What if My Dog is Inclined to Steal Food?
In general, dogs don’t understand the concept of stealing; if food is left available, it is there for the taking. This is a natural built-in action not necessarily driven by hunger, although some dogs are prone to gluttony (Labrador are often a special problem in this respect).
Remedial Action:
- Inform everyone in the household that they must not leave food lying around, remove all likely temptation.
- Consider using a set up scenario coupled with “magic punishment”
- Increase your leadership status.
- Ensure that you are feeding your dog the right quantity of a well balanced diet.
What if my Dog is Possessive Over Food
It is a natural trait for dogs to guard food as they would do in the wild. However, this behavior is not acceptable in a domestic household, especially if there are children present. This action could easily lead to your dog causing serious injury ti family members and becoming over dominant in other ways. It is vital that your dog learns that you not only give food, toys, and other objects but that you are also entitled to take them away.
Remedial Action:
- Do not retaliate or threaten your dog with punishment. You could lose and that would make the situation worse.
- Start by giving meals that are less palatable to your dog; this will make it less inclined to guard its bowl.
- Remove the feeding bowl promptly when your dog has finished eating. Do this when it is looking at you, not behind its back.
- Step up the training and leadership exercises paying particular attention to the NO command.
What if My Dog Lick Peoples Hand Excessively?
Some people like this attention but most don’t, so it is better to teach your dog that such behavior is not acceptable and does not pay off.
Remedial Action:
- Family members and visitors should ignore the dog if it attempts this behavior and give it no opportunity to act in its way. Frequently this is a sign of over submissiveness.