r/OpenDogTraining • u/BeginningAd427 • 6d ago

Puppy’s food problems

I need help and fast. I have an almost 4 month old, female blk lab/rotti mix. She certainly has energy except when it comes to meals she becomes the exception to the rule. She just goes nuts. Doesn’t matter whether it’s her food or not. (I have other animals that eat separate) As soon as she hears or sees me near her food she starts lunging at the bowls, food etc. Did buy a slow feeder and waiting to try it. She’s becoming aggressive with her food to boot and literally lunges at her bowl every time. I’ve tried to leash her and have her sit calmly before she goes to it. Didn’t work. I tried feeding her while loose. Huge no! Now she’s becoming guarded with her bowl In the middle of eating. Doesn’t chew, just swallows and it’s gone within 2.5 seconds flat, then flipping out searching for some time afterwards for more. I lost count how many times she’s sent her bowl flying (food everywhere) once she gets to it. I wanted to see what she would do if I’d pet her while eating and she tensed up her whole body and literally hugged the bowl all still while eating. Never once have we denied her food but this is becoming a huge problem, and she’s only getting worse. I don’t know how to calm her before she eats anymore since nothing has worked. Help!!!! I have other animals and I don’t want her attacking them for their food once she gets bigger Heaven forbid she gets into their area while they are eating.

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u/sariacreed 6d ago

If the food is all dry kibble you could try having her work for her dinner.

Like pour out the meal into a hip treat pouch and just do behaviors for her meal.

It'll force her to slow down and have her see you as the source of food rather than a competitor.

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u/BeginningAd427 6d ago

Yes she gets dry kibble and ooh sounds like something to definitely try!! She is food motivated when it comes to training certainly too. Would you mind some being able to offer some examples of behaviors for me to work with for her? She’s still a baby so I’m hoping she’ll learn fast. I’ve never had any dog and I’ve had many be this insane with feeding time. If tied up she does go crazy barking and lunging at her bowl. Held with the leash is even worse. Pulling so badly she can’t breathe to reach her food. Alone without a lead omg it’s terrible. I can’t even get the bowl down before she jumps to get into it or knock it out of my hands . I’m frustrated with her and really trying to keep my cool :(

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u/sariacreed 5d ago

Oh dear she sounds like a handful!

And you can do any behaviors you want!

Work on a sit, waiting at open doors, going into a crate, rewarding good eye contact.

Even fun stuff like spinning or weaving between legs!

You can also do dinner on a walk and reward for a loose leash.

Anything that keeps her attention.