The Feeding Ritual: Working

Domestication has made it possible for dogs to receive their food without having to hunt it down themselves, but it's still in their nature to feel the need to work for it.

Before my dogs eat, I take them for a walk. In this way, I ask my dogs to work for food and water. This is a form of waiting, which is psychological exercise that helps nurture a balanced, happy dog.

The morning routine should look like this:

You project calm-assertive energy before you give your dog affection.
You walk your dog to exercise her body and allow her to explore the world.
When you get home, prepare her food.
While you fill the bowl, ask your dog to sit.
If she sits quietly and projects calm-submissive energy with no negative behaviors, place the bowl of food in front of her.

Some of my clients think this routine sounds too rigid, but from your dog’s perspective, it is instinctual. Focusing the mind and body brings the dog back into a more natural, balanced state.

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Thu, 12/31/2009 - 3:49am — Diesel9a1

If the dog doesn't want to come and sit?

My Kerry Blue will reluctanly come and sit and wait for food. VERY reluctanly for me - even turning to a tantrum barking argument and if I put my hand to her collare to guide her more, big barking and slight show of teeth, but no so bad for my wife to encourage the dog.

We mix the food up for her on the worktop, then put the food down in a corner of the kitchen. Then when finished tidying up the mess, we move away from the food and say "OK" and sometimes she just goes for the food no problems. The majority of times there are grumbles, reluctance, hesitance, growls as she moves towards the food. She has a couple of mouthfulls and then turns to check on us, maybe move away from the food and not eat it, but if we make a move for the food she will run back to it and have a few more mouthfulls, but when possible move away again. If we sit and watch her eat, she eats whilst grumbling at us.

Any thoughts on that?

Pete

Wed, 01/13/2010 - 7:42pm — Youaskedforit

Food Aggression

That growling is a bad sign of a potential problem. You need to watch Ceasar's show about food aggression. First off, don't set the bowl down. Hold it in your hands until the dog complies with your request. If he doesn't comply, no food. When he looks calm, then you can put the bowl down.

Ceasar has shown how you claim the food bowl by standing close and then moving closer crowding the dog's head as he's eating. Stand tall and be confident. Don't talk, don't have eye contact. Continue to stand tall. Don't lower yourself to their level. Stand closer by inching forward and crowd the dog until he moves back. At this point it is your bowl. I hope I've explained it properly. Good luck.

Fri, 05/14/2010 - 3:42pm — sumhope

This is very helpful! I have

This is very helpful!

I have a jack russell and she will growl if you try to take her food away. I'm worried a child will either take her food or even get too close and be hurt.

I will try this when I get home tonight and feed her and hopefully my change in behavior will help hers.