Dog food aggression is one of those dog behavior problems that is difficult for us humans to fully understand. It just doesn't seem to make sense that your dog would consider you a threat to his/her food resource. I mean you gave him the food in the first place, and if you feed your dog's the same kinds of foods that I do, it's not all that appealing anyway!

But, what is your dog thinking?

If your dog glares at you, snarls, growls and positions himself between you and the food he is actually saying to you "this is mine, go away, find your own". He is basically telling you that he considers himself as the leader or alpha dog in your household. Dog food aggression (sometimes called canine possession aggression) is a dominance issue, it is serious and needs to be addressed immediately, it won't just go away.

We've all made the mistake of laughing and even encouraging our feisty little dogs when they first display the "cute" signs of dog food aggression. Don't fall into this trap! Food or toy aggression in dogs should never be tolerated as you never know when it can escalate into something more dangerous for you or a family member.

Why Does Your Dog Display Dog Food Aggression?

Canine possession aggression can be triggered by any number of factors but in most cases it can be attributed to one of these common causes:

Your dog is desperate for this food, in his mind he doesn't know if or when he will get more food. Therefore he protects or guards his food, just like he would have done in a pack situation in the wild.

Your dog may begin to see you as someone who is always taking good stuff away. He comes to view you more as a threat than a provider (you've got to turn this thinking around).

Dog food aggression can be part of the general confusion regarding who the leader is in your owner - dog relationship. Often it is not an isolated incident, it's something you need to rectify.

It's possible that your dog doesn't even understand that his dog food aggression is unacceptable behavior. In such cases there is an obvious communication breakdown between human and dog.

General Rules For Correcting Food Aggression In Dogs

If your dog is directing his aggression towards other dogs the best solution is to simply separate them at meal times. Feed them in different rooms or in their crates.

Involve all of your family members in this dog food aggression training.

Take control of feeding time. You control the time and place of dinner time - own the food!

Make your dog earn any food. Just simple tasks like sit or a down stay is fine.

Make it clear to your young puppies that it's good to have people around when they are eating. If you do this from day one you will almost certainly prevent dog food aggression problems.

If you encounter dog food aggression it is a good idea to feed your dog after you and your family eat. This again is a throwback to your dogs pack mentality where the alpha dog or leader of the pack (which is you) eats first - your dog will understand this technique.

Don't let your dog "win" the food through his growling, this would reward the very behavior you are trying to eradicate. Don't bully or intimidate your dog though, it's much better to make him actually like having you around at meal time (follow the tips below to achieve this).

Never respond to canine possession aggression with aggression of your own. In essence what this does is to lock you and your dog into a battle of wills. Your dogs next move will most likely be to step up his level of aggression to counter your action.

Dog Food Aggression Training Techniques

Firstly, be careful. If you believe your dog poses any real physical threat to you or family members I'd advise getting professional help. Speak to a professional dog trainer or animal behaviorist.

Below is a list of training techniques which could help your dog overcome his dog food aggression. Remember all of these techniques are designed to work towards reconditioning your dog to enjoy having you around anytime. Mix it up, show your dog who is boss.

Hand feed your dogs, even stick your hands into your dogs bowl while he is eating.

Stroke and pet your dog while he is eating and at the same time talk to him in a calming tone. All you are doing at this point is showing your dog that it is a good thing for you to be around.

Stand at a distance your dog is comfortable with, then gradually reduce this distance over time. You can flick a few treats in (or near) the bowl as you slowly reduce the distance.

Put your dogs bowl down with nothing in it, your dog will look back at you as though you are crazy. He'll then literally beg you to come over and fill his bowl.

Feed your dog as normal but hold back a few pieces of his meal. When he is finished licking the bowl, he'll look back up at you, then you can come over and give him the remaining food.

Drop a few of your dogs very favorite treats into his bowl each time you walk past it. After a while of this your dog will welcome the sight of you approaching the bowl.

When your dog is eating, call him over to you, when he gets to you reward him, make it worth his while then let him back to the food bowl.

