Can the owner take away the dog’s food?

Should the owner take away the dog’s food sometimes?

Can you let the dog defend its food even against you?

What is the right way to handle situations like this?

Ancient roots in modern dogs

The wolf is the ancestor of every dogs alive today. Some breeds, like Kangals, still carry the wolf’s instincts strongly. Others, like French Bulldogs or Chihuahuas, are more distant but the memory remains. Ancient instincts are strong and the hunger is one of the strongest in the wilds. Eat or be eaten! A wolf pack has to hunt to eat and always the best and strongest hunters eat first, puppies and omega wolves eat last. Sometimes the Alpha let others eat first but will maintain the order strictly.

Why is it important to follow the ancient instincts?

Our dogs are descendants of wolves and even the farthest relative remembers „somehow” the law of the pack. You, the owner is the Alpha male in the pack! There is no exception, this is the rule of the Wild. All of your dogs have to acknowledge you as a leader so when you give them the food act like that.

Can the owner take away the dog’s food?

No! You HAVE TO take away your dog’s food sometimes. Start with the puppy and keep this habit always. Show the dog that you have the right to take it away and you also have the power to give it back to the dog. It is a sign and the dog will understand it.

Should the owner take away the dog’s food sometimes?

Yes, do it as a training task regularly. Use simple orders like „Sit down” and give the food as a reward for doing the task. It will strengthen the ties in the pack and practicing the order at the same time.

Can you let the dog defend its food even against you?

NO! In a normal human owner – dog relationship the dog has to obey your orders! It is not forcing the dog to do something, it is maintaining a healthy bond in your pack. When a dog defends its food it means you are not the leader of the pack and in this case you have to fight for the food. A dog doesn’t care about your age, gender, or status in human terms, the dog needs the bond in the pack. You have to earn your position with your behaviour and avoid situations where you should fight for the leader position. You can win against a dachshund but you stand no chance against a german shepperd or a kangal.

What is the right way to handle situations like this?

Do not attack or hit the dog when it is growling at you. Slowly move backwards, do not look into its eyes. Do not shout instead talk calmly and silently, call its name. Let him finish the food and prepare for the next feeding time. Start or refresh obedience practices, do different tasks and give the dog orders. Do not take revenge on the dog but make the feeling strong that you give orders and it has to act. Next time you give orders first and after the food. Offer the food, give the order of „Sit down” and put down the bowl. Then take it away, step back and call the dog closer, repeat it. After these steps let the dog eat and finish the meal.

Be the leader, not just act

A dog is not just a pet.

A dog is not a friend, a dog is a companion who wants to be your buddy, your friend, your kid and your best comrade.

Dogs can fulfill all of these roles. They love us without any conditions and will follow us through whatever is ahead.

They need a leader, they want you to be the Alpha.

Here’s a real-life moment with Demir, my giant male Kangal. In this short video, I show exactly what I wrote about: taking away his food—and giving it back—with trust, calm, and leadership.

Be that Alpha.

Calm.

Fair.

Confident.

A leader.