Why does my dog bark at his food? Have you ever stopped to think about it?
You’ve probably seen your dog do strange things, like barking at his own food. Although it may seem strange, this behavior is usually harmless. In order to resolve this concern, you need to investigate the reason behind this behavior. After all, your dog may be in need of help.
Your dog may bark at his food for several reasons. Some reasons include: a change in diet, protective instincts, fear, or even behavior problems. To help you better understand this subject, we share below some reasons that can make your dog bark at his food.
New Brand of Food
One of the reasons your dog may bark at his food is a sudden change from one brand of food to another. This can also happen if you’ve changed the treats that you usually give your pup.
Dogs are very attached to smells and flavors. Therefore, they know when their owners change their food.
If your dog barks at his food while wagging his tail and looking at you, it’s a sign that he liked his food. But if he keeps his ears pinned or tail tucked in, he’s probably not happy with his new food. Your pup may even drop the bowl to show frustration with the exchange.
Read more: 10 Common Dog Behavior Problems
Feeling Threatened
Did you know that your dog may bark at his food out of his resource protection instinct?
Dogs are highly motivated by food. And when they feel threatened by someone wanting to steal their food, they will try to protect it by barking and demonstrating aggressive behavior. If this is the case for your pup, it is essential to train your dog, as protecting resources can contribute to the development of other aggressive tendencies. We recommend reaching out to a local Balanced Dog Trainer.
Afraid of the Bowl
If your dog often barks at his food and takes a step back while eating, he’s probably afraid of the bowl. To avoid this, you must analyze what may be causing the fear in your pup. For example, he may be afraid of his collar that makes a noise when touching the bowl. Or even your pup’s reflection in a shiny bowl can scare him.
Read more: Why Does My Dog Bark at Me?
Your Pup is in Pain While Eating
Dogs may also bark and growl at food because they feel uncomfortable while eating. This behavior is often associated with pain and frustration. It is important to investigate if your dog is suffering from any dental problems, as dental issues can cause a lot of pain when he chews. Be sure to consult a veterinarian if you notice this behavior.
Does your Dog Bark at his Food Often?
There are several other reasons your dog may bark at his food, such as communication with you or anxiety.
In certain cases, especially when they involve fear and aggression, we recommend reaching out to a Balanced Dog Trainer. As we mentioned earlier, it’s also important to consult with your vet to ensure that your pup isn’t suffering from any dental problems. Also remember to be patient, as this is the key to resolving any kind of behavior related issue.
Read more: Why Do Dogs Like to Lick People?
Dog Walker Astoria
If you require help providing socialization opportunities for your dog and you live in Astoria, you can enroll your pup in daily Socialization Walks with Buster and Whiskers. We offer daily 1-hour Socialization Walks. If your pup is under-socialized, we will work with them to help desensitize them and get them ready for our Group Socialization Walks. You must live within our Astoria coverage area. In addition, your dog must be up-to-date on all required vaccinations. Laying a strong foundation in socialization is the best gift you can give your pup for a long and happy life together!
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