While you are preparing your dogs meal put him in a down-stay or sit position, only release him from your command once you have put his bowl down. By doing this you are controlling meal time and establishing (or re-establishing) your role as your dogs leader.

Work with another family member on this technique. Put your dog in his collar and leash and have him sit with your helper while you prepare the food. When you are ready release your dog and allow him his food. Again you are controlling the situation.

Try the "Trade Up Method". What you do is take away the food or toy your dog is guarding, and replace it with something better. You can use an obedience command such as "give" or "leave it" to encourage your dog to release the precious resource he is guarding. You then take this resource (the food or toy) and give the trade up item to your dog. Once your dog has finished with the new item, you can then give back the resource you took away. This technique proves to your dog that he will receive something great for giving something up, it will recondition his thinking.

Every time you are with your dog have him in a pinch or prong collar with a leash attached. Whenever he displays any signs of dog food aggression you immediately administer a correction to your dog by snapping on the leash. What this does to your dog is build a negative association to the act of his food guarding antics.

Chris Smith is a dedicated dog owner and creator of http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com

Discover how to train your dog the right way yourself at home - try these latest cutting edge dog training techniques.

Whether you have a small terrier or a bigger retriever for a pet, giving your canine pets some treats from time to time will make them happier and healthier in the long run. Among the best treats you can give your canine pets are dog toys. These toys may be made from rubber, plush materials, rawhide, or from artificial bone. Some of these toys may come with squeakers or noisemakers, giving your dog greater delight and enjoyment during playtime.

Reviewing pet toys in the market

There are toys available for a range of pets, so it is important for you to know which toys are ideal for your dogs. There are pet toys designed for cats, dogs, parrots, hamsters, and even exotic pets such as hedgehogs. Toys keep your pets entertained and are also ideal for dogs that love to chew. Before setting out to buy toys for your canine pets, it will help a lot to know beforehand which materials are safest and which toys are suitable for the specific breed that you have.

Which toys should you buy for your dogs?

Dog toys are made from a selection of materials, including rubber, plush, plastic, and rawhide. Since most dogs love to chew and bite into their toys, you have to make sure that they are durable enough. There are also toys ideal for playtime, such as Frisbees and tennis toys. These toys often come in an array of sizes so choosing the right size for a particular dog breed is very important. Also, many of the toys ideal for puppies may not work well with bigger dogs, and vice-versa. Dogs may have special needs as well during specific stages in their lives. Teething dogs may do best with artificial bones, for example.

The safety factor

When buying pet toys, you also have to make safety considerations. Some toys may be made from hazardous materials and could pose potential health risks to your pets if left unchecked for a long time. As your pet grows in size and begins to mature, make sure that you also monitor their toys. A small toy perfect for a puppy can easily choke a bigger dog. The toys should also be chosen depending on the jaw strength of your dog. There are small breed dogs that have powerful jaw strength and are therefore fine with toys suitable for bigger breeds.

One of the things that you also have to look out for is whether the toys come with removable or moving parts. Some toys may have moving parts as part of their attraction, but they can be potentially hazardous to your pets. These removable parts may be swallowed by your pet and may also cause choking accidents. With the many variations in toy designs, materials, and sizes for your pet, it is important to spend some time looking into the actual needs of your pet first before making any purchase. This will help you find safe, enjoyable, and budget-friendly toys your pets will surely enjoy.

Jeffry Johnston is a freelance writer who has been involved in the dog show circuit for more than 15 years. Johnston began keeping animals and has a deep love for dogs especially. To learn more about pet toys and dog toys, please visit PetStore.com today.

A small dog breed that was developed during the 17th century in Germany has captured the attention of dog lovers because of its monkey-like expression. The little dog was popularly known as Monkey Dog. Diablotin Moustachu, meaning mustached little devil was given to the dog by French breed enthusiasts. Affenpinschers were bred mainly to keep rats and other rodents from homes and barns. During the early years of the breed's existence, these dogs are commonly seen in barns, in stables, granaries and in kitchens keeping these places free of rodents.

A high level of intelligence, an affectionate nature and the renowned clownish personality are the admirable qualities of an Affenpinscher. The Affenpinscher is certainly the correct choice for a dog owner wanting a pet that has the ability to amuse the family with its comic antics.

