Oreo my mix who is 5 has food aggression issues with other dogs. Now this is a recent development just over the past 2 years. When we had cinnamon our mini doxie they shared a bowl and everything. But when we went home to El Paso and Oreo had to stay outside with my brothers dog Blue, a cocker spaniel/ rotty ( don't ask me how it just happened) she started having food issues. But only with dogs. If I or my kids go near her bowl she will turn away and wait for us to leave. I have put my hand in her bowl taken it away from her and still no aggression. But if any dog goes near her bowl, treat, or what ever she is eating she starts to get aggressive. She even bit cinnamon on the head once over a bone. I now give treats seperatly and always give Oreo her's first since she is the lead dog. But is there any thing that can be done about this or is this something that I just have to deal with and feed my dogs seperatly?
food aggression but only with dogs
- Thread starter rosebud*
- Start date
How do you know she's the "lead" dog? Are you basing this on the fact that she acts aggressively toward the other dogs? What do they do when she growls at them? Do the continue to come back near her food?
At any rate, since it is a strong instinct for dogs, I recommend seperating them when they eat. I do with my three dogs and they aren't even particularly guarding of their food from each other. Prevention is always the best route.
At any rate, since it is a strong instinct for dogs, I recommend seperating them when they eat. I do with my three dogs and they aren't even particularly guarding of their food from each other. Prevention is always the best route.
Well she wasn't always, she was fine at first but when we went home for about 6 months she had to share space with my brothers dog, which in that house being as he is the only dog, is the lead dog. and Oreo doesn't eat all her food at once, whereas Blu would and if she left it he would eat it too. SO I think she learned that she had to guard her food or it would get eaten. It got to where we had to seperate them to eat. So it is something that she never got over I guess. I was just wondering if anybody had any tips or ideas that might help her realize that the puppy isn't going after her food.
First, what is your reaction when she shows aggression? What do you do?
I think the main problem is, is that you see her as "The Lead Dog". You need to make it very clear to her that you are "The Pack Leader" or "Lead Dog" in your house - or anywhere you may visit.
As the human, it's your responsibility to provide leadership to your pack. Once she sees you're the one in control of the situation (and you always remain calm) she will become calm submissive, and the aggression will dissipate.
How often (and how long) are you walking your dogs? Pent up energy without leadership = aggression. That's something you should keep in mind.
Last question, when you walk Oreo is she in front of you or beside you? If she is in front of you she believes she is the pack leader. she should always be beside you, or behind you, never in front. Also remember that you have to control the walks - you stop when you want, you control when she sniffs things, you have to control everything about the walk, calmly.
Whew.. almost wrote a book there! I hope this information helps.
~Rob
I think the main problem is, is that you see her as "The Lead Dog". You need to make it very clear to her that you are "The Pack Leader" or "Lead Dog" in your house - or anywhere you may visit.
As the human, it's your responsibility to provide leadership to your pack. Once she sees you're the one in control of the situation (and you always remain calm) she will become calm submissive, and the aggression will dissipate.
How often (and how long) are you walking your dogs? Pent up energy without leadership = aggression. That's something you should keep in mind.
Last question, when you walk Oreo is she in front of you or beside you? If she is in front of you she believes she is the pack leader. she should always be beside you, or behind you, never in front. Also remember that you have to control the walks - you stop when you want, you control when she sniffs things, you have to control everything about the walk, calmly.
Whew.. almost wrote a book there! I hope this information helps.
~Rob
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Thanks for all the info, I guess I meant that she lets Kenzy know her place in the pecking order. I have been leash training Oreo since neither of her previous owners ever thought to do that, she constantly pulls at the leash and tries to walk in front, but I don't let her. She is a pretty smart dog, but I don't think she wants to compromise on this part. SInce I have been trying for the past 2 years now. Like I said she has no qualms about me being in charge of her food or any thing else. She only gets upset if the puppy goes near it. I am more afraid that she might attack her for getting too close to her food. For instance if I am in the kitchen ( where Oreo's bowl is) and Kenzy follows me, Oreo instantly gets up and guards her food, however if I were to reach down and pick up the bowl while she is guarding it, she moves away and lets me. Never once showing aggression. Like I have said she wasn't always like this so it makes me wonder if I can teach her to let it go?
Oh I know what you meant. But what I was saying is, is if / when Oreo sees 'you' as the Pack Leader she won't ever feel the need to control the other dog/s or anything / anyone else. Because you will be the one in constant control.
It's pretty difficult to give proper advice in a forum.. This Guy: Cesar Millan is incredibly helpful. Just click on that link for a LOT of great information.
~Rob
It's pretty difficult to give proper advice in a forum.. This Guy: Cesar Millan is incredibly helpful. Just click on that link for a LOT of great information.
~Rob