Pandering to his every need is not a good thing
As your puppy grows, so will their need to assert themselves. Puppies often choose mealtimes as a battle ground. But giving in is a mistake. You need to make sure your puppy knows that you won't respond to every demand. You'll also need to get them to accept you and the rest of the family getting on with life around them, for example, puppies can become very territorial and possessive over their food bowl and will make a fuss if approached while eating. This behaviour can become quite difficult and anti-social, so you must put a stop to it. It's not too difficult to achieve, it just takes patience. Follow the steps below and your pup should develop perfect table manners.
Tasty Tips
Less is more
Put a small amount of food in your puppy's bowl and move away. When finished, return to the bowl and put in a little more. This will get them to eagerly anticipate your approach. You'll know your puppy is happy if their tail starts wagging as you get nearer.
All together now
Now you're ready to put the full meal down all at once. Stand, or sit nearby and add a special treat to the bowl as they eat. Speak softly and stroke them as you drop the reward into the bowl. Repeat this once every few meals until your puppy is totally at ease.
The extra mile
Your puppy needs to learn that people around them, particularly small children, can be unpredictable. But they need to accept that their behaviour is not threatening. You can help by imitating a child's behaviour: try stepping quickly towards the bowl - then drop in a treat. Gently bump into your puppy, while eating, or roll toys nearby - anything to cause a distraction, but drop a treat in the bowl to reward for continuing to eat calmly. Do this every so often, but not at every meal. If your puppy freezes mid mouthful, growls or glares at you, stop and try again another time. If this continues, it's best to seek advice from an animal trainer.
Related products
Puppy Food
Hill's Science Plan Puppy Multipack Wet Dog Food with Chicken & Beef are complete premium pet foods for growing puppies from weaning until 1 year old and for pregnant and nursing dogs. Your puppy will love these deliciously smooth and savoury minced loaves, formulated for balanced nutrition and overall health.
Mature Adult Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Mature Adult Multipack Wet Dog Food with Chicken & Beef are complete premium pet foods for mature adult dogs from 7 years. Your dog will love these deliciously smooth and savoury minced loaves, formulated to deliver the appropriate amount of energy to support the needs of adult dogs.
Hypoallergenic Adult Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Hypoallergenic Adult Wet Dog Food with Salmon is a complete premium pet food for all adult dogs from 1 year. This savoury tinned loaf is specially formulated for dogs with delicate skin and stomachs. It features a single novel animal protein source and is grain-free.
Adult Wet Dog Food with Beef
Hill's Science Plan Adult Multipack Wet Dog Food with Chicken, Beef & Turkey are complete premium pet foods for adult dogs from 1 year. Your dog will love these deliciously smooth and savoury minced loaves, formulated for balanced nutrition and overall health.
Related articles
What should I do about my overweight dog?
Dog obesity is a significant problem - learn more about helping your dog become trimmer and healthier through improved nutrition.
Kidney Disease in Dogs: Causes, Signs & Treatments
Discover the causes, signs, and treatments of kidney disease in dogs and find methods of supporting your dog's kidney health. Learn more at Hill's Pet UK.
Excessive Dog Itching: Potential Causes
Understand the potential causes of excessive dog itching and how to address them. Seek relief for your dog with expert advice from Hill's Pet UK.
Vet's Advice About A Dog Diet
Just like every other pet owner, vets are responsible for giving their pets the best possible nutrition, exercise and care needed to keep them healthy and happy.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.