The dog is a showoff and would take every opportunity to catch anyone's attention. Therefore it is not surprising for this barn occupant to gain access not only to the homes but also to the laps of its adoring owners. However, this dogs has a cunning personality. The dog would know how and when to appeal to the owner' weakness. The dog is so small but it knows how to use it wiles to make the whole family give in to its demands. An Affenpinscher certainly makes a wonderful and ideal family companion but owners have to be aware of the dog's domineering personality.

It would never be wise to spoil this pet as the dog can become a small tyrant. This spoiled pet can sulk all day if things would not go according to its wishes. This dog will not put up with any kind of teasing especially from unfamiliar faces. Loving care but consistent firm training would have positive results and turn this mustached little devil into spunky but lovable toy-like pet that will consistently bring joy to the family.

An Affenpinscher is recognized as one of toy breeds. The size makes this dog an ideal choice for an apartment dweller. However, unlike other toy breeds, the dog has a rather high exercise requirement. This breed must be allowed to exercise daily. Bear in mind, in spite of the size, the dog is very active. Apart from the cuddly size, an Affenpinscher forms a strong bond with its human family so that family members may take turns in cuddling the dog. An Affenpinscher not given the chance to let off steam will turn into a destructive dog. Well trained and well cared for, the Affenpinscher will be an ideal home companion

Want to find out more about Affenpinschers - The Monkey Dog. Learn about the appearance, personality, care, history and origin of this breed at Sarah's Dogs.

A lot of dogs suffer from arthritis, and thus have trouble moving around easily. It can begin early in their lives, though it typically emerges during their senior years. The disease grows progressively worse as they continue to use the affected limbs. Eventually, it impairs their movement to the point where it impacts their quality of life.

In some cases, the pain of moving around is very mild; symptoms may be negligible to a canine's owner. In other cases, when the disease has reached an advanced stage, symptoms are obvious. They include a discernible limp, an unwillingness to climb stairs, and stiffness after resting.

Many veterinarians prescribe medications to ease arthritic dogs' discomfort. While such medications are often useful, the following suggestions focus on providing an environment that slows the deterioration of your canine's cartilage.

Invest In A Dog Ramp

Owners are accustomed to their pets jumping up to reach higher surfaces (e.g. bed, couch, getting into a vehicle, etc.). This can be difficult for an arthritic dog. The impact on his joints is likely to be painful, and will wear away the remaining cartilage more quickly than necessary.

Buy your pet a ramp that gives him a slope to climb and descend. That way, he can access higher surfaces without the pain of jumping.

Provide A Warm Sleeping Area

Warmth helps to reduce inflammation that is characteristic of arthritis. This is true for people and their pets. For this reason, give your dog a warm place to sleep and rest. If the weather is cold, close the windows of your home, and raise the temperature a few degrees. He'll feel more comfortable, and find it easier to move around your house.

Help Your Canine Lose Excess Weight

Weight control is critical since extra pounds place excess pressure on your pet's joints. In fact, many veterinarians recommend helping your arthritic dog lose weight before tackling anything else. Consider it a priority.

The challenge with helping canines with arthritis lose weight is that many are unable to move well. This means a rigorous exercise routine is not an option. That said, you can modify your dog's diet to reduce the number of calories he consumes. Even if he's unable to participate in strenuous exercise, he'll still shed a few pounds.

Provide Low-Impact Exercise Each Day

Intuitively, you might think exercise will erode your canine's cartilage. In reality, low-impact exercise will help him build muscle while providing his joints with valuable motion. Plus, if he's burdened with a few extra pounds, the activity will help him lose weight.

Walking is excellent for sore joints. So, too, is swimming, and even light jogging. Avoid activities that place too much stress on your dog's limbs.

Create A Relaxing Environment

As your canine grows older, he'll become less inclined to be around constant activity. If he has a crate, you'll notice him retreating to rest. A senior dog with arthritis will be even less tolerant, partly because he won't have the ability to easily get up and retreat elsewhere.

