aggression and help implement effective behavior modification plans.

Zen recommends that new pet parents seek out help from a pro early if they see any signs of guarding, even if they seem harmless. “Most people do not notice the more subtle signs unless they have previous experience with an aggressive dog. They will reach out when it gets to the point that the dog is growling, snapping, or biting,” Zen says.

“But I would recommend [consulting a trainer] if you see that your dog is freezing or hovering over the food when you approach. If that guarding behavior is not addressed, it’s possible for it to escalate over time as people accidentally push the dog to their limits.”

Desensitization techniques

If you are experienced and confident in training dogs with behavioral issues, you can try to gradually expose the dog to situations that trigger their aggression — in a positive and controlled manner. If you’re new to dog training, it’s a good idea to reach out to a professional dog trainer for guidance here.

“A desensitization plan starts with the owner just slightly approaching the dog at a distance. It may be a few feet, it may be eight to 10 feet away,” Zen instructs, depending on the dog’s tolerance. Pet parents should pair their approach towards the dog with a really special treat. “You want the dog to learn. Oh, when I have food, and my person starts to approach, they’re actually going to toss me a goodie. This is amazing!” This method helps to slowly build the dog’s tolerance and reduce their aggressive response to perceived threats. This approach also focuses on reinforcing desirable behaviors rather than punishing negative ones, which can worsen aggression​.

1. Start by allowing your dog to eat in a stress-free environment.

2. Then slowly introduce potential triggers, such as approaching their food bowl at a distance that they can handle without getting triggered.

3. Throw a tasty treat to your dog from that distance so they feel a positive association.

4. Repeat this again and again (and again) at this distance.

5. Over time, reduce the distance between the trigger and the dog while rewarding them for remaining calm. Keep an eye out for those very subtle signals, and back off if they indicate you’re getting too close.

Adopting a dog with food aggression

Adopting a dog, especially one with a tendency to resource guard, requires commitment, discipline, and patience. The good news: One study found that more than half of the dogs who were reported to resource guard when surrendered to a shelter (or during a shelter assessment) did not display resource guarding behavior in their new homes.

Still, preparation is key. Training a dog who resource guards (with the right strategies and support) can be life-changing for both you and your pet. But that will only come after time and dedication. Prior experience here helps a lot. But weighing the following considerations and challenges is even more important if your new dog arrives with some food aggression. 

A few things to consider before adoption

With preparation and a consistent training plan (whether stemming from you or a professional), you’ll find that many dogs can change their behaviors. Here are five important realities to consider.

• Forget old-school “alpha dog” training: Those outdated tactics, like taking food away, are a total no-no. Use positive, force-free methods to build a bond with your pup instead.

• Embrace taking the slow approach: Addressing food aggression is a gradual process that requires consistent effort. If you stick with a strategy and invest a lot of time in it, there is a good chance your dog can transform into a calmer, happier pet.

• Know the potential for injury: Managing a dog with food aggression can be risky, as it increases the potential for bites or aggressive incidents if not handled carefully, especially in homes with children. It takes time and resilience to overcome this challenge and create a safer environment for both the dog and the household.

• Get help from a professional trainer: Consulting with a certified dog trainer or behaviorist experienced with food aggression can be a difference-maker. If you’re not an experienced pet parent, professional guidance can offer game-changing management and training. This may lead to significant behavioral improvements for your dog and lower stress levels for you. 

• Create a safe feeding environment: Ensuring your dog feels secure while eating can help effectively manage aggressive behaviors. Establishing a designated, stress-free feeding area may help a dog feel relaxed, leading to more peaceful mealtimes. This can also reinforce the positive atmosphere during structured training sessions. Dog-proofing your house and buying essential supplies such as gates and crates can help keep everyone safe.

Commonly asked questions

How can I calm an aggressive dog? 

Positive reinforcement techniques work best to calm an aggressive dog, as does a consistent routine and plenty of physical and mental stimulation. It’s best to consult with a professional trainer for personalized strategies. Note: Never approach an aggressive dog, especially one you don’t know, or in a situation where you aren’t completely comfortable. 

How can I stop dogs from fighting over food? 

The best thing to do to stop dogs from fighting over food is to separate dogs during mealtime, either by using different rooms or feeding them in separate kennels. Establishing a feeding routine and using positive reinforcement to reward calm behavior can also help prevent fights over food. 

Can food aggression lead to other types of aggression? 

Yes, if left unaddressed, food aggression can potentially escalate to other forms of resource guarding. It is important to manage and mitigate food aggression early to prevent it from developing into broader behavioral issues.

Are all dogs food-aggressive? 

No, not all dogs are food-aggressive. Many dogs will even walk away from their bowl if another animal or person approaches it. But it’s always a good idea to give dogs space while eating. 

References 

Are Underweight Shelter Dogs More Likely to Display Food Aggression Toward Humans?

Defining and Clarifying the Terms Canine Possessive Aggression and Resource Guarding

Effects of Free Versus Scheduled Feeding on Shelter Dogs Exhibiting Food-Related Aggression

Food Bowl Aggression in Dogs

How to Stop Food Aggression Towards Other Dogs

Risk Assessment Regarding Aggressive Behavior

Understanding Food Aggression in Dogs and How to Address It

Understanding Dog Food Aggression and How to Manage It