Developing food aggression.
Posted: Wed May 19, 2010 12:55 pm
Hello everyone!
I did search the topic, but I didn't quite find anything relative to the issue that is developing in my household.
I have a 6 yr old chow, and recently (within the last month) we've adopted a second 1 yr old chow. They both get along fantastic, or so I thought. Turns out, the older chow has just very recently (this week) started showing food aggression especially with bones and treats. Today, for instance, I gave them both a bone to keep them busy. The oldest promptly grabbed hers, and the second one and walked off. A few moments later, I hear her freak out, growl and bark. Not typical behavior for her. Ever. So I go to take both treats away, she growls at me!
I finally get them away and give her a "time out" simply by putting her behind a baby gate in the hallway to keep them apart.
Later today, after some good behavior, I give them both another treat and de ja vu! The exact same things happens. She won't even let the other dog in the room, even if he's in no way interested in what she's got.
Does anyone have any advice on the best way to handle this situation? It seems to only happen with treats and bones. Not so much with daily meals.
I did search the topic, but I didn't quite find anything relative to the issue that is developing in my household.
I have a 6 yr old chow, and recently (within the last month) we've adopted a second 1 yr old chow. They both get along fantastic, or so I thought. Turns out, the older chow has just very recently (this week) started showing food aggression especially with bones and treats. Today, for instance, I gave them both a bone to keep them busy. The oldest promptly grabbed hers, and the second one and walked off. A few moments later, I hear her freak out, growl and bark. Not typical behavior for her. Ever. So I go to take both treats away, she growls at me!
I finally get them away and give her a "time out" simply by putting her behind a baby gate in the hallway to keep them apart.
Later today, after some good behavior, I give them both another treat and de ja vu! The exact same things happens. She won't even let the other dog in the room, even if he's in no way interested in what she's got.
Does anyone have any advice on the best way to handle this situation? It seems to only happen with treats and bones. Not so much with daily meals.