Dog Community

Sudden food aggression

Posted : 5/27/2013 2:50:12 PM

I have four dogs - two seniors, a one year old and a three month old pup, who we have had for about a month. All the dogs have been getting along very well, with the two older ones basically ignoring the crazy younger ones. About two weeks ago I purchased a bag of food and left it in the kitchen. Every time one of the old dogs would go near it the one year old would attack her. This is very new behavior. I have had the one year old since she was a pup and she has never shown aggression towards anything in fact, I would say she leans towards submissiveness. Once the food was put away the attacks stopped. Today I brought out the food bag to feed the dogs and it happened again. Luckily the older one is still in good enough shape to defend herself, but I don't want either of them to get hurt. Once the food was laid out they all ate in peace, and I must stress that this is the only time that there are ever conflicts between the dogs. The one year old has never been overly rough with the puppy and she has never been aggressive towards the other dog. The senior dog has been with me for twelve years and has never shown any signs of aggression.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

JackieG

Posted : 5/27/2013 5:07:50 PM

I don't know exactly why the one year old is suddenly being food aggresive. One thought is that the relationships are changing among the dogs. That's pretty normal as dogs grow old and younger ones gain maturity. Adding another dog also changed the dynamics among the dogs.

I'd start feeding the one year old in a crate or separate room. Put her up before the food comes out and you'll avoid any fighting.

Jewlieee

Posted : 5/27/2013 7:15:05 PM

Yeah, I would agree with changing dynamics with the addition of the new puppy and because the dogs are aging/maturing. It is possible the one year old is developing some resource guarding behavior and this is just the beginning. Look up how tonneau with resource guarding among dogs. I have 3 and sometimes they show resource guarding behavior. Not always but I am always aware of what is in our environment that might start a fight. Things that trigger fights like that are food, bones/chews, special toys, space around my feet, etc. Mostly I watch each dogs behavior and how they are moving their body. You'll learn quickly when one dog is about to guard something. My dogs are really easy to read with that. When I see the beginnings of guardy behavior, I take the resource away that they are valuing at the time. In other words, I control all the resources in the house. Anyway, I agree with Jackie, I would start feeding the one year old in another room an make everyone sit/down stay for their food until you release them to eat.

compoundia

Posted : 6/21/2013 3:03:17 AM

I think the relationship is changing among the dog with development of age and requirement of their body towards maturity. I think you should start supplying meal to your dog separately in their separate bowl and at different location so, that they may not show any aggression.