Pandering to his every need is not a good thing
As your puppy grows, so will his need to assert himself. Puppies often choose mealtimes as a battle ground. But giving in to him is a mistake. You need to make sure he knows that you won't respond to his every demand. You'll also need to get him to accept you and the rest of the family getting on with life around him. 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.
Less is more
Put a small amount of food in your puppy's bowl and move away. When he finishes it, return to the bowl and put in a little more. This will help him to eagerly anticipate your approach.
Tasty Tips
Keep him happy
You'll know he's happy when his tail starts wagging as you get nearer, but now you'll need to get him used to you approaching while he is eating.
All together now
Now you're ready to put his whole meal down all at once. Stand, or sit near him and add a special treat to his bowl as he eats. Speak to him softly and stroke him as you drop the reward into his 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 him, particularly small children, can be unpredictable. But he needs to accept that this behaviour is not threatening. You can help him do this by imitating a child's behaviour: try stepping quickly towards his bowl - then drop in a treat. Gently bump into him, while he's eating, or roll toys nearby - anything to cause a distraction, but drop a treat in the bowl to reward him 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. Click here for more information on Training
Related products
Perfect Digestion Large Breed Puppy Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with Hill's ActivBiome+ prebiotic blend actively contributes to supporting digestive health and overall well-being to help your pet feel their best
Perfect Digestion Small & Mini Adult Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Perfect Digestion Small & Mini Breed Adult Dog Food with Chicken & Brown Rice supports ultimate digestive well-being & a healthy microbiome.
Small & Mini Mature Adult 7+ Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Small & Mini Breed Mature Adult Dog Food with Chicken is a complete pet food, specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology.
Tailored nutrition to support graceful ageing in small dogs. Specially made with a synergistic blend of nutrients for energy & vigor.
Large Breed Adult Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Large Breed Adult Dog Food with Lamb & Rice is a complete pet food, specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology.
This food is specifically designed to fuel the energy needs of large breed dogs during the prime of their life.
Related articles
Dog Bitten by a Snake? Clinical Symptoms & What You Should Do
Learn about snake bites on dogs, including clinical symptoms to look for, what to do if you think your dog was bitten, and treatment & prevention options.
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 South Africa.
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.
The Science Behind Your Dog and His Behaviour
Discover how the field of dog science is giving us more and more insights into the inner workings of our furry best friends.
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 flavorful, 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 flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.