Food Aggressive?

Tank is 6 months old and very food aggressive to other dogs. I keep my two dogs apart when they eat but Tank will attack the gate if he thinks the other dog is eating (other dog is behind wall so Tank can not even see him). We also go to puppy class and he will attack the other dogs for stray food on the floor. Is there any thing I can do to help him get over this? His breeder fed them all from the same bowl when they were young and I am guess that is what started the behavior. Any help would be great. Thanks.

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Permalink Reply by Paula Hess on December 12, 2008 at 1:59am

Have you tried to get him to sit and stay before you put his food down. If he gets up, so does the food. When he is sitting and staying....slide the food to him. That is just so he understands that YOU control the food. My 5 month old corgi is the same way. Our other 2 dogs eat 1 inch apart so I was shocked to see this little dog try to take command over 2 dogs that outweigh him by 60 lbs. or better. He now eats in the other room. When theree is food around and the other dogs are present, I keep an eye out for the look that says, "hey, I am going to bite you". I stop that behavior by getting his attention with a stern command. Usually I give him the "look" command. I do practice controlling his lack of control by doing basic obedience with all the dogs. When he gets too rambuncious, I wait till he just sits. His high energy level is what makes him get food aggressive. It takes a ton of patience, but, it will pay off. Puppy class is super good, don't give up. Stay calm and in control. I hope this helps. Keep me posted.

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Permalink Reply by Vicki on December 12, 2008 at 4:31pm

Thanks for the advice. Funny thing is my trainer said that sooner or later the other dogs will just learn leave him to the food. He is so much fun so this one little behavior is okay:) I guess your right about the property laws. I have to read the manual again. Ha. Ha.

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Permalink Reply by alynne on December 12, 2008 at 6:21pm

i had the same problem!! it was so bad she would make other dogs bleed. about a month after she got spayed we went to stay with family and my mom was feeding her dog, i just held her in my arms until it was her turn, later that night the two dogs got into the bag of treats and dog food i brought and were sharing, she will eat out of the same bowl now and never gets aggressive with any dog. im thinking either her age, or the spaying stopped the behaviour im not sure though. im just glad she doesn't do it anymore, its scary to see how aggressive she got!

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Permalink Reply by Lisa on December 13, 2008 at 10:11am

My boys have to sit quietly before they are fed. If they start herding each other or growling, the food will not be put down until they "assume the position". It took awhile, but they know what to do now. We still have the occasional fuss. Corgis love food and to be in charge of everything. At least Charlie does.