FEEDING RITUAL - Eating

Some people experience what is called "food aggression" or "resource guarding" with their dogs. These are displayed by a dog's growling, snapping, barking, etc. toward a person or other animal that approaches it while it is eating or chewing on a high value item such as a rawhide, bone, or favored toy. This is dangerous behavior and it is unacceptable in our pack.

There is not one command or "thing" we do that discourages resource guarding. I believe it is the one hundred little things we do every day that inform our dogs we provide for them, everything belongs to us, they do not need to defend themselves, and we will not accept possessive or aggressive behavior. Our feeding ritual provides examples of a few of these.

As already highlighted, our dogs work for their food and wait calmly. They also have to receive permission to approach their feeding stations.


Fosse's bowl is filled with dry dog food, frozen green beans, pureed sweet potatoes and hot water. He looks to me for direction of when he can eat. He's such a good puppy!

Once my dogs are eating, I should be able to have my hand in their bowls or move them away from their stations or touch them without any irritation or aggressive behavior. I am guaranteed this due to the trust and respect in our relationship. It creates a secure environment for everyone. My dogs trust that they never have to defend food, and I trust that my dogs are safe around anyone any time.


Luna licks my hand assuming something good is coming from it.
Not everyone has this kind of relationship with her dog, but I wish it for everyone.


Foster moves slightly from my hand as it approaches his food, giving me space and preparing to stop eating if I demand it.
He was unsure during feeding time when he first came to us, but now he's healthy, respectful, appreciative, and happy to eat.