If there are children in your home, ask them to give your canine sufficient space to rest in relative peace. If you're entertaining guests, allow your pet to spend the time away from the party. While providing a relaxing environment won't directly address his arthritis, doing so will lower his stress level, and make his home more comfortable.

As mentioned earlier, your canine's arthritis can be treated with medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. Deramaxx, Meloxicam, etc.), corticosteroids, and aspirin. Many veterinarians will also recommend vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, and other supplements. While these can prove helpful for relieving your dog's discomfort, they will not directly address the deterioration of his cartilage. For that, implement the tips provided above.

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Many owners grow frustrated with their canine's inappropriate elimination. This defines a habit in which a dog will eliminate (i.e. urinate or defecate) inside the home. Assuming he is older than eight weeks and has been house-trained, this behavior is unacceptable. The challenge is curbing it.

In order to discourage your dog's habit of soiling your home, it's important to understand why he's doing it in the first place. There are several possible reasons, including a host of medical conditions, marking behavior, separation anxiety, and showing submission. We'll explore each of these factors in more detail below. We'll clarify the reasons your canine may be eliminating inappropriately, and offer a few tips to help you curb the behavior.

Health Conditions

Dogs often suffer health problems without their owners realizing it. Some of these problems are direct contributors to house soiling. For example, your pooch may have a bladder infection or gallstones. Both can increase urination. Or, he may have Cushing's disease, a disorder that commonly affects older canines and leads to urinary accidents.

Another common condition in senior dogs is cognitive dysfunction. This is an aging disorder that is accompanied by mental deterioration, increased thirst, and inappropriate urination. Diabetes, issues with the pancreas, and gastrointestinal problems can also play a role.

Make an appointment with the veterinarian to conduct a physical examination for your pooch. If a health issue is causing a urination or defecation problem, it should be identified and addressed as quickly as possible.

Marking Territory

Many animals mark their territory by urination. Leaving a trace of their urine behind is a way to tell others that an area belongs to the animal marking it. Both males and females do it, and learn to do so at an early age.

If you have not yet neutered your male dog, he will be much more likely to exhibit marking behavior in your home. The same is true for an unspayed female. Neutering and spaying often resolves the issue. If your canine continues to mark inside your home, clean the area thoroughly and use a product to eliminate the odor. You may need to cordon off the marking site and confine him to certain areas of your home if he persists.

Separation Anxiety

Sometimes, dogs eliminate inappropriately when their owners are away from home for long periods. As long as their owner remains nearby, the problem is nonexistent. If this describes your canine's behavior, the issue is likely due to his suffering a degree of separation anxiety.

Does he follow you around the house? Does he appear anxious when you grab your car keys or open the garage door? Does he bark relentlessly when you leave, and greet you excitedly when you return? These are signs that separation anxiety is triggering an elimination problem. The solution involves counterconditioning and desensitization training.

Showing Submission

This problem is more prevalent with young dogs and usually dissipates with obedience training. A young canine may use urination as a way to let others know that he will be submissive to them. Sometime, this is done to show deference to a dominant animal. Other times, the behavior is less discriminatory, which can be particularly frustrating for the dog's owner.

An effective strategy for breaking the habit is to instill a sense of confidence in your canine. This can be accomplished, in part, by avoiding confrontational training methods, playing retrieval games (e.g. fetch), and exposing him to a variety of environments. Dog treats are a valuable training tool for encouraging confidence and discouraging undesirable urination.

Regardless of the reason for your dog's inappropriate elimination, realize that he will have accidents, even as you're trying to curb the behavior. Avoid becoming frustrated since doing so will likely worsen the problem. This is especially true in the case of submissive urination. As with all canine behavioral issues, modification and shaping take time. The payoff is worthwhile.

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If you're thinking about bringing a new canine home for your family, consider adopting one from a shelter. You'll find shelters are filled with dogs that would make ideal companions if given the chance. Some are there because they became lost and were unable to find their way home. Others are there because their previous owners were unable to continue caring for them (e.g. they moved into an apartment with a "no pet" policy). A reputable shelter will take the time to make sure a pet in their care is a good match for you and your family.

