Funny at the Food Bowl - Dog Training in Milton

They are out there, there's millions of households that have one this very moment, lurking in your living rooms, under your covers ... they are the picky eaters of the canine world.

Sometimes it's hard to believe that a dog, of all creatures, would decide to be a picky eater. If you're like me, you've only had dogs that will wolf down anything in there path that even slightly resembles eatables. Dogs are opportunistic creatures, so when the opportunity to eat presents itself, many will take full advantage of it.

But then, we have those that turn their nose up at dinner unless it is accompanied by a nice steak sauce, or those who refuse to eat unless their bowl is in a certain area of the house, or snub the food until their owner waits on them hand and foot, feeding them each little morsel by hand.

Are these dogs truly picky eaters, or is there something else going on here?

From my experience through working with clients, and through observation, these dogs are not actually picky eaters, rather they are manipulating their owners, using the food bowl as a hostage.

Now when I say manipulating, I don't mean in the same sense as the way humans manipulate. There is no premeditation here, rather a habit that has built up due to the owner giving in to the dogs wishes.

The dog has become used to being waited upon, or having their food lavishly adorned with special sauces and when they fail to receive this treatment at meal times, they refuse the bowl.

The best way to deal with dogs like this is to use the good old, time tested method of filling the bowl, leaving it down for 20 minutes, and picking it up at the 20 minute mark, regardless if the dog has finished or not. Then trying again at the next meal, with the same process.

Unless your dog has an underlying medical issue, this process usually works over a few days, making the dog realize that he'll be going hungry if he doesn't do the doggy thing and eat his dinner. This is usually enough to break the bad habit of requiring fan fare or special treatment at meal times.

If you have a really stubborn case, it would be beneficial to seek the expertise of a trainer, to make sure that you are approaching the situation the correct way. It is also best to check with your vet to rule out any medical issues that may be interrupting the dogs eating habits.

Please feel free to contact Smart Dogs Canine Training if you are experiencing food related issues with your doggy companion and we would be happy to help.

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