What To Do When Your Dog Steals Food

Article Written By: Candice Banks

Few canines can resist the lure of food. If they see it, they'll usually try to acquire it. This includes leftovers on the dinner table, scraps that have fallen to the ground, and items that are left sitting on the kitchen counter. A plate of food on the lap of an owner who has fallen asleep on the couch is likely to be eaten before he awakes.

It's important to realize that dogs steal food without feeling any sense of guilt. Their behavior does not strike them in that way. They are simply drawn to it (usually by scent, but often by sight), and use any means in their power to obtain it. In cases where the animal is punished for the behavior, he is unlikely to understand the reason it is happening.

Yet, curbing the habit is necessary in order to avoid frustration in the future. This can be accomplished without using punishment. In this article, we'll present several suggestions that will help you do so.

Make Sure Your Dog Is Well-Fed

On the reality television show "Survivor," contestants spend several days with little more than a few spoonfuls of rice to eat. By the time they encounter a small piece of bread or meat, their motivation to acquire it is high. If your dog is hungry, he will have the same motivation when confronted with a tasty morsel.

Make certain your canine receives a sufficient amount of food. While he may occasionally try to take others' food when given the chance, he will be less inclined to do so. A full stomach will drain his motivation.

Limit Access To Food

This is intuitive, though many owners neglect to do it. If your dog is able to reach an edible item, he is likely to try, especially if it is left unguarded. For example, suppose you and your family share a pizza, and leave a few pieces in a box sitting on a low counter. The scent of the pizza may compel your pet to investigate. If he is able to pull the box toward him, there is a good chance he'll eat the pieces.

Try to put food away before leaving the area. Place it in the refrigerator, oven, or cupboard. If you must leave it out, make sure it is pushed back a sufficient distance from the edge of the table or counter. Also, if there are chairs or stools nearby, assume your canine will use them.

Teach Your Canine To Be Disciplined

Feeding your dog well and keeping food out of his reach are both important steps toward curbing his habit of stealing. But it is just as important to teach him discipline. This involves showing him food while rewarding him for not taking it.

For example, hold a small piece of food in your hand, and make sure your dog sees it. Then, tell him to "stay" as you gradually bring your hand toward the ground. If he stays in his spot, give him a treat for his discipline. If he moves forward to take the food, raise your hand to remove it from his reach. Continue this process until he has learned to resist the urge to take the food.

Keep Food Out Of Your Dog's Sight

Before you and your family sit down to a meal, place your canine in an area from which he will be unable to watch you eat. Put him in another room, or confine him to his crate. You can even give him a Kong toy filled with food to occupy his attention. The purpose of doing this is to remove the temptation food presents to him. If it is out of his sight, he is unlikely to spend time thinking about it.

Canines will always have an affinity toward food. If your dog develops a habit of stealing it, take steps to discourage the behavior.

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