This article will provide five important tips for adopting a shelter dog. The following suggestions will help ensure you bring home a healthy, happy, and affectionate canine.

1 - Identify Your Ideal Match

Some breeds are more active than others. Some are perfectly content to sit on the couch all day while others need plenty of exercise. Think about your lifestyle. If you enjoy hiking, jogging, or bicycling, an active breed, such as an American Foxhound, might be more appropriate than a Basset Hound. Also, think about your living space. If you live in a small apartment, a Chihuahua may be more suitable than a German Shepherd. Adopt a pet that accommodates your life.

2 - Get Up Close And Personal

The only way to know whether a given canine will make a good companion is to visit his kennel up close. Take the time to walk through the entire facility and visit as many dogs as possible. Signs of friendliness are easy to spot; you'll notice a wagging tail, an eager approach, and an excited playfulness. In contrast, if a shelter animal remains in the back of his kennel, and refuses to approach you, that may be a sign of things to come.

Keep in mind, however, that some dogs remain standoffish because they are unfriendly while others are merely shy. The latter can make wonderful companions once they get to know you.

3 - Ask Questions Of The Staff

There's a good chance the shelter's staff will have spent significant time with each animal in their care. They'll know which dogs have quirky personalities, special medical needs, and a spotty history. Speak with the employees (or volunteers) and ask questions regarding the canines that interest you.

Ask about the results of a temperament evaluation (if one was conducted when the dog was admitted). Ask about behavioral tendencies that emerged while in the shelter. Ask whether the canine is friendly, reserved, withdrawn, or playful. It is in the best interests of the shelter to make sure you adopt the right pet. Hence, they'll be happy to answer your questions.

4 - Get To Know The Frontrunners

It's one thing to look through the front of a kennel and be immediately drawn to a canine. It is another thing entirely to interact with him. The animal shelter should provide you with the chance to spend time with the dogs you're seriously considering adopting. Some facilities will let you take the canines for a walk. Others will encourage you to spend time playing with them to see whether you enjoy the interaction. Take advantage of the opportunity. It's the best way to determine whether a given canine's temperament is a good fit.

5 - Avoid Rushing Your Decision

Most shelters are willing to hold a dog for you for twenty-four hours. This is a good chance to leave the facility and consider whether a specific canine will fit your lifestyle. Moreover, you'll be able to do so more objectively without his longing eyes staring expectantly at you. Come back the following day and make your decision. There's no need to rush.

Adopting a shelter dog is a great way to find a lifelong companion. Use a methodical approach and ask plenty of questions to ensure you bring home a canine that adds to your life.

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Educating yourself about dog training should be the first step one takes prior to actually training your dog. Certainly there are plenty of sources one can access, but sometimes it just results in information overload.

Canine training is not really all that hard. One thing to remember is that most dogs simply want to make their owner happy. The problem is communication. Of course there is a language barrier, and owners need to get your pet to understand what you want.

Canine training can be summed up with just a few tips. Lets take a look at some of the methods that I have used in order to train my dog, making both he and I happier.

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Try to avoid the negatives that often come with training. Hitting or striking your dog, either by hand or with an object will only teach the dog to fear you. A stern verbal NO, is OK, but don't go any further than that, or you risk alienating the animal. Focusing on praise and rewards when your dog behaves as he should is the better way to go.

Praising your dog of course reinforces the correct behaviour. Loving or petting your dog for acting positive behaviours is of course nice, but experience has shown better results happen when food treats are distributed at the time the behaviours observed. When you really think about it, food motivates almost every animal, so to it works with our four legged friends.

Body movement can also influence your pet's behaviour. Many canines can actually can actually sense and read your body language before any verbal communication is given. A technique that works well in doing this is to match a verbal command with a particular movement of either the hand, arm, or even leg.

Refusing to give up is the final key to successful dog training. Sure at times it is frustrating. It would certainly be easier to give up, go sit on the couch and watch your DirecTV, but you need to be consistent in your training. Your dog is not going to train himself, and training usually takes longer than you would like. It is so important to keep this in mind when things are tough with your dog. Things will not always fall into place, so do not give up at the first sign of trouble.

Training your four legged companion can be both a difficult and rewarding experience. Keeping these brief tips in mind will help you keep on track in your natural dog training efforts.

You may or may not be aware, but in February 2007, there was a dog food recall that included many of the top brands of dog food. These foods had been laced with melamine, an industrial chemical used to make low-quality wheat gluten and rice concentrate appear more nutritious. More than 5,300 pet food products were taken off the shelves after pets began dying all over the country.

Aside from melamine, there are other ingredients still included in dog food that aren’t particularly healthful, aside from providing the bare minimum to keep your dog functioning. Some of these ingredients include “mystery meat” (unidentified source of meat), Propylene Glycol, Gluten, and BHA/BHT. For a complete list of these unhealthy ingredients, visit Dog Food for Life. If you want to be 100% positive that you are feeding your dog the most wholesome dog food, you can always make it yourself! Don’t freak out—this isn’t as tough as it sounds. Dogs require natural ingredients, mainly meat because they have need of larger amounts of protein. We’re going to list a few easy but completely nutritious recipes that are a cinch to follow. If you find you have a knack for making your own dog food, have a look at the Dog Food for Life eBook, which contains a great deal of excellent recipes for meals, treats, and desserts for your dog.

The first set of recipes provide nutritionally balanced meals that your dog is sure to enjoy!

Meat and Potato Meal
12 ½ cups of potatoes, chunked
3 pounds beef heart, cut into chunks
¼ cup vegetable oil
1 cup zucchini, squash, carrots or peas
6 tablespoons dog powder
4 teaspoons bone meal (Check the label, it should have 1300-1500 mg of calcium per tablespoon. If it doesn't, adjust the amount you use accordingly.)

In a large pot, boil the potatoes until they become soft. If you choose to cook the meat, pour out half the water and add the beef heart chunks. Then simmer until they are no longer pink. Add the remaining ingredients. If you are feeding raw, pour off all of the water after you cook the potatoes, and just add the beef heart with the remaining ingredients.

Servings: Toy dogs: 1-2 cups, Small dogs: 3-4 cups, Medium dogs: 6-7 cups, Large dogs: 8-9 cups per day, Giant dogs: 9 cups per day

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Beefy Rice
2 ½ cups brown rice
3 pounds ground chuck (80% lean)
¼ cup dog oil supplement
1 cup zucchini, peas, pumpkin or wheatgrass sprouts (switch them out from time to time)
6 tablespoons dog powder
4 teaspoons bone meal (Check the label; it should have 1300-1500 mg of calcium per tablespoon. If it doesn't, adjust the amount you use accordingly.)

Heat 5 cups of water in a large pot until it comes to a boil. Add the rice, turn the pot down to a simmer, and cover it. If you choose to cook the meat, add it now and cook it with the rice. Once the rice is cooked, add the remaining ingredients. If you are feeding raw, you'll add your meat at this time as well.

Servings: Toy dogs: 1-2 cups, Small dogs: 3-4 cups, Medium dogs: 6-7 cups, Large dogs: 8-9 cups per day, Giant dogs: 9 cups per day

The next couple of recipes make great treats for your dog!

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Barking Barley Brownies

1 ¼ pounds beef liver or chicken liver
2 cups wheat germ
2 tablespoons whole wheat flour
1 cup cooked barley
2 whole eggs
3 tablespoons peanut butter
1 clove garlic
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt – optional

Pre heat oven to 350. Liquefy liver and garlic clove in a blender; when it’s smooth, add eggs and peanut butter. Blend till smooth. In separate mixing bowl, combine wheat germ, whole wheat flour, and cooked barley. Add processed liver mixture, olive oil and salt. Mix well.

Spread mixture in a greased 9x9 baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes or until done. When cool, cut into pieces that accommodate your dog’s size. Store in refrigerator. or freezer.

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Yogurt Pups
16 ounces plain non-fat yogurt
¾ cup water
1 tablespoon chicken bouillon granules
Dissolve bouillon in water, Combine water and yogurt in blender and blend thoroughly, Pour into small containers for freezing, cover and freeze.